Research Associate II, Community Engagement - Seasonal Part Time

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.

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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

• Ability to work collaboratively within and across departments
• Knowledge of…