Biologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• BA or BS in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or a related field (MS preferred)
• Minimum of three years of professional experience, or an advanced degree, in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field
• Strong reading comprehension for technical documents, safety rules, and procedure manuals
• Clear, organized written communication and report-writing ability
• Comfortable speaking before groups
• Solid math skills, including rate/ratio/percent calculations and interpreting data and graphs
• Sound judgment applying instructions in written, oral, or diagram form
• Proficiency (or ability to become proficient within a six-month probationary period) with Raptormed database software and Microsoft Office
• Valid CA Driver's License with a clean, insurable driving record
• Must pass a background check upon hire
• 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
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience with butterfly husbandry preferred
• Botany experience helpful but not required

Responsibilities

• Manage and help implement a captive propagation program for selected native butterflies and other terrestrial invertebrate species in a laboratory setting, expanding the number of species over time in coordination with the Principal Biologist
• Support the Principal Biologist in applying for and maintaining compliance with relevant USFWS and CDFW permits
• Ensure all invertebrates are housed, fed, monitored, and cared for appropriately
• Provide direct hands-on husbandry: handling, rearing, feeding, enclosure maintenance, life-stage monitoring, and release preparation
• Participate in collaborations with USFWS, CDFW, and other relevant agencies under Principal Biologist supervision
• Coordinate with the Principal Biologist to develop plans, goals, and priorities for the program's first two years, keeping projects on track and meeting deadlines
• Standardize policies, standards, and procedures specific to invertebrate husbandry
• Maintain detailed biological records, including lineage tracking, survival rates, and release outcomes, and collect scientific data to satisfy permit requirements
• Coordinate with local nurseries for host plant cultivation (botany experience helpful but not required)
• Travel occasionally for animal pick-up and release
• Prepare periodic reports for the Principal Biologist and assist with required regulatory reporting
• Supervise, train, and evaluate program staff, including animal care staff, lab assistants, technicians, and volunteers
• Train on husbandry and monitoring of the reptile and amphibian imperiled species program, providing supervision on herpetology projects
• Collaborate with education and outreach teams to support public awareness of imperiled species recovery
• Monitor supply needs and coordinate purchase and maintenance of husbandry supplies
• Stay current on relevant legislation, scientific findings, and research through literature review, trainings, and conferences
• Trains and supervises program staff, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, performance evaluation, and addressing complaints and problems, in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.