Wild Encounters Lead

Wild Encounters Lead

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things: our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, and our friendly staff, but did you know that we have a strong set of core values that make us the best team around and a Top Workplace in Cincinnati? We're more than coworkers…we're family. By building Collaborative Relationships, displaying Positivity & Energy, having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership, supporting Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect, and embracing Progressive Thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that focuses on our visitors, our community & our future. This is what we believe and how we act. If this gets you fired up, we look forward to having you join the team! Working with the Wild Encounters program, you will have the opportunity to build on your experience in several different visitor engagement areas. This part-time permanent role is designed for experienced animal handlers and educators who are ready to take on additional responsibility in delivering high-quality, mission-driven guest experiences year-round. The goal of this department is to create genuine and memorable experiences for our visitors by bringing them "close enough to care" through animal stations, interactions, and chats. Primary Responsibilities:
The Wild Encounters team aims to inspire visitors with wildlife through facilitating interactive experiences throughout the zoo including, but not limited to:

• Operating giraffe feedings, goat contact yard, Roo Valley, and other habitat areas.
• Enthusiastically sharing facts and conservation messaging with visitors in inspiring, impactful, and audience-centered ways.
• Hosting engaging chats and presentations throughout the zoo, including the use of microphones to relay animal information and conservation messaging.
• Monitoring World of the Insect building and Butterfly Aviary.
• Handling ambassador animals, including reptiles and arthropods, for public programming, private events, and other appearances.
• Working collaboratively within a blended department of staff, volunteers, and ZooTeens, while modeling best practices and professionalism.
• Upholding safety measures in animal contact stations and during animal encounters, as needed.

Additional Wild Encounters Lead Responsibilities:

• Supporting consistency and excellence in guest experience, teamwork, and animal handling across the team through leadership, initiative, and accountability.
• Off-season responsibilities (January–March) include updating and refining interpretive chats, supporting animal appearances and seasonal programming, and keeping animal ambassadors “program ready” through regular animal handling.
• Off-season responsibilities may also include data collection and evaluation, as needed.
• Assisting with training support and trainee shadowing throughout the year.
• Team members are expected to fulfill the above responsibilities while consistently pursuing and providing excellent visitor experiences.

Position Details:
Pay rate: $15.75/hour

• This is a year-round, part-time permanent position with a set schedule averaging 30 hours per week.
• The zoo is open 7 days a week, shifts may include weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as needed.
• Employment is considered part time/non-benefited.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience within Wild Encounters or similar guest-facing animal or nature program required.
• Past animal handling experience is required.
• Public speaking experience required, with strong ability to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.
• Advanced interpretive skills with a focus on communication, storytelling, and conservation messaging preferred.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and model professionalism and accountability.
• Experience mentoring or supporting peers preferred.
• Have or working towards a degree in education or a life science (Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, etc.) required, or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.
• A passion for conservation, education, wildlife, and an eagerness to make a difference in our natural world is required.

The Perks:

• Pay rate is $15.75/hour, with performance based pay increases
• PTO
• Complimentary Zoo tickets & discounts
• Incentive programs & employee engagement opportunities
• Fun & engaging work environment & positive team culture
• Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment

Before applying, please note:
Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen and satisfactory background investigation.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and push or pull carts.
Employees will be exposed to outside weather conditions year round and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 50 pounds without assistance.
The ability to work a consistent schedule (including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings) is required.
To be considered, candidates must be at least 18 years of age or older.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans

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