Plant Conservation Research Associate II

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 Associate II is responsible for carrying out laboratory, animal care, field and/or training initiatives in various areas of conservation research, endangered species propagation, diagnostic activities and/or community initiatives. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Conducts a variety of assigned research, diagnostic, husbandry, and training activities
• Collects, collates, maintains, processes, and analyzes biological samples
• Reviews results and performs additional tests, adjusts protocols, or refers questionable findings for review as needed
• Collects, records, and analyzes data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems
• Assists in developing, updating, and implementing a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care/welfare, educational and/or field protocols, depending on the assignment
• Prepares, arranges, and maintains records for sample and/or wildlife shipments
• Documents, files, and maintains records
• Assures accuracy of laboratory, animal care, and field equipment are properly maintained and calibrated. Performs quality control and troubleshoots equipment problems

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Plant Conservation team is seeking an individual passionate about native plants and recognizes the importance of ex situ seed collections to provide research and restoration material to ensure plants thrive in their native habitats for the Bud Heller Conservation Fellowship presented by the Elwyn Heller Foundation of San Diego.  

The candidate will work as part of our Native Plant Gene Bank, focused on the laboratory aspects of seed banking (e.g., processing seed and viability testing). They will help develop protocols and standard operating procedures (including data collection and record keeping) for use of our x-ray machine to assess quality of seed collections.  

This is a one-year grant funded position and the candidate will need strong organizational and written communication skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to do fine-scaled and repetitive tasks. Experience with seed biology, germination data analysis, and/or digital media archiving is a plus.  

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• At least three years of experience in a laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care and/or field research experience required.

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s Degree in the biological sciences or a related field or equivalent specialized training required.
• Graduate studies and/or advanced certification or credentialing is highly desirable.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Trained in methodology and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research, animal care, diagnostics, social science or science communication.
• Proficient in data and record keeping.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a diverse environment.
• Able to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members.

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

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly, Full-Time, One-Year, Grant-Funded, Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Rate: $28.32 to $31.32

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.