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Insect Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Working with a team to execute insect and plant-based experiments. * Collection and curation of high-quality data under deadlines. * Assisting with all aspects of insect colony tasks, such as daily ...

Assistant Curator/Curator of Entomology Location: Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium FLSA ... Provide animal care to Audubon's living collection at assigned facility-Insectarium or Insect ...

Zoo Horticulture Supervisor

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$46K - $68K/yr

Coordinate with Education Curator to maintain and expand educational signage and programming ... Coordinate services of contracted pest control professionals to control rodent, insect, and other ...

Insect Curator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do insect curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for insect curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Insect Curators?

Insect Curators are professionals responsible for managing and caring for insect collections in museums, research institutions, or universities. Their duties include cataloguing specimens, preserving and preparing insects, conducting research, and making the collection accessible to scientists and the public. They also often participate in educational outreach and may contribute to scientific publications. Insect Curators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity records and supporting entomological research.

What are some common challenges faced by an Insect Curator in maintaining and cataloging large entomological collections?

Insect Curators often manage thousands or even millions of specimens, requiring meticulous organization and attention to detail. One of the main challenges is preventing damage from pests, humidity, or light exposure, which can compromise delicate specimens. Additionally, curators must keep up with evolving taxonomic classifications and digitize records to make the collection accessible for research and public education. Collaboration with researchers, educators, and conservationists is also essential to ensure the collection remains relevant and well-maintained.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Insect Curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insect Curator, you need a strong background in entomology, taxonomy, and museum studies, often backed by an advanced degree in biological sciences or a related field. Familiarity with specimen management systems, collection databases, and preservation techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing collections and engaging with researchers or the public. These competencies ensure accurate specimen curation, contribute to scientific research, and help educate the community about insect biodiversity.

What is the difference between Insect Curator vs Entomologist?

AspectInsect CuratorEntomologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology or entomology, museum experienceBachelor's or higher in entomology or related field, often with research experience
Work EnvironmentMuseums, zoos, research collectionsResearch labs, universities, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, educational institutions, zoosResearch institutions, government agencies, academia
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference is that an Insect Curator manages and maintains insect collections in museums or zoos, focusing on preservation and display. An Entomologist conducts research, studies insect behavior, and may work in labs or fieldwork. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ.

More about Insect Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for Insect Curator jobs? Cities with the most Insect Curator job openings:
What states have the most Insect Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Insect Curator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Insect Curator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

CYNET SYSTEMS

Johnston, IA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Overview:

Requirement/Must Have:

  • High school diploma/GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in entomology, agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, or related field or 3+ years of related experience or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience is preferred.
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow standard operating and safety/ergonomics protocols is essential.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • High degree of self-motivation and a positive attitude.
  • Ability to work well independently as well as a team member with minimal supervision.
  • Basic computer skills preferred, including MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook), and ability to gain competency with internally-developed research software.
  • Must be able to stand and sit for long periods of time and lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to tolerate hours of repetitive work in a warm, humid growth chamber setting.

Responsibilities:

  • Working with a team to execute insect and plant-based experiments.
  • Collection and curation of high-quality data under deadlines.
  • Assisting with all aspects of insect colony tasks, such as daily maintenance, diet preparation, egg collection, weekly production setup, insect staging, sanitation, etc.
  • Working with plants and insects in a greenhouse, growth chamber, or field setting.
  • Ensuring that all material necessary for rearing insect colonies and execution of assays are prepared properly and on time.
  • Conducting miscellaneous tasks such as cleaning, handling, packaging, and storing facility supplies/materials/equipment.

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, Cynet Systems Inc. is a leading staffing and recruiting powerhouse. Proudly recognized as a nationally and locally certified diversity firm, Cynet delivers agile, scalable talent solutions across industries. With an active footprint in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, we support thousands of consultants through our expansive, high-performing recruitment engine operating across North America and Asiaโ€”ensuring speed, quality, and consistency in every hire.

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About Cynet Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cynet Systems Inc is a staffing and recruiting corporation nestled in Ashburn, VA, USA. Established in 2010, the company operates within the Information Technology and Services sector, specializing in providing effective workforce solutions to different business needs, including IT consulting, direct hire, and contract staffing services. Through the years, Cynet Systems has built an impressive portfolio, going beyond borders and expanding its operations internationally in Canada and India. Rooted in its core values of teamwork, leadership, and commitment, Cynet Systems helps businesses unlock their full potential by providing versatile and competent professionals that perfectly align with their needs. Fueled by their unwavering mission to deliver top-tier talent to businesses worldwide, Cynet Systems garnered various recognitions including SIA's fastest-growing staffing firms and Best Place to Work in Virginia for 2019.

Industry

It services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sterling, VA, US

Year founded

2010

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