http://cincinnatizoo.org

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Adventure Guide

May - August 2021 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I liked how inclusive and involvement everyone was.

What I wish was different

More in depth training, especially for those who have never handled money.

Advice

You can always ask for help.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Native Plant and Horticulture Intern

May - August 2020 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I loved being able to be outside all day, getting my hands dirty, and learning many different plants. I got to work with one other intern, the supervisors were great, and there were many volunteers I got to know. I was fortunate to learn many skills like nursery production, wetland restoration, and leadership.

What I wish was different

I wish I got to learn the decision process behind restoring a wetland.

Advice

Be ready to learn everyday.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Educator

May - August 2019 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

Working with students of all ages and focusing on environmental education and conservation was incredibly rewarding. The workplace was enjoyable, there was a lot of support from coworkers, and having the opportunity to work with animals and bring them into the classroom for the kids is a very unique and exciting opportunity.

What I wish was different

I wish that the zoo overall was able to expand and provide more long term career options. After the summer programs wrapped up, the education team shrinks considerably and even most of the "year-round" positions are either part-time or seasonal and are lower-paying hourly positions. Finding a full-time career there is exceptionally difficult and makes it stressful if you don't know what you're doing after the season ends.

Advice

You will learn to be outgoing and have a big personality even if you don't start the job that way. Part of the training is to help move you out of your comfort zone, but once you start working with the kids and the other educators, you can't help but to adopt that kind of personality while you're at work.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Summer Camp Instructor

May - August 2019 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

The opportunity to work full time at the zoo over the summer, being able to work with and handle animals, and making a ton of new friends.

What I wish was different

Pay wasn't great, but that's not surprising because it is a non profit, you don't get much more than a week off.

Advice

Know your entire summer schedule for the interview- only vacations mentioned during the interview get approved.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Zoo

May 2019 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I like that everyday you get to meet new people and make the experience fun for the children and the parents.

What I wish was different

It’s a good environment, I would wish anything to be different.

Advice

Be open to meeting people from all over the world, don’t be afraid to get out there and be yourself.
Be the first to mark this as helpful

CREW intern

May - August 2019 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

The hands on research experience

What I wish was different

A higher starting pay

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Retail Sales Associate

April - August 2018 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

Lots of perks and fun coworkers

What I wish was different

Managers were not so great

Advice

Don't underestimate the importance of good management
Be the first to mark this as helpful

Plant Intern

June - August 2018 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

It was a great opportunity to learn and give back to the conservation biology community. Part of my work involved working in a UC lab, so it was nice being able to walk to work.

What I wish was different

There was no required work presentation (symposium, poster, etc.) required at the end, which would have been a nice addition to my resume.

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Also, make friends with the other interns!
Be the first to mark this as helpful