Sustainability & Behavior Change Staff

The Living Desert; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA is seeking a Sustainability & Behavior Change Staff member to support sustainability programs and engage guests in conservation actions. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in environmental education and public engagement, with opportunities to contribute to recycling, hydroponics, and data collection initiatives.

You will participate in outreach, events, and communications to promote positive environmental behaviors, both indoors

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Conservation

Communication

Teamwork

Organized

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Full-time

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
• Supportingthe operation of hydroponic growing systems
• Helping care for and maintain a sustainable mealworm colony used for animalnutrition
• Collectingsimple data such as weights and measurements to track sustainabilityefforts
• Engagingwith 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 environmentalbehaviors

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Is passionate about conservation, sustainability, or environmental issues
• Hasstrong communication and teamwork skills
• Is organized, dependable, and eager to learn
• Is comfortable speaking with guests and small groups
• Enjoyshands-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
• Hydroponicsor 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
• Environmentaleducation
• Conservation programming
• Public engagement
• Data collection and evaluation
• Behaviorchange 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

We Encourage You to Apply

Research shows that some applicants hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. If you're excited about conservation, sustainability, and making a positive difference, we'd love to hear from you, even if your experience doesn't perfectly match every listed qualification.

Salary Description

$22.6549 per hour