Research Associate II, Community Engagement - Seasonal Part Time - 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, temporary position to facilitate one course for the AIP program in fall 2026 called Plants & People. Ideal candidates will have experience with relevant topics related to plants and their relationship to human communities. Ideal candidates will have experience with online course platforms and hands-on teaching methods, review of written work (e.g., scientific and synthesis writing), as well as experience within the Project Dragonfly Miami University learning community, program core competencies, and understanding of graduate program structure. The ability to work remotely, work non-traditional hours (mornings, evenings, weekends) as needed in accordance with student availability and assignment deadlines, and co-lead experiential learning curriculum and activities onsite and at adjacent locations is required. Candidates must be proficient with Google Suite. This position will also be responsible for providing guidance and feedback in a timely manner throughout the semester in the MU Canvas online platform, co-leading the experiential learning component of AIP courses on SDZWA grounds, adjacent locations, and in a virtual format, when appropriate, development/updating of online and experiential learning curriculum and activities. This position reports to and works closely with the Associate Director of Community Engagement. Applicants must be available for in-person student engagement on the following dates: Saturday, September 12; Sunday, October 4; Sunday, November 8; and Monday, November 9, 2026. Master's degree in biological, environmental, conservation, education, social science or related field highly desired.

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 Temporary Position from August 10^th to December 18^th.
• 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.