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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 have hands-on experience in several different visitor engagement areas. The goal of this unique 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 and impactful ways. Assisting with crowd management throughout the zoo, when needed. Hosting chats throughout the zoo, sometimes using microphones to relay animal information and conservation messaging. Monitoring World of the Insect building and Butterfly Aviary. Handling of ambassador animals, including reptiles, and arthropods, for public programming and private events. Working collaboratively within a blended department of staff, volunteers, ZooTeens, and Interns. Upholding safety measures in animal contact stations and during animal encounters, as needed. Team members are expected to fulfill the above responsibilities while relentlessly pursuing and providing excellent visitor experience. Position Details: Pay rate: $14/hour The start date for this position is February 26th with mandatory training occurring from February 26th through March 8th. Our animal stations officially begin March 9th and run through October 31st, with additional shifts during our Festival of Lights season in November/December 2024 and Penguin Days in January/February 2025. Shifts vary 7 days a week, with total hours varying between 25-40 hours per week, not to exceed an annual average of 30 hours per week. Hours are based on the season and zoo attendance. Some evening hours required with advance notice. Employment is considered part time/non-benefited. Qualifications: Past animal handling and/or interpretation experience is desirable. Willingness to work amongst a variety of animal taxa, including reptiles and insects, is required. Public speaking experience preferred. A desire to engage and inspire visitors of all ages is required. 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 $14/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 Personal & professional development opportunities To apply: There are 2 steps for applying to this position: All qualified applicants should attach a Cover l