Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
High School Students: Start Your Career with Us.
The EDGE Program gives high school students working seasonally at the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds the chance to gain real-world experience while building skills that matter for school, future careers, and life beyond graduation.
- Through hands-on work experience, EDGE participants build confidence in leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and responsibility while working toward the requirements of the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal.
- You’ll meet new people, learn what it’s like to be part of a professional team, and gain experience that can help your resume, college applications, and future job opportunities stand out. Plus, you’ll do it all in a place filled with wildlife, conservation, and unforgettable guest experiences.
Why does it matter?
EDGE helps you build real-world experience, strengthen your resume, and develop skills that can help with future jobs, college applications, and career opportunities.
“Summer jobs are the ticket to success,” said Melinda Huntley, Executive Director of the Ohio Travel Association. “Research has shown that those working summer jobs are more likely to graduate high school and earn more later in their careers because of the skills they gain during the working experience.”
Ready to Join EDGE?
If you’re a current seasonal employee in high school, or you’re hired for a seasonal position while still in high school, you can be part of the EDGE Program.
Getting started is easy:
- Get the Student OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal Validation Form from your school office or online through the Ohio Department of Education
- Get an EDGE Program Commitment Form from your department manager
- Turn in your signed form
- You’re officially in EDGE!
EDGE Program Requirements
To participate in the EDGE Program and fulfill program requirements, students must:
- Obtain the Student OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal Validation Form from their school office or online at education.ohio.gov
- Indicate that they are working towards their seal by speaking with their manager/ mentor and filling out the Edge Program Commitment Form.
- Work 300 hours with the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, or The Wilds over their high school academic career. This can be done over multiple seasons.
- Arrange to meet with their mentor within one week of program start date and then at least once every 100 hours until their program completion.
Participating Departments
By participating in the Columbus Zoo’s EDGE program, high school students work in a paid position toward the requirements of the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal while growing as a professional in areas such as leadership, critical thinking, discipline, teamwork, and more within the following departments:
Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay:
- Rides and Attractions
- Food and Beverage
- Lifeguards
- Retail
- Guest Relations
The Wilds:
- Food Service
- Retail
- Admission
