Biologist I

California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 31,413 - 44,740; Part time

Job summary

A prominent scientific institution in San Francisco seeks a Part-time Biologist I to provide animal care at the Steinhart Aquarium. Responsibilities include habitat maintenance, monitoring health, and record-keeping. Ideal candidates will have prior experience in animal care and a degree in a related field. This position offers competitive compensation at $27.64 per hour, with a commitment to fair practices.

Qualifications

• Previous paid work experience in an aquarium, zoo, or similar facility caring for animals and/or plants required.
• SCUBA certified or able to attain SCUBA certification preferred.
• Willingness to seek further training in animal and plant husbandry.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily animal and plant care and habitat maintenance including feedings and cleaning.
• Monitors animal and plant health, making frequent daily rounds.
• Maintains accurate records using standardized software programs.

Skills

Basic knowledge of essential animal care

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work as a member of a team

Excellent observation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Job description

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 Part‑time Biologist I is responsible for providing animal care for the Steinhart Aquarium’s living collection in various exhibit areas as assigned. Tasks include cleaning habitats and holding areas, monitoring animal and plant health, making frequent daily rounds, reporting suspected animal or water quality problems to a department lead, and maintaining accurate records. Work schedule will include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Organizational Culture

Join 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.

About the Steinhart Aquarium

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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: freshwater 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.

Experience and Education

• Previous paid work 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.

Required Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• SCUBA certified or able to attain SCUBA certification, preferred.
• Experience with scientific research projects, preferred.

Physical Environment

• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $27.64 per hour. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and alignment with the internal peer group. 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.

Schedule: Part‑Time, 24 hours per week

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application 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).

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Part‑time

Job function

Software Development