Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis Zoo
Conservation Education Researcher
The Saint Louis Zoo (SLZ) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Conservation Education Researcher. A competitive applicant will be a critical thinker and a collaborative partner who loves challenges. S/he will conduct her/himself in a manner that creates a stimulating, productive, and happy work environment that fosters a climate of possibilities and learning. Effective communicators who can contribute to and inspire an innovative team are desired. The candidate will develop this position to achieve the highest level of conservation education research practice, including individual/team excellence, professional satisfaction and commitment to improvement. The successful candidate will have a very strong background in conservation education research, be capable of working in a dynamic fast-paced environment and highly motivated. Under the direction of the Director of Education, the candidate will work closely with relevant SLZ staff in Education and across the Zoo to identify mission-focused conservation education research priorities, design and execute research studies, and disseminate findings both internally and externally to improve conservation education practices at the SLZ and in the field. The candidate will disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed and other literature, share findings at relevant conferences and with key stakeholders to advance wider understanding in the fields of conservation education and informal learning. The candidate will be an active member of the Human Subject Research Committee at the SLZ. The successful candidate will support the Zoo’s mission and be an active leader in the operationalizing of the Zoo’s values and three keys.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a Conservation Education Research Strategy for the Saint Louis Zoo to measure the impact of Conservation Education initiatives and provide support to education program managers to incorporate research findings into practice.
- Serve as institutional resource for human subject research requiring Institutional Review Board review and approval.
- Proactively seek funding in support of research strategy, including from federal sources, in collaboration with the SLZ Development Department.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed and other literature; share findings at relevant conferences.
- Prepare reports and maintain correspondence with federal and other funders as required.
- Foster collaborative relationships with other researchers within the SLZ and at other zoos, aquariums, universities, and other relevant institutions.
- Cultivate and actively maintains close working relationships with all SLZ departments and department leaders.
- Take an active role in development of the Education Department’s strategic plans to meet SLZ mission, and support the management of plans to ensure goals are met.
- Collaborate with other human subject researchers on research initiatives at SLZ, including Audience Research and Evaluation, Research and the Institute for Conservation Medicine.
- Support human dimensions of conservation initiatives within the SLZ’s field conservation programs within the WildCare Institute.
- Participate in SLZ-wide committees and contribute to the success of the SLZ strategic and master plans.
- Monitor research budget on a monthly basis, develop quarterly, annual and other budget and activity reports as required.
- Perform other tasks as required by the Director of Education.
Qualifications:
- A PhD from an accredited college or university is required.
- Experience in museum or zoo education research is required.
- Established record of published research work in the area of informal education with an emphasis on science education, human dimensions of conservation or conservation education.
- Knowledge of diverse research methods appropriate for the field of informal learning, including both established methodologies and unique approaches to measuring outcomes and impact.
- Experience writing and managing federally funded grants and initiatives is desirable.
- Experience working with an Institutional Review Board.
- Excellent project management skills with strong ability to successfully manage several large initiatives simultaneously.
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills required.
- Comfort with computer-based data management and analysis platforms (for example: SPSS, R, Dedoose, Survey Gizmo.)
- Working knowledge of Mac and PCs, using word processing, spread sheet and database software.
- Comfort with change, innovation, and unique approaches to educational research methods and programming.
- Comfort with approaching members of the public for data collection purposes.
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and public.
All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
How to Apply
https://careers.hiretrue.com/stlzoo
Saint Louis Zoo
One Government Dr. St. Louis
St. Louis, MO 63110
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