Production Husbandry Specialist

AvaHR; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

7 paid holidays

Medical benefits

401(k) with company match

Job summary

The Bug Company in Virginia Beach, VA is seeking a Production Specialist to oversee daily care, production, and quality control of live insect products. This hands-on role supports insect husbandry operations and ensures production goals are met safely and consistently.

Ideal candidates are reliable, able to follow detailed procedures, and comfortable working in a hot, humid, dusty environment. The position is full-time, on-site, with benefits including paid vacation, holidays, medical, and a

Qualifications

• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures.
• Comfort working in hot, humid, dusty production environments.
• Experience with live insects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily production and care of live insect colonies.
• Perform insect husbandry tasks according to procedures.
• Handle live insects safely throughout production processes.
• Follow production schedules and work instructions.
• Operate basic equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas.
• Monitor inventory levels and report concerns to leadership.
• Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality.
• Support teammates to achieve department objectives.
• Report safety concerns or process deviations immediately.

Skills

Strong attendance

Reliability

Structured environment

Attention to detail

Safety procedures

Independent work

Teamwork

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Long-term employment

Tools

Tape guns

Packaging tools

Job description

Production Specialist

Location: Virginia Beach, VA 23457

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Pay Rate: $19/hour starting

Environment: Fast-paced, hot, humid, dusty farm environment

About Us

The Bug Company is a leader in the pet industry, specializing in the farming and production of live insects for reptile and exotic pet owners nationwide.

We are building a reliable, high-performing core team focused on consistency, safety, quality, and long-term employment. As we invest in higher pay and stronger staffing, we are prioritizing individuals who value accountability, follow-through, teamwork, and dependable performance.

Position Summary

The Production Specialist is a team member with a hands-on role responsible for the daily care, handling, production, and quality control of live insect products. This position plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, supporting insect husbandry operations, and ensuring production goals are achieved safely and consistently. Employees in this role contribute directly to the success of our operation through attention to detail, reliability, and adherence to established procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily production and care of live insect colonies
• Perform insect husbandry tasks according to established procedures
• Handle live insects safely and appropriately throughout production processes
• Follow production schedules and standardized work instructions
• Operate basic equipment: tape guns, packaging tools, and materials safely and efficiently
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas
• Monitor inventory levels and report concerns to leadership
• Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality standards
• Support team members in achieving department objectives
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or process deviations immediately

Safety-Focused Work Environment

Safety is a core expectation of this role, not an afterthought. Employees are expected to:
Follow all production, handling, and workplace safety procedures
Maintain awareness of surroundings in a fast-paced production environment
Use equipment, tools, and materials properly at all times
Immediately report unsafe conditions or hazards
Support a clean and organized workplace to reduce risks and maintain product quality
Follow biosecurity and husbandry protocols as required

We are committed to maintaining a workplace where safety, consistency, and accountability are part of everyday operations.

What We’re Looking For (Core Success Traits)

• Strong attendance and reliability history
• Comfortable working in structured, process-driven environments
• Ability to follow detailed instructions consistently
• Attention to detail while maintaining productivity
• Respect for safety procedures and workplace standards
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to learn and follow standardized processes exactly
• Ability to stay focused in repetitive but important work
• Preference for stable, long-term employment

Preferred Experience

• Animal care or husbandry
• Greenhouse or gardening operations
• Agricultural production
• Manufacturing or production environments
• Assembly line work
• Warehouse operations
• General manual labor

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Standing, bending, walking, and repetitive motion throughout the shift

Ability to work with urgency while maintaining quality standards

Comfort working in hot, humid, and dusty conditions

Ability to safely handle and work directly with live insects

Schedule

Full-time, consistent weekly schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Hours will fluctuate based on production schedules, shipping schedules, and company needs.)

Pay & Benefits

• $19/hour starting rate
• Paid vacation
• 7 paid holidays
• Medical benefits
• 401(k) with company match

What Makes This Role Different

• Higher expectations around reliability, attendance, and safety
• Stronger team consistency and predictable operations
• Structured workflows and clear procedures
• Greater investment in long-term employees
• A workplace where quality, insect care, and safety matter every day
• We are offering higher pay because we are prioritizing employees who can consistently support a safe, stable, and high-quality production operation.

Ideal Candidate Mindset

This role is a strong fit for someone who is looking for: Stable, full-time employment; A predictable schedule and structured environment; A safety-focused workplace; Hands-on production work with tangible results; Long-term job stability, not short-term work; A role where consistency, quality, and reliability are valued and rewarded.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bug Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At-will employment applies to all positions.