Canyon And Dune Resilience Research Assistant

Canyon And Dune Resilience Research Assistant

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, leveraging science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

The Nat has an opening for a part-time, temporary Canyon and Dune Resilience Research Assistant.

The research assistants will contribute to the initiative, Growing Scientific and Planning Capacity for Dune and Canyon Resilience in San Diego County, which is focused on equity-first restoration planning for 20 sites across the region. The assistants will work on-site, in the field, and at community events, helping to facilitate relationships and knowledge exchanges between technical stakeholders and community members. Research assistants will support the collection and analysis of surveys, interviews, and geospatial datasets.

Additionally, research assistants will lead the management of the workforce development fellowship associated with the project.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting outreach and community engagement in canyon-adjacent neighborhoods
• Recruiting and interviewing community members to guide implementation of project workplan
• Providing input to inform the development of trainings and plans
• Tracking project data and analyzing results to inform adaptive management practices
• Attending occasional meetings, site visits, and trainings with partners and stakeholders
• Sharing and distributing project materials
• Leading community-based survey distribution initiatives and reporting on findings
• Managing fellowship schedule and communications
• Developing curriculum and learning outcomes of fellowship

Qualifications:

• Be punctual and have access to reliable transportation
• Have access to internet and a computer to carry out remote work duties
• Ability to demonstrate strong teamwork skills (i.e., effectively communicating with coworkers, respecting the physical abilities and contributions of others, showing sensitivity to cultural differences, and maintaining a positive attitude)
• Ability to conduct physically rigorous field work in unpredictable weather conditions including standing/hiking for multiple hours at a time, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and hiking in steep, slippery or uneven terrain
• Basic understanding of hydration and ability to learn and follow all tool safety protocols
• Genuine interest in learning about environmental planning and habitat restoration and building identification skills for local bird species, and native and non-native plants in the San Diego region
• Familiarity with social-ecological nuances of San Diego's canyon and dune ecosystems
• Preexisting relationships and connections with communities surrounding project sites
• Experience managing small groups of individuals with varying opinions, lived experiences, and needs

Time Commitment:

• Term: This is a part-time, temporary position, with an end date of June 30, 2027
• Ideal start date: As soon as possible
• Some weekends and evenings (with prior notice).

Location:

On-Site and Remote, with days in the field and at community events.

Pay: $21/hour.

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park's museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Ready to apply? Please submit a CV or resume with three references and a Cover Letter. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

Final date to receive applications is September 10th, 2026.