Biologist I

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.

Reporting to a department lead, the Part-time Biologist I is responsible for providing animal care for the Steinhart Aquarium’s living collection in various exhibit areas as assigned. 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. 

Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to more than 60,000 live plants and animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats. Since 1923, Steinhart Aquarium has developed a colorful history of firsts. From becoming the first public aquarium to display flashlight fish and coconut octopuses to advancing exploration of the ocean’s mysterious “twilight zone,” innovation and scientific excellence are in our DNA. Today, Steinhart continues to shape the role that modern aquariums play in educating and inspiring the public about the biodiversity and sustainability of our oceans and rainforests.

• →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.
• →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.
• →Actively seeks further training with all taxa represented in the living collection.
• →Maintains accurate records using the department’s standardized software programs.
• →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.

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

• Basic knowledge of essential animal care and welfare requirements for the living collection.
• 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.
• Experience with scientific research projects, preferred.

• Ability to transport 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.
• 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.

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.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.