The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Coordinator, Research & Data within our Conservation, Management, and Welfare Sciences department. This role focuses on analyzing: population and collection level data to advance sustainable population management; conservation program and aggregated institutional conservation and scientific data to deliver products that enhance the value of annual surveys and understanding of outcomes; and animal wellbeing data to advance related research initiatives. This position also supports the research and data priorities of the Animal Welfare, Animal Population Management, Aquatic Collections Sustainability, Research and Technology, and Wildlife Conservation Committees.
- This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the SVP, Conservation, Management, and Welfare Sciences. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
Responsibilities
- Analyze data and trends within animal program populations that inform collection planning, goal setting, and other AZA population management priorities.
- Coordinate testing of and gathering feedback on user experience enhancements to ARCS database and informing future development.
- Deliver ARCS research products that demonstrate the value of these data to AZA members and the value of AZA members to broader conservation and scientific communities.
- Analyze aggregated conservation and science data to define current profession-wide benchmarks.
- Assist in the development, promotion, and monitoring of departmental research agendas, such as the Social Science and Animal Wellbeing Research Agendas.
- Work with departmental staff and appropriate stakeholders to develop research questions and perform data analyses to inform and advance AZA initiatives.
- Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
- Perform data queries within and outside of AZA-managed databases to support departmental projects.
- Review internal and external research requests involving AZA data.
- Assist in developing manuscripts, reports, and white papers pertaining to departmental research projects.
- Assist in data validation across departmental databases.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or similar (MS preferred)
- 3+ years of experience in data analysis or scientific research.
- Experience in research design, scientific methods, and performing statistical analysis.
- Experience querying or manipulating data and writing reports.
- Experience in written and verbal communications to a variety of audiences.
- Experience managing more than one multi-faceted project simultaneously.
- Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations is a plus.
Skills & Abilities
- Ability to analyze and interpret scientific findings and apply multi-disciplinary information to scientific inquiry.
- Strong attention to detail; skill in managing data and conveying information accurately, querying and analyzing data, and formatting and editing reports.
- Strong communication (written and verbal) skills and sound judgement.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively, across conservation, animal management, and science-based professionals, to efficiently meet deadlines.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Suite products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
- Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Travel required.
- The starting compensation range for this role is $54,400 - $57,800. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.
- AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance options, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
- To encourage work/life balance, AZA also offers a variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time; holidays; and parental leave.
- AZA also offers hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions. We regularly review our benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.
- AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.
- We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
Salary
- $54,400 - $57,800
