HERPETOLOGIST

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat. The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by local naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role over the years in regional conversation efforts. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, leveraging science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s mission is to “Conserve nature through science and discovery.” In support of this mission, the Museum’s Department of Bioservices coordinates contracting for biological surveys and monitoring of the region’s birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, plants, and invertebrates, with an emphasis on applied ecological research. The Department of Bioservices at The Nat has an opening for a Herpetologist to assist with contracted field work.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct field investigations of reptiles and amphibians throughout the region, including remote areas. Work is a mixture of either daytime or nighttime hours and sometimes in remote areas requiring camping at field sites. Anticipated upcoming work includes surveys and monitoring of reptiles and amphibians utilizing capture and acoustic monitoring techniques in both coastal, desert, and montane areas. Applicants must be experienced in identifying the reptiles and amphibians of southern California. Other duties may include data entry and analysis, and report writing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. in biology or a related discipline, or a combination of professional experience and biological knowledge equivalent to a graduate degree.
• Extensive knowledge of the reptiles and amphibians of San Diego County and surrounding regions.
• Experience utilizing standard reptiles and amphibians survey techniques and equipment.
• Experience in safely handling, measuring, and assessing reptiles and amphibians in the hand.
• 10(a) and state SCP permits to work with rare species preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of GIS mapping, and/or statistical analyses of data sets is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs., and hike up to three miles in rough terrain.
• Have a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

Time Commitment:

This position is a full-time (32-40 hours per week), term position, for a period of 18 months (ending 30 June 2028). The term may be extended pending suitable funding. All work is funded through grants and contracts. Start Date: January 4th, 2027 Pay: $32.50/hour. This position is eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation, sick-time, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more. Ready to apply? Please include a resume and cover letter in your application. No phone calls or drop-ins. Position will remain open until filled.