PHENND Fellows: Phila Zoo Neighborhood Conservation Coord.

The PHENND Fellow position at the Philadelphia Zoo involves supporting local community engagement and conservation initiatives. Duties include increasing access to the Zoo, co-designing neighborhood programs, and promoting job opportunities with local partners. The role is part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program and aims to uplift socio-economically challenged neighborhoods. Benefits include health coverage, transportation, and an education award upon completion of service.
As America’s first Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo has been a pioneer in animal care and conservation for over a century. Home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals, the Zoo continues to reach new heights, offer award-winning animal exhibits, education and conservation programs, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and exceptional guest services while uniquely housed in the West Philadelphia community situated nearby Fairmount Park and many prominent local cultural institutions. For years the Zoo has organically and strategically partnered with neighborhood organizations on local conservation efforts, economic mobility efforts, shared sustainable practices and collaboratively advanced entrepreneurial projects directly on site at the Zoo. Additionally, the Zoo has positioned their Community Access Program to ease and increase access to the Zoo for its nearest neighbors. The Zoo’s immediate neighborhoods—Mantua, Belmont, Parkside and Brewerytown – are among the most challenged by socio-economic conditions. Poverty in Philadelphia remains among the highest of major U.S. cities at 26 percent—but in our surrounding communities, the poverty rate is a staggering 45%. Accessibility for our nearest neighbors is one of the Zoo’s top priorities. While the Zoo supports and funds efforts on several continents, we must also uplift and acknowledge our own backyard. Strategies to achieve this include co-designed and co-led community specific programming and conservation efforts, partnerships increasing job opportunities and entrepreneurial efforts, and additional collective impact as identified with neighborhood partners. This project is a part of the PHENND Fellows VISTA program housed at the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND). PHENND is a network of over 25 colleges and universities that strengthens service-learning, civic engagement, and community partnership in Philadelphia.

Member Duties : The VISTA in this role will support the Philadelphia Zoo’s vision to be an integral part of our local community by; 1.Continuing to find unique and productive ways to increase access to the Zoo 2.Co-designing and facilitating neighborhood programming with neighborhood partners 3. Increase awareness of job opportunities, resources and entrepreneurial business opportunities at the Zoo with neighborhood partners 4. Identify and support goals and projects neighborhood organizations seek resources for when there is mission alignment or obvious benefit to our shared neighborhoods. (ie. Conservation and/or environmental efforts) The VISTA will immediately provide support to existing programs such as the Neighborhood Membership model, West Philadelphia Zoo Scholars and Community Access Program initiatives with a goal to identify ways to sustain and expand these programs while simultaneously identifying additional ways the Zoo can achieve our vision to provide increased community support.

Program Benefits : Health Coverage* , Monthly Transportation Pass , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Education award upon successful completion of service , Relocation Allowance , Stipend , Training , Living Allowance .

Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours .

Service Areas :
Neighborhood Revitalization , Community Outreach , Entrepreneur/Business , Health , Environment , Education , Community and Economic Development .

Skills :
Communications , Environment , Team Work , Urban Planning , Education , Leadership , Community Organization , Computers/Technology , Social Services , Public Speaking , Writing/Editing , Youth Development , Business/Entrepreneur .

SUMMARY

Program Type:

AmeriCorps VISTA

Program

PHENND Fellows: Phila Zoo Neighborhood Conservation Coord.

Program Start/End Date

08/11/2025 - 08/10/2026

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education level

Some college

Age Requirement

Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations

PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia/Wilmington/Atlantic City

Accepting Applications

From 02/20/2025 To 05/31/2025

Contact

Roslynn Blount

3440 Market St

Philadelphia PA 19104

2155735062

roslynnb@phennd.org

www.phennd.org

Listing ID

125755