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Postdoctoral Associate - Conservation and Science

Santa Barbara Zoo

Postdoctoral Associate - Conservation and Science

Santa Barbara, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Postdoctoral Associate

    Schedule: Full Time, 2-year position -with possibility of extension

    Compensation: $63,000/yearNote: Please be aware that we are unable to sponsor visas at this time

    You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the positionSUMMARY:

    Under general direction of the Director of Conservation and Science, the Postdoctoral Associate investigates nesting behavior of the reintroduced California condor population in southern California.

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

    Research:

    Develops systems to process, code and enter video data of nesting condors in southern California

    Recruits, trains and coordinates volunteers, students, and staff on the use and equipment and software for coding of video data

    Manages day-to-day activities of volunteers, students, and staff on the project

    Incorporates relevant movement data into analyses

    Establishes and maintains databases

    Interprets and analyzes research results

    Prepares progress reports

    Publishes papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals with the Director of Conservation and Science and project collaborators

    Publishes papers in the popular literature

    Assists in the development of funding proposals

    Maintains project budget and recommends purchases of supplies and equipment

    Makes presentations to Zoo staff, community partners, and professional groups

    Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

    Guest Experience/Education:

    Shares zoo research activities with guests and donors as appropriate

    Ensures interdepartmental coordination, where appropriate, to explore and maximize presentation of research to the public

    Staff Development:

    Collaborates with Director of Conservation & Science, Conservation & Science Associate, Condor Nest Biologist, and Condor Biologist to address research issues

    Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff

    Coaches coworkers, students and volunteers and provides informal feedback

    Operation and Business:

    Encourages, supports, and exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in our care and the continued development of the institution and the profession

    Attends every other month all-employee meetings

    Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

    SECONDARY DUTIES:Guest Relations:

    Greets every guest with a smile

    Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

    Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

    Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

    Associates with guests to assist and share information

    Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

    Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

    Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

    Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge and our Core Values

    Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations

    POSITION CRITERIA:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Education and Experience:

    PhD in the behavioral or biological sciences

    Proven research and publication record in animal behavior

    Substantial experience modeling and analyzing complex datasets

    License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

    Valid driver’s license with good driving record

    Please be aware that we are unable to sponsor visas at this time

    Essential Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

    Applicable research and analysis skills

    Strong organizational and time management skills

    Strong verbal and written communication skills

    Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate successfully

    Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

    Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs, reference management software, and statistical software packages

    Capacity and willingness to learn new software, research methods and statistical techniques

    Record of peer-reviewed and lay publications

    Public speaking ability, both for scientific and lay audiences

    High personal motivation, self-management, and attention to detail

    Ability to follow oral and written direction

    Ability to work independently

    Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests and to develop positive relationships at work

    Commitment to a diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive team culture

    Supervisory experience

    Ability to work successfully in an open plan office, with interruptions

    Physical Demands & Work Environment:

    Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility

    Requires the ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop

    Shared workspace

    Hybrid or remote work may be considered (some onsite orientation may be required)

    Tools Used:

    Computer

    Microsoft Office package

    Reference management software

    Statistical Analysis software

    Data collection software

    Animal monitoring equipment

    Video monitoring systems

    2-way Radio

    Zoo Vehicles

    You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

    --The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.The Santa Barbara Zoo is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.