Production Specialist (Insect Husbandry)

The Bug Company; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bug Company in Virginia Beach, VA is hiring a Production Specialist (Insect Husbandry) to manage daily care, production, and quality control of live insect products.

You will work on-site in a fast-paced facility, following established procedures, maintaining safety and biosecurity, and supporting production goals with attention to detail and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care or husbandry preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed production procedures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and dusty conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily production and care of live insect colonies
• Perform insect husbandry tasks according to procedures
• Handle live insects safely throughout production
• Follow production schedules and standardized work instructions
• Operate basic packaging tools safely and efficiently
• Maintain clean, organized, sanitary work areas
• Monitor inventory and report concerns to leadership
• Meet daily production goals while ensuring quality

Skills

Dependability

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Job description

Production Specialist (Insect Husbandry)

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)

We are hiring for dependability, safety awareness, and consistency first. Strong candidates typically demonstrate:

• 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