Biologist , Aquarium

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 the Curator of Water Quality and Aquarium Operations, this part-time commissary biologist position is responsible for providing daily animal diet preparation, food stock inventory, and ensuring clean kitchen spaces. Also general animal care and maintenance for live feed items both terrestrial and aquatic. Work schedule will include weekends, evenings and holidays. This 16 hour per week position.

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. Learn more at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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 Commissary Team is integral to the living collections at the Academy. This team is responsible for diet preparation of the mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, terrestrial invertebrate, and aquatic (fresh and salt water) collection. The Commissary Team is one of the several teams within the Steinhart Aquarium. 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.

Today, Steinhart continues to shape the role that modern aquariums play in educating and inspiring the public about the biodiversity and sustainability of our oceans and rainforests.

• Prepares food for the animals following established diets.
• Cleans and disinfects work areas on a daily basis and maintains the commissary in a neat, orderly manner to comply with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Association of Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) standards.
• Provides the husbandry and maintenance of healthy live aquatic and terrestrial feeds by following established protocols.
• Provides a…