Under the general supervision of the Senior Museum Scientist, the Living Collections Specialist supports the curation and maintenance of the live animal ambassador colony used in educational programs and demonstrations at The Lawrence Hall of Science’s Animal Discovery Zone. This position collaborates with University partners and other departments to plan, develop, and lead programs that enhance the public’s understanding of the life sciences and STEM education. The Living Collections Specialist provides work direction and mentors UC Berkeley student assistants and volunteers on the animal care team and provides administrative and operational support to the Senior Museum Scientist to ensure a high quality of life for the animal ambassador colony.

The First Review Date for this job is: 9/18/2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Operations, Staff & Administrative Support – 35%

• Create the monthly student staff schedule
• Provide work direction for and mentor student staff in their animal husbandry and facilitation duties
• Support training and hiring processes
• Manage inventory, records, task delegation, and operational problem-solving; purchase supplies as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Animal Care & Health Management – 30%

• Develop and oversee schedule of species-specific diet plans, feeding, grooming, enrichment, health monitoring and medications
• Collaborate with veterinary staff as needed
• Create and maintain SOPs, task schedules, cleaning protocols, and educational guides for animal care staff and volunteers

Habitat Design & Environmental Management – 20%

• Create species-appropriate enclosure parameters that promote natural behaviors and provide visually engaging experiences for visitors
• Oversee routine cleaning and maintenance schedule for animal enclosures

Collaboration & Public Engagement – 15%

• Cross-departmental collaboration, event participation, public outreach, and educational programming
• Occasionally facilitate engaging programs with the public

• Minimum 4 years of experience handling animals while facilitating learning experiences with species similar to the current colony of Animal Discovery Zone animals (reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and arthropods), including thorough subject area knowledge of exotic animal natural history and ethology, as well as basic knowledge of appropriate species-specific behavior and it’s relationship to animal health
• Minimum 4 years professional experience with animal husbandry, including creating museum-quality live animal habitat displays and lighting
• Minimum 2 years of experience facilitating and developing informal educational programs focused on ecology, conservation, zoology and/or related fields of the life sciences
• Possess ability to understand, interpret and extrapolate applicable information from reliable resources and research studies on best animal care practices and ethology, and make recommendations based on findings, demonstrating organizational and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing and training animal care staff, volunteers, and professional educators to help facilitate program activities with diverse audiences
• Possess knowledge at a college level of science (biology or conservation and resource studies preferred)
• Positive public service attitude and the ability to establish rapport with diverse public science center visitors, staff and volunteers and create an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all
• Excellent interpersonal skills: considers and responds appropriately to the needs and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful and treats others with respect; relates effectively to others when encountering difficult situations
• Thorough and effective verbal, written, interpersonal communication and public speaking skills
• Commitment to teamwork: contributes to achieving group goals; supports teams efforts to succeed; balances team and individual responsibilities; willing to adjust schedules for the team; completes tasks on time; takes responsibility for own actions; reliable
• Functional knowledge of informal educational techniques including the ability to deliver developmentally appropriate and effective pedagogy to engage diverse learners in experiences, programs, and exhibitions
• Computer Skills with business software systems and database software in the completion of work assignments (for example, Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspaces)
• Work one weekend day a week (either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday). Ability to work evenings and some holidays as needed
• Physical ability to pick up and carry supplies (up to 50 pounds)
• Possess strong organizational skills

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Valid CA DL
• First Aid, CPR certification (Preferred)

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California’s Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $32.79 – $38.40 (steps 1-9).

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

• Must have availability to work one weekend day a week (either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday). Ability to work evenings and some holidays as needed.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html