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 Biologist I is responsible for providing animal and plant care for the Steinhart Aquarium’s living collection in various exhibit areas as assigned. While this position would support a wide variety of taxa, freshwater and saltwater aquarium husbandry experience is preferred. Clean habitats and holding areas, monitor animal and plant health, make frequent daily rounds, report suspected animal or water quality problems to a department lead, maintain accurate records.

Work schedule will include weekends, evenings and holidays.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

The Steinhart Team is integral to the living collections at the Academy. This team cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, freshwater fish, marine fish, and plants. The Steinhart Aquarium inspires Academy visitors, increases their understanding and appreciation of biodiversity, and empowers them to make sustainability actions, with excellent live exhibits maintained to the highest standards. The Aquarium is a collaborative, supportive and innovative department that promotes a culture of trust, accountability and respect.

• 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: marine aquariums, 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…