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Insect Curator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Insect Curator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.6K

$75.8K

$124.7K

How much do insect curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for insect curator in Riverside, CA is $75,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $98,100.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Insect Curator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Insect Curator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insect Curator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Insect Curator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Insect Curator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Insect Curator job openings:
Insect Curator jobs near you
Graduate Student Assistant - College of Science - #721857986

Graduate Student Assistant - College of Science - #721857986

CAL POLY POMONA FOUNDATION

Pomona, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises Employment Services
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
JOB POSITION: Part-Time Graduate Student Assistant
DEPARTMENT: College of Science
ABOUT US: As the largest employer of students on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the Foundation offers valuable work experience and hands-on training to approximately 1,500 Cal Poly Pomona students each year. The Foundation offers positions in various fields; whether it is in the area of technology, science, retail, culinary arts, hospitality1500 management, leadership or research grants, these student employees participate in Cal Poly Pomona's learn-by-doing philosophy and acquire practical skills in their designated field of study.
The Foundation also contributes operating support to nearly 1,100 Foundation and scholarship programs every year, including Bronco Athletics and the Norman J. Priest Scholarship. In addition, the Foundation administers grants and contracts, contributes to campus security, and supports several university publications. The Foundation contributes over $1 million annually to Cal Poly Pomona.
SUMMARY: The Graduate Student Assistant will support a research project in the Department of Biological Sciences under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. The student will assist with research-related tasks including literature review and analysis of insect morphological features related to insect age and reproductive status.
SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL GET TO DO (this is just a small sampling of work variety):
  • Assist with literature reviews and organization of research articles.
  • Support data collection activities, including preparation of materials and data entry.
  • Assist with qualitative and/or quantitative data coding and organization.
  • Support transcription, file management and documentation of research activities.
  • Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and research materials.
  • Attend regular meetings with the Principal Investigator.
  • Maintain confidentiality and follow research ethics protocols.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Current Cal Poly Pomona graduate student in good academic standing.
  • Strong background in bee taxonomy, identification, and curation of pinned insects.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate work in bee biology and pollination ecology
Previous experience working with pinned insects, data analysis, and insect identification to the Genus or species level.
Experience with insect dissections and knowledge of basic insect external internal anatomy.
CSU along with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation strongly recommend faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare an exemption from doing so. The systemwide policy can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy and any questions may be sent to fdnhr@cpp.edu
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.

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