Sustainability & Behavior Change Staff

LIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA seeks a Sustainability & Behavior Change Staff member to support waste reduction, hydroponics, and conservation education for guests and staff.

You will collect simple data, assist with activities and outreach, and engage with families and volunteers while gaining hands-on experience in sustainability and public engagement.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to work outdoors, including hot weather.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs.
• Support hydroponic growing systems and sustainable mealworm colony care.
• Engage with guests, answer questions about conservation and sustainability.
• Support educational activities, events, and outreach programs.
• Assist with presentations, signs, and sustainability communications.
• Help implement conservation campaigns to encourage positive environmental behaviors.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organized

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Description

Join Our Team!

Do you care about the environment? Do you enjoy working with people and making a positive impact in your community?

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated team member to help support sustainability programs and inspire conservation action. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who wants hands‑on experience in sustainability, environmental education, conservation, and public engagement.

Whether you're interested in recycling, sustainable food systems, environmental science, education, conservation, or behavior change, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

As a Sustainability & Behavior Change Staff member, you'll help support a variety of projects that reduce waste, conserve resources, and encourage environmentally friendly behaviors among guests, staff, volunteers, and program participants.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs
• Supporting the operation of hydroponic growing systems
• Helping care for and maintain a sustainable mealworm colony used for animal nutrition
• Collecting simple data such as weights and measurements to track sustainability efforts
• Engaging with guests and answering questions about conservation and sustainability
• Supporting educational activities, events, and outreach programs
• Assisting with presentations, signs, and other sustainability communications
• Helping implement conservation campaigns that encourage positive environmental behaviors

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Is passionate about conservation, sustainability, or environmental issues
• Has strong communication and teamwork skills
• Is organized, dependable, and eager to learn
• Is comfortable speaking with guests and small groups
• Enjoys hands‑on work both indoors and outdoors
• Can work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

You do not need to meet every qualification to apply. Helpful experience may include:

• Environmental education or conservation programs
• Recycling, composting, gardening, or sustainability projects
• Hydroponics or food production systems
• Working with children, families, or community groups
• Zoos, aquariums, museums, parks, or nature centers
• Operating equipment such as tractors or utility vehicles

Why Work at The Living Desert?

At The Living Desert, you'll be part of a mission‑driven organization dedicated to desert conservation through education, preservation, and community engagement. This position offers valuable experience in:

• Sustainability operations
• Environmental education
• Conservation programming
• Public engagement
• Data collection and evaluation
• Behavior change and community impact

Most importantly, you'll help inspire thousands of guests each year to take action for wildlife and the environment.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Willingnessto work outdoors, including during hot weather
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Willingnessto complete a background check and required training