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

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•Escondido, CA

About The Position

The Research Associate II, Community Engagement supports projects and programs in biological and/or social science, with a focus on driving conservation action through science education and community collaborations. The position is part of the Community Engagement team within the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department and reports to a Supervisor-level employee or higher. For the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP), a graduate program affiliated with Miami University, the role updates course materials and co-facilitates one to two graduate courses per academic term alongside a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance co-facilitator and a Miami University instructor. Facilitation takes place on the online course platform and during in-person learning days at SDZWA, nearby field locations, or virtually as needed. This is a part-time, temporary seasonal position of approximately four months, from January 15, 2027, through approximately mid-May 2027, scheduled for 16–20 hours per week. The role may sometimes be performed remotely and requires flexibility for non-traditional hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, based on student availability and academic deadlines. The position is located in Escondido, California, and pays $31.32 per hour.

Requirements

1–2 years of experience with science or environmental education programming and/or community-based conservation.
1–2 years of experience teaching, facilitating, and/or training appropriate to program audiences.
Moderate understanding of inquiry-based and participatory learning theory and practice.
Familiarity and comfort with in-person and virtual learning and training formats.
1–2 years of experience conducting literature reviews, designing scientific and inquiry-based studies, and gathering and compiling data.
1–2 years of experience building technical skills in relevant applied work settings, such as laboratory or field settings.
Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in biological, environmental, conservation, education, social science, or a related field.
Valid California driver’s license upon hire.
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Canvas.
Ability to work collaboratively within and across departments.
Knowledge of curriculum development and/or community-based conservation techniques or approaches.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Awareness of one’s skills and limits and ability to seek guidance when appropriate.
Ability to sometimes work remotely and maintain flexibility for mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Graduate studies and/or advanced certification or credentialing are highly desirable.
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.
Comfort using online learning platforms and applying inquiry-based teaching methods, preferably with graduate-level audiences.

Responsibilities

Deliver program content to target audiences, such as in laboratory or field settings.
Assist with laboratory, field, and/or classroom maintenance, upkeep, and supply stock.
Take ownership of a project area, including coordinating logistics, communication, and maintenance of resources.
Maintain organized, up-to-date records and digitally curated resources.
Assist with program development and assigned tasks to keep content current with scientific and technological developments.
Assist with grant preparation and/or reporting by gathering and compiling data.
Complete professional development opportunities and/or trainings assigned by the Supervisor.
Update Advanced Inquiry Program course materials.
Co-facilitate one to two AIP graduate courses per academic term with an SDZWA co-facilitator and a Miami University instructor.
Facilitate learning through the online course platform and during in-person learning days at SDZWA or nearby field locations, or virtually as needed.