Invertebrate Biologist

About the Organization

A leading nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to protecting animals, inspiring compassion, and strengthening the bond between people and pets. Through sheltering, veterinary services, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach, the organization provides vital programs that save lives and create a more humane community.

About the Role

We're seeking an Invertebrate Biologist to manage captive propagation for native butterflies and other at-risk invertebrate species at our conservation center. Under the direction of the Principal Biologist, you'll lead day-to-day husbandry and management of the invertebrate program while supporting research and successful species release. You'll also be cross-trained in our herpetological captive propagation programs.

Essential Duties and 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

Supervisory Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 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

• Experience with butterfly husbandry preferred

Skills

• 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

Certifications

• Valid CA Driver's License with a clean, insurable driving record

Other Requirements

• 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

Physical Demands

Regularly requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing/balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Occasional sitting and driving. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50-75 pounds.

Work Environment

Routine exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, possible exposure to zoonotic diseases and aggressive/feral animals, mechanical moving parts, outdoor weather conditions, and risk of radiation. Noise level is usually loud.

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