Research Coordinator I - Temporary - 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 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, as well as the reporting of research activities for grant, permitting and other oversight entities.
• 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/plant care, and research procedures.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Conservation Technology Lab (the CTL) seeks a part-time research coordinator to do technical project management and engineering on a collaborative project with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and other groups at UC San Diego.

This research coordinator will 1) manage part of the design and execution of a complex system that gathers, organizes, and serves data from networked instrumentation deployed to monitor landscapes 2) do engineering on varied systems connected to SDZWA's contributions to the project 3) liaise between the CTL and other internal SDZWA stakeholders who are contributing to the project 4) coordinate work on the project between multiple SDZWA entities, particularly the CTL and the Natural Lands team 5) help manage the deployment and maintenance of engineered solutions in the Biodiversity Reserve 6) facilitate communication and coordinate engineering work between SDZWA and other (external) partners on the project 7) mentor engineering student fellows whose projects also contribute to the project.

The desired candidate will have a bachelors degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field, and at least five years of engineering experience in industry, with at least three years working for an enterprise company.

Qualified candidates will be technical project managers and strong generalist engineers who can both coordinate contractor work and contribute hands-on across electrical, mechanical, firmware, and software engineering. Ideally a candidate is experienced in Python and/or C/C++, Linux system administration, managing large data sets, and working to rapidly prototype/adapt electromechanical systems for use in the lab and the field. Experience with remote sensing, mechanical design in a CAD tool like Solidworks or Fusion 360, cloud/backend architectures, architecting data management systems, and/or IoT engineering are each pluses. The candidate should be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work well with others in a diverse environment.

JOB EXPERIENCE

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

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in related field required.
• Master's Degree in biological sciences or equivalent specialized training 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: Salaried Full-Time Exempt 1 Year Temporary Position
• Salary Range: $70,304 to $71,640

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.