HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSIONThe Conservation Science Summer Fellowship is a 12-week program in which undergraduate students work directly with a mentor from the Conservation Science team on a specific laboratory, field, and/or community-based project. During that time, the Fellow gains hands-on experience while completing their project under the supervision of a mentor and then presents their research findings to SDZWA staff, donors, and collaborators at the end of their 12-week Fellowship.WHAT YOU WILL DO
Perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, educational, and/or field duties.
Collect, collate, maintain, process, and/or analyze records relevant to current project.
Prepares reports and presentations to communicate research findings.
Collect and record data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain data.
Manages project timelines and ensures research objectives are met.
Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to develop and implement conservation initiatives.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Recovery Ecology leads large-scale conservation programs that advance the recovery of endangered and threatened species locally and globally. The team applies behavioral and ecological science to address pressing conservation challenges. Their toolbox includes the development and testing of conservation breeding methods, reintroduction and translocation strategies, and long-term monitoring and adaptive management in species recovery programs. By integrating behavioral, population, and spatial ecology with other disciplines, Recovery Ecology develops evidence-based solutions that improve conservation outcomes. One Fellow will have the opportunity to work with the kangaroo rat recovery program to assist with research on the impacts of artificial night lighting on foraging behavior and habitat use. This project combines fieldwork and computer-based analyses to evaluate how lighting intensity, spectrum, and/or spatial distribution influence kangaroo rat activity patterns and habitat selection. Fieldwork will be conducted at study sites in Riverside and/or San Bernardino Counties. Findings will inform strategies to mitigate the effects of light pollution and support habitat management recommendations for at-risk kangaroo rat populations. In the long term, this research will contribute to understanding how anthropogenic disturbance shapes species persistence and behavior in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Fellowships are based at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, unless otherwise stated. Applications for the 2026 Conservation Science Summer Fellowships can be submitted until February 15, 2026. Applicants should specify which CS team’s Fellowship they are applying to. Applicants can only apply for one Fellowship to one CS team, not multiple teams. If applicants apply to multiple CS teams, the first application submitted will be the only one considered. Summer 2026 Conservation Science Summer Fellowship: • Monday, May 18, to Friday, August 7 • Monday, June 22, to Friday, September 11 Fellowship is 40 hours per week for 12 weeks. Applicant must submit Resume and Cover Letter.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Current undergraduate students must be officially associated with a college or university to be eligible for the Fellowship program. Undergraduates who are currently enrolled in college meet this criterion, as do graduating seniors who are continuing their education in the fall following graduation. Recent graduates who are not continuing their education in the fall of the same year are not eligible to apply.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Previous experience in conservation research or community engagement is preferred.
Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Strong analytical skills to conduct research and analyze data.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment and with diverse populations
Able to learn and perform data and sample gathering techniques
Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
Familiarity with conservation issues and strategies.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Location: Escondido, CA
Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Week Fellowship
Stipend Pay: $8,520
