Biologist II San Francisco, CA

About the California Academy of Sciences

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 through 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.

About the Opportunity

This is a full‑time Biologist II position that is responsible for providing general animal care, maintenance, and support for the Steinhart Aquarium’s diverse living collection. While this position will support a wide variety of taxa, freshwater and saltwater aquarium husbandry experience is preferred. This position will also support the aquarium’s phytoplankton culture and marine fish larval rearing programs.

Our biologists maintain habitats and holding areas, monitor animal and plant health, make frequent daily rounds, report suspected animal or water quality problems to a department lead, and maintain accurate records. The work schedule is either Sunday‑Thursday or Tuesday‑Saturday and 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.

About the Aquarium Team

The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Steinhart Aquarium contributes to the Academy’s mission by building connections between humans and nature, and regenerating select 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.

• Duties will consist of approximately 50% marine phytoplankton and marine larval fish culture and 50% general aquarium husbandry
• Cultures various species of phytoplankton according to protocols
• Participates in the marine larval rearing program including egg collection, egg sorting, feeds and maintenance
• 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: fresh and saltwater 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.
• Participates in collection of specimens, animal transportation and…