Zoological Conservation Technician ( Arts & Science Technician-H)

Palo Alto Networks; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 1,135,000 - 1,617,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical stipend

Sick Leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Palo Alto's Community Services Department seeks a part-time Zoological Conservation Technician to assist with planning and implementing its wildlife conservation program at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

The ideal applicant has a biology or wildlife conservation degree (or is pursuing one), is highly organized, and has fluent oral and written communication skills. This SEIU hourly role offers limited benefits and an 8-hour weekly schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife conservation, or a related field, or currently pursuing one.
• Highly organized with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiar with scientific publications and wildlife conservation techniques.
• Able to work well alone and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development, documentation and launch of wildlife conservation programs.
• Take meeting minutes, draft emails, make/receive calls, research literature.
• Summarize scientific papers, organize documents and schedule meetings.
• Represent the City in communications with partners about grants, programs and partnerships.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Biology degree

Wildlife conservation degree

Working toward degree

Job description

Description

The City’s Community Services Department is seeking a part-time Zoological Conservation Technician (Arts & Sciences Technician - H) to assist with the planning and implementation of its wildlife conservation program at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.
The Junior Museum and Zoo is a local family destination that serves children, birth to age 8, through its science exhibits and zoo, and children to age 11 through its school programs and summer camps. Approximately 117,000 visitors enjoy the Museum and Zoo each year and 23,000 take part in its science lessons and field trips at the Museum, in local schools, and in local open spaces. The Junior Museum’s mission is to engage a child’s curiosity in science and nature, and its zoo works to support animal conservation efforts in the natural spaces.
Animals at the JMZ provide children with age-appropriate examples of interesting adaptations, habitats, or wildlife conservation programs. Special installations bring children nose-to-nose with some animals, while other elements encourage imaginative play, support whole body movement, and stimulate multiple senses.
The ideal applicant will have a baccalaureate degree in biology, wildlife conservation, or a field, or be working toward one. They will also be highly organized, have fluid oral and written communication skills, and be familiar with scientific publications and wildlife conservation techniques. They should be able to work well alone and as part of a team.
This is an SEIU Hourly position with limited benefits. The position is budgeted to not exceed 999 hours per fiscal year (July - June). The number of hours per week and schedule will be determined based on assignment. In lieu of providing a medical plan, the City grants a medical stipend of $3.80 per hour of work.

Essential Duties

The incumbent will assist the Director of Animal Care and Conservation and the Executive Director with the development, documentation, and launch of wildlife conservation programs. Tasks will include taking meeting minutes, drafting emails, making and receiving phone calls, conducting literature research, summarizing scientific papers, organizing documents, scheduling meetings, and following up with associated tasks as appropriate. They may be asked to represent the City of Palo Alto when reaching out to partners in government agencies and non-governmental organizations for communication about grants, programs, and partnerships.

Other Requirements

• Provide a negative TB Test result.
• Receive immunizations to guard against zoonotic diseases.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Incumbent subject to periodic medical screening.

Physical demands

The work may, at times, require periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, crouching, reaching, and lifting items of up to 30 pounds.

Working conditions

This position works approximately 8 hours per week. Some of the work is outdoors or within animal care support buildings, and takes place during a variety of weather conditions. Some of the work will be carried out in a typical office environment. The incumbent may also travel to meetings and conferences, or during animal transports. Incumbent may, at times, be scheduled to work on weekends and holidays.

Zoo employees are sometimes exposed to temperature and humidity extremes, animal pathogens, bites, scratches or waste, or body irritants.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with their employer.

City of Palo Alto offers the following benefits to those in a SEIU Hourly position

Medical Stipend

$3.80 effective the pay period including July 1, 2024.

Sick Leave

Earn .03 hour of sick leave for each hour worked.

Retirement

City of Palo Alto PST (Part-time, Seasonal & Temporary Employees) Retirement Plan

Please note: The City does not participate in CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Social Security.