Seasonal Employment

  • Seasonal Maintenance Specialist- Facilities

    • Duties are routinely in connection with the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and related structures at the Wilds. This position will make repairs and modifications to existing exhibits and buildings including but not limited to fences, animal areas, etc. Work will also include constructing new facilities. Click here for more information and to apply online!

  • Interpretive Guides - Visitor Operations

    • Be a Wilds ambassador who educates and entertains Wilds' visitors. Learn about wildlife and share your love for wildlife with others. Interpret the work of the Wilds and our conservation message to visitors. Guide/drive visitors through the open-range pastures and/or at the Wilds unique destinations. Positions available March - October, 2012. Apply to hr@thewilds.org

  • Visitor Operations Support Staff - Visitor Operations

    • A summer job in one of the many Wilds retail venues such as admission clerk, restaurant, gift market, and a variety of destination locations all support the Wilds. Assist visitors, handle purchase transactions, and create an attractive environment. As a visitor operations staff member and front-line worker, you make a visit to the Wilds a special time for visitors. Positions available April - October, 2012. Apply to hr@thewilds.org

  • Nomad Ridge Concierge – Park Operations

    • Be a Wilds ambassador who entertains and educates Wilds' visitors at Nomad Ridge, the Wilds luxury camping experience. Interpret the work of the Wilds and our conservation message, while taking care of guests. Positions available April – October, 2012. Apply to hr@thewilds.org

  • Park Operations Staff – Park Operations

    • A summer job in one of the many Wilds venues such as shuttle driver, parking booth attendant, grounds keeper, and house keeper all support the Wilds. Assist visitors and create an attractive environment. As a park operations staff member and front-line worker, you make a visit to the Wilds a special time for our visitors. Positions available April – October, 2012. Apply to hr@thewilds.org

  • Conservation Educator – Conservation Education

    • Facilitate day programs, overnights & residential summer camps for youths, families and adults; research and present nature appreciation and conservation-based education programs including Wilds Safari tours; assist with wildlife research and habitat restoration; guide outdoor skills development; maintain trails and education facilities; pass first aid and CPR training. Positions available March – October 2012. Apply to hr@thewilds.org

  • Lead Conservation Educator – Conservation Education

    • Assist with seasonal training and mentoring seasonal educators, facilitate day programs, overnights & residential summer camps for youths, families and adults; research and present nature appreciation and conservation-based education programs including Wilds Safari tours; assist with wildlife research and habitat restoration; guide outdoor skills development; maintain trails and education facilities; pass first aid and CPR training. Positions available March – October 2012. Apply to hr@thewilds.org

Full-time Employment

  • Vice President

    • The Wilds, a 10,000 acre conservation science center outside Zanesville, Ohio is seeking a full-time Vice President to lead the organization in its day-to-day operations and ensure fiscal sustainability while pursuing its mission of advancing conservation through science, education and personal experience. Responsibilities will include: animal management, veterinary services, restoration ecology, conservation research, education, visitor operations and facilities maintenance. Successful candidate will demonstrate strategic vision, exceptional leadership and staff development skills and the ability to passionately represent the Wilds and expand awareness and impact through positive relationships with the community, donors and colleagues. Position reports to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s COO and President/CEO and the Wilds Board.

    Key Requirements/Desired Abilities:

    • Bachelor’s degree in related field required with Master’s degree or Ph.D. in related field preferred.
    • Minimum of five years of relevant senior-level leadership experience in a conservation-related organization required.
    • Experience and interest in field research, in situ/ex situ conservation or habitat restoration preferred.
    • Knowledge/skill in fiscal management; facilities management, conservation research, animal management, fund raising and guest relations required.
    • Ability in representing the organization before a variety of external venues such as but not limited to public events; media outlets; political entities; and law enforcement required.
    • Proven success in dynamically building widespread support for a non-profit organization required.
    • Strong history successfully developing staff required.
    • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
    • Ability to travel frequently to and from the Wilds and the Zoo; occasional national and international travel required.
    • Ability to plan strategically and organize business plan in an efficient, cost-effective and collaborative manner required.
    • Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and donors required.
    • Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required within three months of placement in position.
    • Ability to successfully pass a criminal background screening and to be surety bonded upon placement into position and ability to retain bonding throughout tenure in position.

    The Wilds, as part of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium family, is a dynamic organization that offers a competitive compensation and benefits package in a collaborative environment. Deadline for application, including salary history, is Friday, February 10, 2012. To apply, click on the link below or send résumé to:

               Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
               Attn: HR Department
               PO Box 400
               Powell OH 43065

    APPLY ONLINE NOW

    EOE, Drug Free Workplace

    Application Ends: 2/11/2012

    We also encourage you to consider these other ways you can put your skills to use at the Wilds:

    Non-discrimination Policy:

    As a voluntary not-for-profit organization in the state of Ohio, the Wilds has a stated policy of non-discrimination and complies with all requirements of state and federal laws and regulations on non-discrimination and equal opportunity with respect to its clients, officers, employees, and volunteers.

    Any person affiliated with the Wilds will not be discriminated against because of his or her race, color, national origin or citizenship status, creed, religion, religious affiliation, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. These factors do not affect our decisions about any aspect of a person's employment or our decisions about applicants for employment.

    We are proud to provide an inclusive and nondiscriminatory work environment in which all partners, employees, and volunteers are valued and empowered to succeed.