Research Coordinator I, Community Engagement - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Research Coordinator I conducts and oversees assigned research and/or training operations in a specialized area of biological and/or social science. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Carry out laboratory, diagnostic, educational, or field research projects.
• Assist in the coordination of program-related activities.
• Document, summarize, and analyze data.
• Assist with interpreting research findings and revising procedures as necessary to achieve desired results.
• Assist in the development of research plans, training procedures, and/or engagement tools.
• Assist with the care and maintenance of equipment, supplies, and facilities.
• Maintain records and inventory supplies.
• May train and instruct volunteers, students, and community members and internal and external audiences in facility operations, animal care, and research procedures.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Community Engagement team is seeking to fill a full-time, permanent Research Coordinator I (RC I) position supporting the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP), a graduate program affiliated with Miami University (MU) in Oxford, OH. The RC I reports to the Associate Director of Community Engagement and is responsible for coordinating key educational and administrative aspects of the program. Responsibilities include serving as one of SDZWA's primary points of contact with Miami University; facilitating in-person and online graduate learning across a variety of Web+ AIP courses; and managing logistics and course updates to ensure alignment with SDZWA's mission and areas of expertise. The position also supports students in developing master plans that integrate course projects and leadership challenges under themes consistent with SDZWA's mission and initiatives, the student's selected Southwest U.S. community, and MU Project Dragonfly tenets. Additional duties include leading recruitment strategies to attract competitive and mission-aligned student cohorts through content updates for web, social media, print, and email; coordinating and/or attending special events such as the annual MU Graduation Ceremony and SDZWA AIP Graduate Celebration; and supporting program monitoring, reporting, and evaluation to adaptively manage program structure and content. Ideal candidates will have direct experience with course topics related to SDZWA's expertise, experience using online learning platforms, and a strong understanding of inquiry-based teaching methods, preferably with graduate-level audiences. The position requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, in alignment with student needs and academic schedules. Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Canvas is ideal. Graduate studies and/or advanced certification or credentialing is highly desirable.

• JOB EXPERIENCE




• 2 years of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, or field experience required.

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS




• Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences or equivalent specialized training required.
• Master's Degree in biological sciences or equivalent preferred.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE




• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of grant administration.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment.
• Able to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• 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

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Full Time Salaried Exempt Position
• Salary Rate: $71,640

About The Salary Ranges
Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate's experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.