Assistant Trainer - Cat Ambassador Program

Our on-grounds cheetah running exhibit is one-of-a-kind in United States Zoos! We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our team as an Assistant Trainer with the Cat Ambassador Program. The position will promote the mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden through activities of the cat ambassador program, specifically the Cheetah Encounter presentation.

Duties include assisting the staff trainers with the care of the animals in the collection, to maintain optimum health and trainability; cleaning, diet preparation, feeding and general area maintenance. Candidates also participate in the Cheetah Encounter presentation, which runs five days a week, from April 1 to October 31, 2025. Duties include preparing props, releasing and catching animals and emceeing during the presentation. Candidates with strong public speaking background will be engaging the audience during the presentation, leading visitors in participatory activities. Animals in this area collection include African serval, ocelot, African cheetah, red river hog, African crested porcupine, house cats, and domestic dog.

The ideal candidate will possess and demonstrate the following attributes: strong communication (both oral and written) skills; a positive attitude in the work environment and support a strong team environment; demonstrated initiative and a strong work & conservation ethic; appropriate professional appearance, attitude and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, donors, guests and the public.

Employment Duration: This position will run from March 1 to October 31, 2025.

Requirements: A degree in a related field (zoology, biology, animal behavior and/or Moorpark College, EATM graduate or a related degree) is preferred but not required and minimum 1-year accumulative experience in animal care. Previous public speaking experience required in a presentation or outreach setting. Requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours, and the ability to travel with limited notice. Applicants must be available for 40+ hours weekly of employment the entire employment duration. Requires a valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.

Working Conditions: Employment is conditional on successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, drive a car and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment. The incumbent must use live animals in programs. Incumbent may be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 50 pounds without assistance.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with the intent of filling the position as soon as possible with the best candidate.