City of Palo Alto
Zoological Conservation Technician ( Arts & Science Technician-H)
SALARY
$20.36 - $25.00 Hourly
LOCATION
Junior Museum & Zoo, 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA
JOB TYPE
SEIU Hourly
JOB NUMBER
202601476
DEPARTMENT
Community Services Department
OPENING DATE
09/03/2026
CLOSING DATE
9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
SALARY
$20.36 - $25.00 Hourly
LOCATION
Junior Museum & Zoo, 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA
JOB TYPE
SEIU Hourly
JOB NUMBER
202601476
DEPARTMENT
Community Services Department
OPENING DATE
09/03/2026
CLOSING DATE
9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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.
Supplemental Information
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.
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.
EmployerCity of Palo Alto
Address
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, California, 94301
Phone (650) 329-2376
Websitehttps://www.paloalto.gov/Home
EmployerCity of Palo AltoPhone (650) 329-2376 Websitehttps://www.paloalto.gov/HomeAddress
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, California, 94301