Biologist I

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to a department lead, the Biologist I is responsible for providing animal and plant care for the Steinhart Aquarium’s living collection in various exhibit areas as assigned. While this position would support a wide variety of taxa, freshwater husbandry experience is preferred. Cleans habitats and holding areas, monitors animal and plant health, makes frequent daily rounds, reports suspected animal or water quality problems to a department lead, maintains accurate records. Work schedule will include weekends, evenings and holidays. 

Organizational CultureJoin a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

About the Steinhart Team:The Steinhart Team is integral to the living collections at the Academy. This team cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, freshwater fish, marine fish, and plants. The Steinhart Aquarium inspires Academy visitors, increases their understanding and appreciation of biodiversity, and empowers them to make sustainability actions, with excellent live exhibits maintained to the highest standards. The Aquarium is a collaborative, supportive and innovative department that promotes a culture of trust, accountability and respect.  

Position Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work assignment will include any of the following depending on specific position: provides daily animal and plant care and habitat maintenance including animal feedings, habitat and back of house cleaning, health monitoring and environmental sampling for one or more of the following: fresh and saltwater aquariums, terrestrial invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, bird, plant and mammal habitats and holding areas; or performs daily water quality testing and analysis of all habitat systems, including physical chemistry parameters, nutrients and biological analysis; or performs veterinary technician duties; or prepares food for the animals and maintains the commissary
• Actively participates in the animal welfare and behavioral husbandry programs.
• Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
• Assists in the design and preparation of new display environments and habitats and/or holding and quarantine habitats.
• Actively seeks further training with all taxa represented in the living collection or in laboratory testing and procedures or in taxa specific medical care or in food preparation standards and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records using the department’s standardized software programs.
• Assists with the inventory of supplies, food, chemicals, and/or pharmaceuticals. 
• Effectively communicates to the Aquarium management and staff.
• Establishes and maintains positive, cooperative and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Participates in Academy committees and work groups as needed.
• Presents programs to the general public, media and in professional meetings.
• Interacts with professional colleagues, guests, the media and the general public in a professional manner.
• Follows all Academy safety regulations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Recruits, trains and supervises volunteers.

Experience and/or Education:

• Previous work experience (paid or unpaid) in an aquarium, zoo or similar facility caring for animals and/or plants.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine or Aquatic Biology, Chemistry or a related field, preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

Required:             

• Basic knowledge of essential animal care and welfare requirements for the living collection, or basic knowledge of water quality testing methods and parameters for maintaining aquatic habitats, or basic knowledge of animal treatments, dissection and associated veterinary procedures.
• Basic knowledge of USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare.
• Basic knowledge of public aquarium/zoo operations, maintenance, record keeping and life support systems.
• Excellent observation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
• Ability to multitask, adapt, and prioritize.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as departmental protocols, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to present programs and effectively convey information to guests, the general public, the media, colleagues, and in professional meetings.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and engage in a culture that promotes trust, respect and accountability.
• Ability to utilize web-based communication and collaboration applications.
• Willingness to seek further training in animal and plant husbandry.
• Ability to complete CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays on a routine basis.
• SCUBA certified or able to attain SCUBA certification, preferred.
• Experience with scientific research projects, preferred.

Physical Environment:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to transport 50 lbs. 
• Ability to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials. 
• Requires the ability to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Must be able to work a computer. 
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.
• Must be able to swim.
• Must be able to use extension poles, long-handled nets and shepherd’s hooks.
• Must be able to work with, or adjacent to, venomous and dangerous animals.

Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $27.07- $28.02 Hour. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and optional cover letter through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).