What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate II, Community Engagement - Temporary - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance position at San Diego Zoo?
Job Description
Posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 4:59 AM
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
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 in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health Department at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) seeks a part-time, 13 Month Temporary Research Associate II to join the Native Biodiversity Corps (NBC) team. The NBC program brings together urban high school students from diverse cultural, ethnic, and lived experience perspectives for immersion in nature-based, social learning experiences designed to enhance their inquiry and critical thinking skills. The Research Associate II will work alongside NBC students (and fellow SDZWA team members) as they design, implement, monitor, and maintain native wildlife gardens on campus and in communities in order to attract and support local wildlife, combat impacts of regional climate change, promote regional pride, and build more resilient communities. Ideal candidates will have experience engaging high school students with environmental education in formal and/or informal science education settings as well as knowledge of, and interest in, the native biodiversity and ecosystems of San Diego County.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- 1-2 years of experience with science/environmental education programming and/or community-based conservation required.
- 1-2 years of 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 of experience conducting literature reviews, designing scientific and inquiry-based studies, gathering and compiling data, required.
- 1-2 years of 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 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
- 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 Full-Time Non-Exempt 13 Month Temporary Position
- Hourly Rate: $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.
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.
15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
Salary : $31