Zoological Technician Intern

Job Description:

Zoological Technician Intern

Description

Description

The City’s Community Services Department is seeking a part-time Wildlife Conservation Assistant (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.
This is an SEIU Hourly (limited benefits) position. In lieu of providing a medical plan, the City grants a medical stipend of $3.80 per hour in paid status. This position also accrues a certain amount of earned time off. This entry-level, partially benefited hourly position averages 8 hours per week for one year, with potential for extension.

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:

• Scheduling meetings and taking meeting minutes.
• Drafting emails, and making and receiving phone calls.
• Conducting literature research, summarizing scientific papers, and organizing documents.
• Following up with associated tasks as appropriate.
• Representing the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo when reaching out to partners in governmental and non-governmental organizations, for communication about grants, programs, and partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or has obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife conservation, or a related field
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities
• Familiarity with scientific literature and wildlife conservation methods
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment

Other Requirements:

• Background check
• Provide a negative TB Test result
• Possess a valid California driver’s license
• Receive immunizations to guard against zoonotic diseases and is subject to regular 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:

• Duties are performed in a variety of environments, including outdoor settings, animal care support buildings, and standard office spaces.
• Outdoor work may occur in diverse weather conditions, including temperature and humidity extremes.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or animal transport activities.
• The incumbent may be scheduled to work on weekends and holidays as operational needs require.
• Zoo employees may be exposed to animal-related hazards such as bites, scratches, waste, pathogens, or other biological irritants.

Supplemental Information

Application Process:

Complete an online application with cover letter and resume attached.

The Selection Process:

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email (governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates).
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
• The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 8/15/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$19.19 - $23.56 Hourly