RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Destination – Hawai ‘ i – Hawai ‘ i / Recovery Ecology Division – San Diego Zoo Institute For Conservation Research

Duration of your adventure – Temporary / Regular Without Benefits ( Approximately 3- 4 months )

Seats (positions) available – 3

Attire while on adventure- The Society has a very conservative grooming policy. Tattoos may not be visible or must be appropriately covered while on duty. Jewelry may be worn if it does not detract from a well-groomed look or create a safety hazard. No facial or tongue piercing.

Amenities – Located 30 miles North of the San Diego Zoo and just south of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, California, this adventure offers ZOO Perks which include discounts on food/premium products, free and discounted admission to local attractions, and accrual of vacation and sick time (exception for some grants and Summer Fellowships). The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is the largest zoo-based multi-disciplinary research effort in the world. Based at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, more than 200 dedicated scientists carry out research vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats, locally and internationally.

Requirements for this adventure include:
(Non Union Position) Wage commensurate with experience

REQUIREMENTS:
The San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research is seeking Research Assistants in support of a reintroduction project for the critically endangered ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian Crow. The goal of the project is to establish self-sustaining populations of birds in the wild using captive propagation and reintroduction techniques. The entire known ‘Alalā population is cared for by the Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers in Hawai‘i, where the species is part of an intensive conservation breeding program with a current population of over 120 birds. Regular releases of birds are being conducted into suitably restored habitat.

The Research Assistant will work as part of a team responsible for the post-release monitoring and husbandry of ‘Alalā. Primary duties include: caring for birds in pre-release aviaries, radio tracking released individuals, preparing and provisioning supplementary food, assisting in recapture and transmitter attachment, monitoring behavior and condition of birds both during captivity and following release, detailed record keeping, and other duties as assigned. Staying overnight at remote sites will likely be required. The Research Assistant will primarily be based at remote release sites, as well as at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, both near Volcano, Hawai‘i Island, under the supervision of the Research Coordinator and Postdoctoral Associate.

Representative qualifications include (but are not limited to) a Bachelor’s degree in any of the biological sciences or a related field or equivalent vocational experience in conservation; at least six months field experience working with threatened species; at least six months field experience with radio telemetry; at least six months experience working in remote backcountry situations; experience in any of the “trades” or practical skills which could be useful in a remote living situation; and 4WD driving experience. Experience reintroducing captive birds into the wild is preferred.

This position will require working with federally listed endangered species, and all applicants must meet U.S. Fish and Wildlife requirements for permits. Start dates for these positions will be approximately April to July 2017. Scheduled hours will be approximately 40 hours per week.

All newly hired animal care staff and educators with responsibility for regularly caring for collection animals are REQUIRED to complete and pass (4) on-line prerequisite classes prior to reporting to their department. Human Resources will schedule this training as part of the on-boarding program. For current employees transferring into an animal care department, these classes MUST be completed and passed prior to the transfer.

Pre-requisite courses include:
Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Bio-Security

Working Safely With Dangerous Animals

Government Regulations and Compliance (USDA/OSHA)

The Fundamentals of Animal Learning

**Passing grade for classes is 90%

One of the essential functions of this position is the ability to drive a SDZ Global vehicle. If you are offered employment in this position, you will be asked to authorize SDZ Global to access your current driving report through the DMV’s Employer Pull Notice Program. Your hiring for this position will be contingent on SDZ Global receiving an acceptable driving report from you. In addition, your continued employment in the position will depend on you maintaining an acceptable driving record. You may obtain a list of conditions that disqualify a person from driving an SDZ Global vehicle from a Human Resources Representative.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

(Post 4/3/17)

Deadline to submit application for adventure:
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

Applications must be submitted online by 9:30pm Pacific Standard Time

**San Diego Zoo Global is a smoke-free workplace**

THIS EMPLOYER

PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN

EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER

Job Requirements:
PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Research Assistant performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Global’s mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for wildlife and leading the fight against extinction. The Research Assistant assists with the gathering and analysis of research data from the laboratory or the field; and attends to the care of research collections of animals, plants, or

biological samples.This position reports to Division Manager at the San Diego Zoo Institute For Conservation Research.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, and/or field duties
• Collects, collates, maintains, processes, and analyzes biological samples
• Prepares, arranges, and maintains records for sample and/or animal shipments
• Collects and records data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems
• Documents, files, and maintains records
• Maintains supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions
• Assists with repairs and maintenance of equipment and supplies
• Learns and masters project or program processes
• Adheres to all SDZG and department policies and practices
• Practices GRREAT Customer Service Standards

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Based on the assignment, performs laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, and/or field duties
• May train and oversee volunteers under the supervision of a Research Associate or higher level staff

ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS

• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Coursework in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field or equivalent specialized training; bachelor’s degree in biological sciences is preferred; experience and/or certification in conducting laboratory or field-based research is desirable; some positions may require a valid California driver license.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research, animal care, or diagnostics

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Attend to the needs of assigned research collections
• Learn data and sample gathering techniques
• Work effectively with others in a diverse environment

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Some assignments involve working outdoors with wild animals in varying weather conditions; possible exposure to zoonotic diseases, radiation, and potentially hazardous chemicals and materials; and working with sharp instruments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Some assignments require the ability to move moderately heavy objects approximately 25-40 pounds; travel maybe required.

ALL EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON PASSING A DRUG SCREEN.

SOME EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON PASSING PRE-PLACEMENT TESTING