Invertebrate Biologist

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA in Saratoga, CA seeks an experienced biologist to manage captive propagation of native butterflies and imperiled invertebrates. You will lead day-to-day husbandry and program operations under supervision of the Principal Biologist, with cross-training in herpetology projects.

The role supports research, permits compliance, and collaboration with agencies to advance imperiled species recovery.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology or related field.
• MS preferred.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Experience with butterfly husbandry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages and assists with implementing a captive propagation program for native butterflies and other invertebrate species in a laboratory setting.
• Expands the number of species included in the program over time in coordination with the Principal Biologist.
• Supports the Principal Biologist in obtaining and ensuring compliance with USFWS and CDFW permits.
• Houses, feeds, monitors, and maintains invertebrates; tracks health and outcomes.
• Provides hands-on husbandry, including rearing, feeding, enclosure maintenance, and release preparation.

Skills

Research

Data analysis

Education

BA/BS in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology

MS preferred

Tools

Raptormed database

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary Range: $70,304.00 To $83,000.00 Annually

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

Department: Imperiled Species Breeding Program

Reports To: Principal Biologist

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time

This position is on-site in Saratoga, CA starting in January 2027.

Summary: Manages captive propagation for native butterflies and other at-risk invertebrate species at LECCWC. Under the direction of the Principal Biologist, leads the day-to-day husbandry and management of the invertebrate program while supporting research and successful release of species. Will be crossed trained in the herpetological captive propagation programs. Conducts daily operations consistent with organization’s policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Manages and assists with implementing a captive propagation program for selected native butterflies and other terrestrial invertebrate species in a laboratory setting. Expands the number of species included in the program over time in coordination with the Principal Biologist.

Supports the Principal Biologist in applying for and ensuring compliance with relevant required USFWS and CDFW permits.

Ensures that all invertebrates are housed, fed, monitored, and otherwise cared for adequately and appropriately. Monitors animals involved in programs.

Provides direct hands-on husbandry including handling, rearing, feeding, enclosure maintenance, life stage monitoring, and preparation for release.

Participates in collaborations with USFWS, CDFW, and other relevant agencies to accomplish program goals with Principal Biologist supervision.

Coordinates with the Principal biologist to develop plans, goals, and priorities for first two years of Program. Ensures that projects stay on trackand meet agreed upon deadlines.

Standardizes policies, standards, and procedures specific to invertebrate husbandry.

Maintains detailed biological records including lineage tracking, survival rates, and release outcomes. Includes scientific data collection to satisfy permit requirements and grow scientific knowledge on endangered species.

Works and coordinates with Principal Biologist and local nurseries for host plant cultivation. Botany experience would be helpful but not required.

Potential for minimal field work, including travel for pick up and release of animals.

Prepares periodic reports for Principal Biologist and assists in preparation of required reports to regulatory agencies.

Supervises, trains, and evaluates program staff. Trains animal care staff in proper butterfly husbandry and monitoring techniques and also performs supervision and mentorship for all assistants, technicians and volunteers.

Will become fully trained on the husbandry and monitoring of the reptile and amphibian imperiled species program and provide necessary assistance. Will provide supervision for lab assistants, technicians, and volunteers on herpetology projects.

Actively collaborates with other departments, including education and outreach teams, to support public awareness of imperiled species recovery.

Works with the Principal Biologist to monitor supply needs and coordinate purchase and maintenance of husbandry supplies.

Keeps apprised on relevant new legislation, scientific findings and research by reviewing scientific literature and attending trainings and conferences as appropriate.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Trains and supervises Program staff. Provides leadership and guidance to Program staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

BA or BS in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology or related field; MS preferred.

Minimum of three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience with butterfly husbandry is preferred.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, shelter medical records and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Demonstrated ability to write clear, organized research documents. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Good oral and written communication skills.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must become proficient with Raptormed database software and Microsoft Office within the probationary period (first six months from hire date), in addition to computer keyboarding skills, and data entry.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid CA Driver’s License with a clean driving record to be insured by our auto insurance company.

Other Qualifications

Upon hire, must pass a background check. Familiarity with relevant environmental laws and regulations, including state and federal Endangered Species Act. Strong research, analysis and reporting abilities.

Proven experience working with coalitions and diverse groups of people and organizations. Ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy working environment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and/or drive. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50-75 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; possible routine exposure to zoonotic diseases, aggressive and feral animals; routinely exposed to mechanical moving parts; outside weather conditions and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome a diverse pool of applicants