San Diego Zoo

Current Listings

  1. Conservation and Research of Endangered Species

Conservation and Research of Endangered Species

(Exempt position #959101) 35,000 Annual Salary. Without benefits.
Apply on-line before the closing deadline of February 27, 2008

Job requirements:

In 2003, the Zoological Society of San Diego imported one male and six female elephants from Swaziland under the auspices of the AZA in order to save the animals from a culling plan, improve the habitat in their range country, and increase the gene pool of elephants in captivity, as well as to conduct scientific projects. Since their importation, five calves have been born at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. A one-year research position is available to assist and expand our on-going studies of this elephant herd.

We have established a long-term research program aimed at studying a number of aspects of elephant behavioral biology, including calf growth and development, comparison of pre- and post-parturition behavior, the dynamics of the mother-infant bond, calf integration into the herd, how elephants use acoustic signals, including infrasound, to communicate with each other, and investigating how movement patterns affect animal health. The RESEARCH ASSOCIATE would join our team and assist in data collection, entry, and analysis, as well as enabling us to expand the domains of our scientific studies in behavioral biology. Pre-doctoral candidates are strongly encouraged to apply if interested in obtaining an advanced degree based upon studies of African elephants in captivity.

Desirable qualifications include the ability to conduct research in a zoo environment by working with both animal care staff and scientists; the ability to systematically observe and record behavioral interactions; knowledge of database management software and statistical analysis, such as SPSS; a balance between independence and team work; an ability to publish in academic and non-academic journals, as well as to give presentations to academic and non-academic audiences; some background and familiarity with the literature on elephants; and some knowledge of accelerometers and/or GPS mapping and analysis. Valid CA driver license required. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicant must be available any of the seven days of the week. Some nights may be required.

Job Closes: Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Applications must be submitted online by 9:30pm Pacific Standard Time