Terns and Plovers Research Assistant - Seasonal - Wildlife Alliance

Terns and Plovers Research Assistant I - Seasonal - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Job Description

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.

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.

• 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.

Position forms part of a team focused on research, monitoring, and applied management to aid recovery of endangered and threatened seabirds/shorebirds. Our team works on two military bases, Naval Base Coronado and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Main goals of our work are to investigate ecological effects of changing ocean conditions and other factors on the reproductive success of California least terns and Western snowy plovers.

Duties include monitoring, surveying and tracking nesting terns and plovers, using beach nesting bird monitoring techniques, mark‑recapture and radio telemetry, as well as performing data analyses, geographic information system mapping.

• 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.

• 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

• Position Type:
  Hourly Full‑Time Non‑Exempt Seasonal Position from April 1 st through September 15 th.
• Hourly Rate: $25.89

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