Invertebrate Biologist

Invertebrate Biologist

Manages captive propagation for native butterflies and other at-risk invertebrate species er the direction of the Principal Biologist, leads the day-to-day husbandry and management of the invertebrate program while supporting research and successful release of species. Will be crossed trained in the herpetological captive propagation programs. Conducts daily operations consistent with organization's policies and procedures.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Manages and assists with implementing a captive propagation program for selected native butterflies and other terrestrial invertebrate species in a laboratory setting. Expands the number of species included in the program over time in coordination with the Principal Biologist.
• Supports the Principal Biologist in applying for and ensuring compliance with relevant required USFWS and CDFW permits.
• Ensures that all invertebrates are housed, fed, monitored, and otherwise cared for adequately and appropriately. Monitors animals involved in programs.
• Provides direct hands-on husbandry including handling, rearing, feeding, enclosure maintenance, life stage monitoring, and preparation for release.
• Participates in collaborations with USFWS, CDFW, and other relevant agencies to accomplish program goals with Principal Biologist supervision.
• Coordinates with the Principal biologist to develop plans, goals, and priorities for first two years of Program. Ensures that projects stay on track and meet agreed upon deadlines.
• Standardizes policies, standards, and procedures specific to invertebrate husbandry.
• Maintains detailed biological records including lineage tracking, survival rates, and release outcomes. Includes scientific data collection to satisfy permit requirements and grow scientific knowledge on endangered species.
• Works and coordinates with Principal Biologist and local nurseries for host plant cultivation. Botany experience would be helpful but not required.
• Potential for minimal field work, including travel for pick up and release of animals.
• Prepares periodic reports for Principal Biologist and assists in preparation of required reports to regulatory agencies.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates program staff. Trains animal care staff in proper butterfly husbandry and monitoring techniques and also performs supervision and mentorship for all assistants, technicians and volunteers.
• Will become fully trained on the husbandry and monitoring of the reptile and amphibian imperiled species program and provide necessary assistance. Will provide supervision for lab assistants, technicians, and volunteers on herpetology projects.
• Actively collaborates with other departments, including education and outreach teams, to support public awareness of imperiled species recovery.
• Works with the Principal Biologist to monitor supply needs and coordinate purchase and maintenance of husbandry supplies.
• Keeps apprised on relevant new legislation, scientific findings and research by reviewing scientific literature and attending trainings and conferences as appropriate.

Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications include a BA or BS in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology or related field; MS preferred. Minimum of three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience with butterfly husbandry is preferred. Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must become proficient with Raptormed database software and Microsoft Office within the probationary period (first six months from hire date), in addition to computer keyboarding skills, and data entry. Valid CA Driver's License with a clean driving record to be insured by our auto insurance company. Upon hire, must pass a background check.

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 of people and organizations. Ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy working environment.

Physical demands include standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee is occasionally required to sit and/or drive. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50-75 pounds. The work environment is usually loud and routinely exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; possible routine exposure to zoonotic diseases, aggressive and feral animals;

routinely exposed to mechanical moving parts; outside…