Researcher II, Community Engagement – 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 Researcher II develops programs for scientific research; conducts independent and collaborative research in a specialized area of biological or social sciences; and supervises assigned research/laboratory operations. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversee and conduct data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results applied to conservation programs; publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Plan, design, organize, supervise, and conduct independent and collaborative projects.
• Develop scientific research programs in a specialized field of study.
• Determine study subjects, research parameters and methodology, and cost requirements.
• Evaluate funding sources and obtains necessary funding and establish research.
• Coordinate with animal care and veterinary staff regarding sample collection, disease trends, and reproductive status; provides samples to collaborative researchers.
• Prepare progress reports and prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee assigned area(s) and supervises assigned staff.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Community Engagement team in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health Department at SDZWA seeks a Researcher II to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based behavior change initiatives that support the conservation of native habitats and species within the biodiversity hotspot of San Diego County. This position will work collaboratively with diverse communities and partners to co-develop strategies that are locally relevant, culturally responsive, and grounded in behavioral and social science. Qualified candidates must be able to: develop and lead applied research projects, design and evaluate behavior change interventions that promote human-wildlife coexistence, and communicate research findings to support adaptive management and the integration of community perspectives into conservation practice. Ph.D. preferred in a relevant discipline and experience applying behavior change science to biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or related fields.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 3 years laboratory, diagnostic, wildlife care or field expertise in a specialized field of research required.
• 3 years of experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in biological science or a related field or equivalent specialized training required.
• PhD in biological sciences or related field preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to prepare and edit papers for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Ability to prepare and review grant applications and administer grants.
• Ability to operate moderately complex computer software programs.

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 Position
• Salary Range: $99,482 to $111,917

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.