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PHS-SPCA Invertebrate Biologist (saratoga)
PHS-SPCA
24103 Congress Springs Rd
compensation:
$70,304 - $83,000/year, depending on experience; excellent benefits package
employment type:
full-time
experience level:
mid level
job title:
Invertebrate Biologist
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Department: Imperiled Species Breeding Program
Reports To: Principal Biologist
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Salary: $70,304 - $83,000/year (DOE)
Excellent Benefits Package Available
This position is on-site in Saratoga, CA starting in January 2027.
Who we are: The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS/SPCA is truly an open admission shelter, not only accepting many pet animals who might be refused at other shelters, but also taking care of injured and orphaned native wildlife. We’re among just a handful of humane societies and SPCAs, worldwide, that extends its caring services to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Typically, we successfully rehabilitate 1,200 to 1,400 animals each year, vital work made possible by generous donations. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.
Who you are: You have a passion to work with native butterflies and other at-risk invertebrate species. You have experience performing daily husbandry and supporting research and successful release of species. In addition, you look forward to continuing to learn other programs such as herpetological captive propagation programs.
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:
Trains and supervises Program staff. Provides leadership and guidance to Program staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential
duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, shelter medical records and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Demonstrated ability to write clear, organized research documents.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• 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.
Excellent Benefits Package Available
• Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending
• Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retirement plan & employer matching
Available to all employees with pets:
• Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
• Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.
For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers
The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.