• Academy biologists hold newborn African penguin chicks
    Steinhart Aquarium biologists care for nearly 60,000 animals—from penguin chicks to jellyfish.
  • An ornithologist examines a bird of prey specimen in the Academy collections.
    With nearly 46 million scientific specimens, Academy research collections are some of the most important records of life on Earth.
  • A public programs presenter shows a fossil to a young guest
    Academy educators inspire a love of science for 100,000+ students every year.
  • Academy curator Shannon Bennett pictured in her lab
    Cutting-edge research is conducted daily at the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability.
  • A group of cheerful docents in orange lab coats show off animal specimens
    Highly trained Academy docents have been engaging and inspiring guests on the public floor since 1969.
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When you share a workspace with nearly 60,000 live animals, you know you work somewhere special. Join the team at the California Academy of Sciences and make a difference for your career—and the planet.

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Work with the best

Academy scientists on a dive boat holding a specimen

Educators. Scientists. Designers. Biologists. At the Academy, you can make your passion your profession.

From discovering new species to designing interactive exhibits, Academy employees embody our mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration

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Our commitment to you

Exhibits staff preparing an exhibit for the public floor

Health insurance is just the beginning.

The Academy provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports medical and financial wellness. In addition, a wide variety of perks and staff clubs help build careers and nourish community.

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Strength in diversity

academy careers

Science brings us together. Collaboration, diversity, and inclusion make us stronger.

The Academy is committed to cultivating a culturally inclusive environment in which diversity of thought and expression are valued, respected, appreciated, and celebrated. We believe in creating a culture in which all individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, are able to achieve a desirable work-life balance, and have the opportunity to excel.

Our vision is a collaborative workplace that encourages all team members to draw on their unique experiences and backgrounds to generate ideas. This diversity of perspectives allows us to best realize our mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

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Career spotlight

Exciting job opportunities abound—learn more about our latest openings below

 

  • Chief Philanthropy Officer

    The Chief Philanthropy Officer reports directly to the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, partnering closely with the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The CPO, overseeing a team of approximately 30 staff, will have a rare opportunity to take a thriving institution with a distinguished history to the next level of charitable funding. Specifically, as the Academy roots itself in a compelling new purpose—regenerating the natural world—the Chief Philanthropy Officer will be part of a small team of leaders seeking to expand the national and global presence of the organization, including both its audience and its donor support base.

    TO APPLY

    Russell Reynolds is the executive search firm that has been exclusively retained to recruit for the Chief Philanthropy Officer at the California Academy of Sciences. Please see this Position Specification for more information.
    Please submit a resume to CPOCalAcademy@russellreynolds.com.

Other ways to get involved
Academy docent engaging with guests
Volunteering at the Academy

The California Academy of Sciences offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to match nearly any interest.

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Students and instructors in front of an Academy van at Pepperwood Preserve.

2019 SSI interns at the Pepperwood Preserve.

Paid Internships

Academy internships offer college and post-graduate students the opportunity to work alongside our scientists.

CiS interns comparing field notes
Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

CiS is a multi-year, year-round, STEM and workforce development program for SF high school students.