Scientific Aide - Amphibian Recovery

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $20.43 per hour. An offer at this pay rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Position Summary

The Scientific Aide provides technical assistance for assigned programs within AWR, including gathering and analysis of research data in the laboratory or the field; attending to the needs of animals, plants, and/or biological samples in managed care and/or to community members; and other wildlife recovery program research activities. They must demonstrate strong research-based analytical skills including time management, working independently and cooperatively, effective and timely verbal and written communication, and attention to detail. This position may oversee the daily tasks of interns and volunteers and is under the direct supervision of the Wildlife Recovery Program Manager and reports to the Director of Animal Welfare and Research, ACCR.

This position will initially work on the amphibian recovery programs onsite at Oakland Zoo, but may assume other roles in the future. It is a regular, part-time position that is funded externally, and so may end when the project and funding is complete. Typical schedule for this position is one to three half (4-hour) days per week; additional hours may be scheduled based on availability and need.

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• Provides the basic daily and routine needs of AWR rescue, conservation/recovery, welfare, and other research project(s) to meet laboratory, diagnostic, monitoring/tracking, data processing and stewardship, and similar research project activity requirements which may include some or all of the below:
• Assigned Area: Assist in species headstarting, propagation, and genetic management through routine care and management tasks for animals, plants, or biological samples within the Biodiversity Building to ensure optimal conditions of the experimental organisms
• Secondary areas, as needed: Assist in field research and recovery programs including visual encounter and transect surveys, setting and collection of live capture and camera traps, animal handling and measurement of wild animals, and other experimental tasks associated with collection of biological, botanical, and wildlife material and data in the field
• Aid in gathering, recording, assembling, and/or manipulating qualitative and quantitative data for new, ongoing, or independent research projects in coordination with Sections in ACCR and Zoo departments, welfare and research partners, universities, and students

Other Job Duties

• Assist with the care and maintenance of equipment, supplies, and facilities for AWR programs, specifically within and around the Biodiversity Conservation Center
• Assist with interpreting research findings and revising procedures as necessary to achieve desired results
• Ensure good communication with AWR staff, supervisor, and Director of AWR
• Can serves as a resource to AWR/ACCR, Zoo, and others on all aspects of assigned area of biological research, species/samples care, diagnostics, social science, or science communication

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• Some experience in methodology and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research, species/samples care, diagnostics, or social science
• Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts
• Have a valid Class C Driver’s License with a clean DMV record required (able to obtain authorization to drive from Zoo's insurance provider)
• Computer proficiency required
• Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, ecology, sociology, or discipline relevant or related to the research being conducted for the appointment 
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately
• Training in methodology and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research, animal care, diagnostics, social science, or science communication
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wildlife in captive and field environments; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• Ability to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Ability to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members
• Ability to learn and perform data and sample gathering techniques
• Ability to work effectively with others in a diverse environment and with diverse populations required
• Ability to read and understand scientific papers 

Work Environment

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions, indoors in a wet lab environment, and open office environments. Will be required to work with animal waste, live food, chemicals, and disease pathogens using provided PPE.  Must work in moderate noise levels such as produced by filtration equipment. Must be able to work in isolation rooms that are heated to 80 degrees or chilled to 65 degrees. 

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• Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, ecology, sociology, or discipline relevant or related to the research being conducted for the appointment 

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Data Analysis – able to collect, interpret and detect patterns in clean data

• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision

• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor

• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.

• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems

• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times

• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department

• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems

• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments

• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife