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 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Conservation Technology Lab (the CTL) seeks a part-time (20 hours per week) research coordinator for our part of a multi-institution NSF center (the Center) developing cutting-edge technologies to do health and population monitoring of wildlife.
This research coordinator will 1) do engineering on varied systems connected to SDZWA's contributions to the Center 2) liaise between the CTL and the Community Engagement teams 3) coordinate work between multiple SDZWA entities, particularly the CTL and Wildlife Care 4) deploy and maintain engineered solutions in the Zoo, Park, Biodiversity Reserve, and remote field locations 5) facilitate communication and coordinate engineering work between SDZWA and other (external) institutions in the Center 6) mentor engineering student fellows whose projects also contribute to the Center.
The technologies include computer vision systems used with visible light and thermal cameras, passive acoustic monitoring systems (both software and hardware, some hardware COTS), devices that can quickly detect the presence of target proteins in the air, devices that likewise measure the composition of VOCs in the air, and potentially robotic platforms to move sensors through various landscapes and habitats.
The desired candidate has a least a Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field, with a preference for candidates with a master degree in such fields. An ideal candidate has at least five years engineering experience in industry.
Qualified candidates will be strong generalist engineers, having skills across electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, and project management. Ideally a candidate has experience with Python and/or C/C++, Linux system administration, a CAD tool like Solidworks or Fusion360, managing large data sets, and working to rapidly prototype/adapt electromechanical systems for use in the lab and the field. The candidate should be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work well with others in a diverse environment.
The selected candidate will collaborate with a broad group of stakeholders within SDZWA and also with our local and global partners, in particular with our collaborators at UC Davis, Northeastern University, UCLA, the University of Michigan, UCSD, and the University of Southern California.
- JOB EXPERIENCE
- 2 years of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, or field experience required.
- EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree in biological sciences or equivalent specialized training required.
- 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:Hourly, Part-Time, Non-Exempt Position
- Hourly Rate:$32.00 - $34.44
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 tosdzwacareers@sdzwa.organd 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.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug freeworkplace.
