Park Services Morning Crew (Full Time) - Waste Removal and Projects Lead
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati, OH, USA
4/19/2026
Full Time
Park Services Morning Crew (Full Time) - Waste Removal and Projects Lead
Department: Visitor Experience
Job Title/Classification: Park Services Morning Crew – FT Waste Removal and Projects Lead
Reports to: Park Services Leadership Team
Position Summary: Reporting to the Park Services Leadership Team, and under limited supervision, leads and works as part of a small team in the day-to-day operations of the Morning Crew. This team carries out essential cleanliness projects, waste management functions, and assists as needed with set-up and execution of private and public events. Many of these core job functions happen in the early morning hours before the Zoo opens, to minimize impact on our visitors' experience with vehicle traffic. Performs other related duties as needed. This position is full-time, overtime-eligible, and is eligible for the Zoo's benefits programs for non-union employees.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Minimum Qualifications: Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle. Three to five years of related experience in sanitation, environmental services, and/or grounds maintenance; Prior leadership experience highly preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Proficiency in Windows-based software and applications is a plus.
The ideal candidate will possess and demonstrate the following attributes: strong organizational, interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills; be a self-starter with excellent project management skills; demonstrated initiative, appropriate professional appearance, attitude and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, and guests. Must be timely and reliable in attendance and performance; ability to work well with staff, volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the general public.
Working Conditions: Physically demanding and hazardous working conditions are inherent in this job. The incumbent will be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 75 pounds without assistance. Must be organized and able to work independently without close supervision. The ability to work a flexible schedule (including holidays, weekends and early mornings) is required (Specific shift times TBD, seasonally variable). Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen and satisfactory background investigation.
Successful candidates will embody and continuously demonstrate the Core Values of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden which include, but are not limited to: Building Collaborative Relationships through open communication and active listening; having Positivity and Energy through positive attitudes and making time to celebrate successes; having Accountability, Mutual Trust and Respect through taking ownership of issues, learning from mistakes, treating others with respect, holding self and others accountable and doing what you say you're going to do; possessing Progressive Thinking through being a self-directed learner, and learning from others, thinking creatively, challenging the status quo respectively, and demonstrating relentless pursuit for improvement; and having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership through respect and care for the living collection, going the extra mile, always being an advocate for the Zoo and demonstrating a strong personal ownership.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans
Department: Visitor Experience
Job Title/Classification: Park Services Morning Crew – FT Waste Removal and Projects Lead
Reports to: Park Services Leadership Team
Position Summary: Reporting to the Park Services Leadership Team, and under limited supervision, leads and works as part of a small team in the day-to-day operations of the Morning Crew. This team carries out essential cleanliness projects, waste management functions, and assists as needed with set-up and execution of private and public events. Many of these core job functions happen in the early morning hours before the Zoo opens, to minimize impact on our visitors' experience with vehicle traffic. Performs other related duties as needed. This position is full-time, overtime-eligible, and is eligible for the Zoo's benefits programs for non-union employees.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Participates in and oversees Morning Crew work activities including
- Collecting trash, recycling, and animal related materials from behind-the-scenes areas and disposing of each correctly to align with Zero Waste goals
- Parking lot, perimeter grounds, and behind-the-scenes cleanliness and trash collection
- Cleaning and Special Event related projects; leaf-bowing, pressure spraying, floor care, table and tent drops, etc.
- Fulfills inventory and stock requests from all Zoo departments
- Assists in the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures
- Assists in training/cross-training FT and PT staff
- Consults with Supervisors on staffing, scheduling, and attendance records of team members
- Seek opportunities for operational efficiency and increased waste reduction or diversion to align with Zero Waste goals
- Work alongside Sustainability Coordinator to organize and maintain Specialty Recycling Program
- Coordinate with the Park Services leadership to maintain inventory and purchasing needs
- Utilizes a wide variety of equipment such as trucks, carts, buffers, scrubbers, blowers, sprayers, etc. and participates in the regular inspection and maintenance of each.
- Follows all safety and security policies of The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Seeks out opportunities to build an inspired experience with our visitors wherever possible.
- Supports Management Team with other duties as assigned.
- Embodies the Zoo's Core Values in their work and their relationships at the Zoo.
- Shows an attention to detail and a willingness to help anywhere/everywhere at any time. Leads by example in everyday scenarios.
Minimum Qualifications: Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle. Three to five years of related experience in sanitation, environmental services, and/or grounds maintenance; Prior leadership experience highly preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Proficiency in Windows-based software and applications is a plus.
The ideal candidate will possess and demonstrate the following attributes: strong organizational, interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills; be a self-starter with excellent project management skills; demonstrated initiative, appropriate professional appearance, attitude and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, and guests. Must be timely and reliable in attendance and performance; ability to work well with staff, volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the general public.
Working Conditions: Physically demanding and hazardous working conditions are inherent in this job. The incumbent will be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 75 pounds without assistance. Must be organized and able to work independently without close supervision. The ability to work a flexible schedule (including holidays, weekends and early mornings) is required (Specific shift times TBD, seasonally variable). Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen and satisfactory background investigation.
Successful candidates will embody and continuously demonstrate the Core Values of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden which include, but are not limited to: Building Collaborative Relationships through open communication and active listening; having Positivity and Energy through positive attitudes and making time to celebrate successes; having Accountability, Mutual Trust and Respect through taking ownership of issues, learning from mistakes, treating others with respect, holding self and others accountable and doing what you say you're going to do; possessing Progressive Thinking through being a self-directed learner, and learning from others, thinking creatively, challenging the status quo respectively, and demonstrating relentless pursuit for improvement; and having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership through respect and care for the living collection, going the extra mile, always being an advocate for the Zoo and demonstrating a strong personal ownership.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans
PI283951112