Research Coordinator II – Seasonal – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Research Coordinator II conducts assigned research activities and oversees research operations in a specialized area of conservation science; and may provide lead guidance to assigned staff. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher in the Conservation Science Department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Carry out research collections of animals, plants, or biological samples and/or initiatives with human communities.
• Coordinate program related activities.
• Develop, update, and implement associated research plans, engagement tools, training procedures, and data analysis.
• Oversee assigned laboratory, field, diagnostic, or research collection operations, equipment, supplies, and facilities.
• Document, summarize, and analyze data.
• Interpret research findings and revises procedures necessary to achieve desired results.
• Prepare progress reports and other documentation as required for management and granting, permitting or other oversight entities.
• Oversee assigned area(s) and supervises assigned staff.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Research Coordinator II supports conservation research at the Ellen Browning Scripps Spatial Ecology Lab (Beckman Center, Escondido) through advanced drone-based data acquisition and geospatial analysis. The role requires expertise in operating UAV platforms and sensors (LiDAR, multispectral, thermal-IR, RGB), mission planning, photogrammetry, and data processing using Drone2Map, Pix4D Pro, DJI Terra, ArcGIS Pro, ENVI, as well as experience with satellite imagery acquisition and analysis. Ideal candidate will have an FAA Part 107 certification, familiarity with Southern California ecosystems, and the ability to perform fieldwork, including off-road driving.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 4 years post-graduate experience in laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care, and/or field research required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required.
• Master’s Degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field or equivalent specialized training preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
• Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment.

SOME OF THE REWARDS 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
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt 6 Month Temporary Position
• Salary Range: $77,225 to $78,760

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

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.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

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.