Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

The Nat has an opening for a part-time, temporary Conservation Biology Research Assistant.

The research assistant will contribute to initiatives in San Diego and Baja California, Mexico focused on understanding the current state of biodiversity in regional urban canyon greenspaces. The research assistant may work on a variety of field, office, or laboratory tasks such as collecting, compiling, and sharing data that support biodiversity research, habitat assessment, and conservation planning.

Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Assisting with preparation and execution of Spanish language camera trap deployment trainings for students in Ensenada.
• Translation of camera trap data management workflow documentation and instructions from English into Spanish.
• Training students located in Ensenada on camera trap data management workflow (in person or virtual).
• Camera trap deployment and data management support in San Diego.
• Assist with project logistics, communications, outreach events in both San Diego and Ensenada.
• Preparation of one scientific publication using San Diego Healthy Canyons data, under the mentorship of Department of Conservation Biology staff.

Responsibilities may also include: 

• Field site visits/biodiversity surveys in San Diego and Baja California, Mexico

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental studies, wildlife studies, urban studies and planning or related fields.
• Experience with some or all steps in camera trap methodology (e.g., field deployment, maintenance, and data management).
• Proficiency in Spanish and English.
• Experience with ecological fieldwork and community outreach events.

Time Commitment:

• Term: This is a part-time, temporary position for up to one year from the date of hire, with a maximum of 476 total hours. Part-time employees may work up to 29 hours per week.
• Ideal start date: As soon as possible
• Some weekends and evenings (with prior notice).

Location: On-Site. Some remote work may be possible. Some fieldwork may be possible.

Pay: $21/hour. 

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here.