San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
- The Research Assistant assists with some or all of the following tasks:
- the gathering and analysis of research data from the laboratory or the field; attending to the needs of animals in managed care, plants, biological samples, and/or community members.
- This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.
- Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current projects (e.g., biological samples).
- Prepare, arrange, and maintain records for sample and/or wildlife shipments.
- Collect and record data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.
- Document, file, and maintain records.
- Maintain supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions.
- Assist with repair and maintain of equipment and supplies.
- Learn and master project or program processes.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented in animal care, possess strong communication and record-keeping skills, and be proficient in using research equipment, word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
- Experience with small mammal surveys, behavioral ecology experiments—especially involving kangaroo rats or pocket mice—and general field research is preferred.
- Candidates with hands-on experience handling small mammals and familiarity with Southern California flora are highly desirable.
- This role requires extensive fieldwork in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, with overnight hotel stays for 2 to 4 consecutive nights up to 50% of the year.
- Work schedules vary and may include early mornings, overnights, and weekends, often in extreme weather conditions, with summer temperatures exceeding 100°F and colder conditions during overnight trapping.
- Successful completion of a Physical Abilities Test is required.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- Some experience and/or certification in conducting laboratory or field-based research is preferred.
- Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts preferred.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field or equivalent specialized training required.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Training in methodology and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research, animal care, diagnostics, social science, or science communication required.
- Ability to operate moderately complex computer software programs required.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing required.
- Ability to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members required.
- Ability to learn and perform data and sample gathering techniques required.
- Ability to work effectively with others in a diverse environment and with diverse populations required.
SOME OF THE PERKS 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
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
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.
- Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!
- At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences.
- Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
- 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.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.
Salary
- $23.41 - $25.89 hourly
