Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Senior Learning Specialist delivers the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance learning and development programs, facilitating all in-person and virtual sessions, supporting career development programs, administering L&D programs in the LMS, supporting curriculum design, and applying AI to improve how learning is built and delivered. This role executes against the program design and strategic direction set by the Learning & Development Manager. This position reports to the Learning & Development Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Facilitates all in-person and virtual Learning & Development programs, including New Team Member Orientation, New Leader Orientation, the HR Manager Training Series, and our Leadership Development programs. Prepares sessions, manages classroom logistics, and adapts delivery to different audiences across the Zoo, Safari Park, and conservation sites. Delivers content in line with the program design and strategic direction set by the Manager, Learning & Development.
• Supports career development programs, including the Wildlife Care Development Program (WCDP) and Roots to Grow. Provides participant support (enrollment, scheduling, communications, attendance tracking) and serves as the point of contact for participants and their managers. Helps build, pilot, and roll out Roots to Grow materials, gathers feedback, and recommends adjustments to the Manager, Learning & Development.
• Administers learning programs and content in the Learning Management System (LMS). Builds and assigns L&D program courses, manages enrollments and due dates, runs completion reports, and follows up with participants and their managers to keep programs on track. Compliance course deployment is owned by the Manager, Learning & Development.
• Supports curriculum design for L&D programs in partnership with the Manager, Learning & Development. Develops facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and e-learning content using adult learning principles and instructional design models.
• Identifies, evaluates, and applies AI tools to improve how learning is designed, delivered, and administered, including content development, personalized learning, and LMS and reporting workflows. Follows SDZWA data privacy and responsible use guidelines, reviews AI-generated content for accuracy, pilots new tools with the Manager, Learning & Development, and coaches team members on effective use.
• Collects and analyzes participant feedback, assessment results, and completion data to support program measurement and reporting. Provides the Manager, Learning & Development with the data and insights needed to evaluate program effectiveness, and recommends improvements.
• Partners with internal managers, program stakeholders, and the Talent Management team to understand learning needs and keep programs aligned with SDZWA mission and values. Stays current with industry trends and best practices in facilitation, instructional design, and learning technology.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This role primarily focuses on facilitating engaging instructor-led and virtual trainings for team members and leaders across a variety of topics. Supporting responsibilities include curriculum design, LMS administration, and professional development, with an emphasis on leveraging AI to enhance instructional design and the learning experience. Applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing learning experiences they have designed (such as participant guides, eLearnings, or curricula), including examples of how they incorporated AI, along with a cover letter outlining their design approach, use of AI, and the impact of their work.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Requires 5 years of progressively responsible experience in training facilitation, learning and development, or instructional design, including delivering in-person training to adult learners. Experience in a non-profit, hospitality, or zoo environment, or equivalent experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to handle all aspects of the position.
• Previous experience administering a Learning Management System (LMS), including course deployment and completion reporting, is required.
• Previous experience using AI tools to support learning content development, program delivery, or administrative workflows is required.
• Experience supporting leadership development or onboarding programs preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Instructional Design, or a related field required.
• Master’s in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Adult Learning, or a related field preferred.
• Instructional & Learning Design Certificate Preferred.
• CA driver’s license required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Strong working knowledge of the training and development process, including needs analysis, instructional design models, adult learning theories, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group discussions and conduct classroom learning sessions, seminars, and workshops for diverse audiences.
• Able to develop clear, engaging learning materials, including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and job aids.
• Proficient in LMS administration, including course setup, enrollment management, and completion reporting.
• Proficient in MS Office, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe, and other moderately complex computer software programs.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, and deadlines at once.
• Working knowledge of AI tools for learning content development and workflow automation, with an understanding of responsible use, data privacy, and human review of AI-generated content.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and with others in a diverse team environment.
• Able to analyze participant feedback and program data and present findings clearly.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a high level of tact and diplomacy.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Rate: $39.45

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.