Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation
Part of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing global wildlife conservation through science, collaboration, and community engagement. As part of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks, the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC) leads innovative efforts to measure and amplify the impact of conservation programs—locally and around the world.

Responsible for the implementation and evaluation of conservation programs including development of logic models and use of evaluation results.

Program Development & Evaluation

• Assist with the development and evaluation of new and existing conservation programs through front-end and formative evaluation and pilot testing.
• Evaluate ongoing work in conservation culture building to determine effectiveness of related programs and interventions.
• Ensure that all programs have clear and measurable outcomes that support the Conservation Strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of a social science research agenda for Columbus Zoo and The Wilds.

Impact Measurement & Reporting

• Work with the VP of CCWC to measure and communicate the impact of Columbus Zoo conservation activities to internal and external partners.
• Work with staff and partners to develop and maintain Miradi entries for each project.
• Provide guidance on conservation social science to departments within the Zoo and Wilds, participate in planning discussions, and help conduct projects as necessary.
• Ensure that existing and new conservation projects and grantees have social science capacity and support where needed.

Communication & Outreach

• Write brief conservation articles for general audiences within the Zoo, Wilds or for the local community.
• Share speaker duties with the VP of CCWC and Programming Manager when needed at the Zoo or Wilds, in classrooms, or in the community.
• Represent or accompany the VP of CCWC at meetings, field trips, and other activities when needed.

Partnerships & Support

• Support grant fund recipients and conservation partners through regular communication, working with the Programming Manager.
• Work with the Conservation Coordinator in planning and preparing resources for special events, meetings, presentations, and other activities related to increasing awareness of Zoo conservation activities.

Organizational Mission & Sustainability

• Constantly strive to further the mission of the organization and avidly support the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implement sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in conservation, social science, evaluation, or similar field required (experience and knowledge may be substituted for degree).
• Experience in developing and leading conservation social science projects.
• Demonstrated experience with program management software, with the expectation of independently managing Miradi within six months of placement.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Ability to evaluate conservation and education programs including qualitative coding and statistical data analysis.
• Ability to develop and conduct relevant training programs for and with conservationists.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational data-based presentations to diverse audiences of different sizes.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, guide program development, and positively influence others.
• Exceptional written and spoken communication skills, with an engaging and professional presence.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with CZFP staff, volunteers, and conservation partners.

Logistics & Flexibility

• Ability to travel (nationally and internationally) and represent the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP) at formal meetings and lectures.
• Must possess valid documentation (e.g., passport) to support international travel.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision.

Guest Service & Compliance

• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter.
• Ability to adhere to the CZFP’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually.