Research Associate II, Community Engagement - Part Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Research Associate II, Community Engagement assists and delivers aspects of assigned projects and programs in specialized areas of biological and/or social science that is focused on driving conservation action through science education and community collaborations. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher on the Community Engagement team within the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Delivers program content to target audiences (e.g., lab and field), and assists in laboratory, field and/or classroom maintenance, upkeep and supply stock
• Takes ownership of a project area, including the coordination of logistics, communication, and maintenance of resources
• Maintains up-to-date and organized records, and digitally curated resources
• Assists with program development and specific assigned tasks aimed to keep content current with the latest science and technological innovations used within the organization and field
• Assists with grant preparation and/or reporting through gathering and compiling data
• Completes professional development opportunities and/or trainings as assigned by Supervisor

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR The Community Engagement team is seeking to fill a part-time (16-20 hours/week), temporary, approximate 4-month (January 15, 2027, through approx. mid-May 2027) position in support of the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP), a graduate program affiliated with Miami University (MU) in Oxford, OH. The Research Assistant II (RAII) reports to the Associate Director of Community Engagement and is responsible for updating course materials and co-facilitating one to two AIP graduate courses per academic term alongside a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) co-facilitator and a MU instructor. Facilitation occurs through the online course platform as well as during in-person learning days held at SDZWA, nearby field locations, or virtually as needed. Ideal candidates will have direct experience with topics aligned with SDZWA's areas of expertise, including formal and informal learning, inquiry-based study design, regional wildlife and ecosystems, applied conservation field methods, and science communication and interpretation. Candidates should be comfortable using online learning platforms and applying inquiry-based teaching methods, preferably with graduate-level audiences. The position requires the ability to sometimes work remotely and to maintain flexibility with non-traditional hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, based on student availability and academic deadlines. Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Canvas is required. Graduate studies and/or advanced certification or credentialing is highly desirable

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 1-2 years experience with science/environmental education programming and/or community-based conservation required.
• 1-2 years experience teaching, facilitating and/or training as appropriate to the target audience(s) of the program required.
• Moderate understanding of inquiry-based and participatory learning theory and practice required.
• Familiarity and comfort with in-person and virtual learning and training formats, required.
• 1-2 years experience conducting literature reviews, designing scientific and inquiry-based studies, gathering and compiling data, required.
• 1-2 years experience building technical skills related to relevant applied work settings (e.g., lab, field, etc) required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree B.S. or B.A. in biological, environmental, conservation, education, social science or related field required.
• Valid CA Driver's License Upon Hire

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to work collaboratively within and across departments
• Knowledge of curriculum development and/or community-based conservation techniques/approaches
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Able to work independently and collaboratively as a team
• Awareness of one's own skills and limits and ability to seek guidance when appropriate

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Part-Time Non-Exempt 4 Month Seasonal Position
• Hourly Rate: $31.32

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.