Biologist

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world‑class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission‑driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you’re working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

Reporting to a department lead, the Part‑time Biologist I is responsible for providing animal care for the Steinhart Aquarium’s living collection in various exhibit areas as assigned. Tasks include cleaning habitats and holding areas, monitoring animal and plant health, making frequent daily rounds, reporting suspected animal or water quality problems to a department lead, and maintaining accurate records. Work schedule will include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision, and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world.

Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to more than 60,000 live plants and animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats. Since 1923, Steinhart Aquarium has developed a colorful history of firsts, from becoming the first public aquarium to display flashlight fish and coconut octopuses to advancing exploration of the ocean’s mysterious “twilight zone.”

Innovation and scientific excellence are in our DNA.

• Provides daily animal and plant care and habitat maintenance including animal feedings, habitat and back‑of‑house cleaning, health monitoring, and environmental sampling for one or more of the following: freshwater aquariums, terrestrial invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, bird, plant, and mammal habitats and holding areas.
• Actively participates in the animal welfare and behavioral husbandry programs.
• Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
• Assists in the design and preparation of new display environments and habitats.
• Actively seeks further training with all taxa represented in the living collection.
• Maintains accurate records using the department’s standardized software programs.
• Effectively communicates to the Aquarium management and staff.
• Establishes and maintains positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Participates in Academy committees and work groups as needed.
• Presents programs to the general public, media, and in professional meetings.
• Interacts with professional colleagues, guests, the media, and the general public in a professional manner.
• Follows all Academy safety regulations.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Previous paid work experience in an aquarium, zoo, or similar facility caring for animals and/or plants required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Aquatic Biology, or a related field preferred.

• Basic knowledge of essential animal care and welfare requirements for the living collection.
• Basic knowledge of USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare.
• Basic knowledge of public…