Conservation Monitoring Scientist

Conservation Monitoring Scientist Salary: $80,168.40 - $105,705.60 per year; FLSA exempt. Opening date: 07/10/2026. Closing date: 07/24/2026. Job type: Regular, Full-time. Union: Non-Represented. Openings: 1. Location: Hybrid (on-grounds 2-3 days per week, remainder remote). Frequent international travel required. This position requires frequent international travel, occasionally for multiple weeks at a time.

WHO YOU ARE

You’re a strategic conservationist with a strong science and data foundation: You hold an advanced degree in a relevant field and bring experience designing and implementing robust monitoring systems across complex ecosystems. You have deep familiarity with protected area management, ecological fieldwork, and working collaboratively with diverse communities and stakeholders. You’re a skilled researcher and analyst: You confidently design species monitoring protocols, conduct demographic modeling, and manage ecological and social datasets. Tools like Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Vortex, and MetaModelManager are already in your toolkit, and you’re comfortable interpreting complex data for both technical and community audiences. You’re a systems‑thinker and effective collaborator: You thrive at the intersection of strategy and fieldwork, connecting monitoring insights with adaptive management and long‑term conservation outcomes. You work with government agencies, NGOs, and academic partners to ensure alignment, integration, and innovation. You’re organized, adaptable, and mission‑driven: Whether you’re developing a ranger patrol system in Papua New Guinea, preparing a grant report, or facilitating a multi‑stakeholder workshop, you balance detail‑oriented precision with big‑picture vision, always keeping species recovery and community priorities front and center.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development and refinement of adaptive monitoring strategies across Woodland Park Zoo’s (WPZ) field conservation programs, including participatory methods, community engagement, and multi‑level data analysis. Oversee program work plans for the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP), particularly in relation to monitoring and protected area management in the YUS Conservation Area. Design and implement monitoring protocols for target species, utilizing tools such as population viability analyses, Vortex, MetaModelManager, and other modeling platforms. Facilitate workshops and stakeholder engagement processes that align conservation priorities with IUCN and government recovery goals as well as community‑defined success measures. Support and evaluate protected area management systems, advising on opportunities for better alignment and integration across governance levels. Review and implement best‑practice tools and methodologies for ecological and social data collection, including GIS and SMART. Lead or coordinate field research projects to address knowledge gaps in species monitoring, threat assessment, and land‑use change. Collaborate with WPZ’s Animal Care teams and conservation partners to align in‑situ and ex‑situ programs, including species reintroduction and One Plan Approach efforts. Manage data integration across internal and external systems (e.g., ZIMS, partner databases), ensuring consistency in conservation reporting and evaluation. Maintain and build scientific and technical partnerships with universities, conservation NGOs, and government agencies. Represent WPZ in key international forums and working groups, including the SMART Network and IUCN Species Specialist Groups. Contribute to the development of monitoring‑related fundraising and grant proposals, donor reports, and scientific publications; develop and assist in the preparation of technical and operational reports. Support the refinement of WPZ’s conservation monitoring and evaluation framework, research agenda, and strategic plan results chains. Travel regularly to domestic and international field sites, conservation partner locations, and conferences. Actively support and follow the mission, values, and goals of Woodland Park Zoo and the Field Conservation department.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree in conservation, natural resource management, data sciences, monitoring and evaluation, geography, or related fields. Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in conservation monitoring, data analysis, system development, and field‑based ecological research. Experience with protected area management and/or community‑based conservation programs. Proven ability to lead international fieldwork, facilitate cross‑cultural collaboration, and manage scientific partnerships. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, GIS software, and monitoring tools like SMART, Vortex, and demographic modeling platforms. Experience in multi‑stakeholder environments, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including: Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents. 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays. Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year. Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Tuition reimbursement. Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days. 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks. Free staff parking. 403(b) Retirement Plan. This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, contact our recruiting team at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Zoo Careers