Research Associate | San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research

The Plant Conservation team at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation
Research seeks a Research Associate to perform assigned activities related
to habitat restoration, research on endangered species, seed collections
processing, data entry, and record keeping. Co-mentored by the Director of
Plant Conservation and Natural Lands Manager and reporting to the Director
of Plant Conservation, the Research Associate position is Full-Time,
benefited and grant funded through December 2020, with possible extension in
the event of additional funding.

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.  It is located adjacent to the  San Diego Zoo Safari
Park is located in San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. This
position offers ZOO Perks, which include discounts on food/premium products,
free and discounted admission to local attractions, and accrual of vacation
and sick time.

The ideal candidate:
•       Assists Natural Lands Manager with land management and ongoing restoration
research
•       Assists with seed processing
•       Assists with germination trials of endangered plant species
•       Updates and maintains plant records and research data
•       Assists with database management.
•       Coordinates GIS data with internal and external partners.
•       Conducts literature reviews
•       Contributes to SDZG online presence through blogs and website updates
•       Works with volunteer groups to accomplish restoration and seed bank tasks
•       Maintains supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions
•       Tracks budget expenditures
•       Contributes to written annual reports and publications
•       Adheres to all SDZG and department policies and practices
•       Practices the GRRREAT Customer Service Standards
In addition:
•       may analyze data
•       may train and oversee students and volunteers
•       may occasionally assist with field collections
•       performs related duties and responsibilities as required
Qualifiications for this position include:
•       B.S. or M.S. degree in plant sciences, botany, ecology, restoration
ecology, invasion biology
•       excellent written and oral communication
•       experience with monitoring plants and animals, field techniques, GPS and GIS
•       experience in data collection, entry and analysis
•       attention to detail.
•       ability to work cooperatively with SDZG colleagues as well as independently
•       computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, GPS and ArcGIS software, R and
statistical tools
•       preferred experience with UNIX operating system or R programming language.
•       must have a valid California driver’s license

Applicants must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 lbs, hike
off-trail on steep terrain for extended periods, and endure exposure to the
elements: heat, cold, rain, insects, etc. that are all a routine part of the
position.  Laboratory work may include working with hazardous chemicals or
biohazardous materials, requires sitting, standing, microscope work, and
ability to work in close quarters.

Deadline for application is Thursday, September 13, 2018. Apply by emailing
cover letter and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Joyce Maschinski,
Director Plant Conservation, jmaschinski@sandiegozoo.org and completing
online system at:
https://www.hrapply.com/sandiegozoo/AppJobView.jsp?link=9149&page=AppJobList.jsp&skimSessionName=com.hrlogix.view.tags.bootstrap.table.JobListTable&skimName=requisition.requisition_id&skimNdx=0&op=reset