Research Associate II, Community Engagement - Wildlife Alliance

Research Associate II, Community Engagement - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Job Description

Posted Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Friday, June 26, 2026 at 9:59 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

• 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 full‑time, benefitted 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
• 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
• Loc…