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Insect Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Josh's Frogs

Insect Packer (Evergreen)

Durand, MI · On-site

$15/hr

As a part of our Insect team, you'll be packaging and sending feeder insects to customers across ... training, compensation, promotion, job transfer, and assignments. These opportunities and other ...

State of Pennsylvania

Laboratory Assistant

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$17.38/hr

Examine insect samples using microscopes and taxonomic keys * Specimen Preparation: Pin and curate ... REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Special Requirement: * You must be in ...

Caltech

Research Technical Assistant

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Maintain mammalian and insect tissue cultures. * Conduct heterologous protein expression in ... training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing ...

Yellowstone Landscape

PHC Technician

Roselle, IL

Ability to diagnose insect, disease, and weed issues in the field. * Strong Tree and shrub ... Contribute to our safety culture by actively participating in weekly safety training. * Follow ...

Yellowstone Landscape

PHC Technician

Wauconda, IL

Ability to diagnose insect, disease, and weed issues in the field. * Strong Tree and shrub ... Contribute to our safety culture by actively participating in weekly safety training. * Follow ...

Caltech

Research Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Maintain and passage insect cells (Sf9 and Hi5) and mammalian cell cultures under sterile ... training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing ...

Yellowstone Landscape

PHC Technician

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Ability to diagnose insect, disease, and weed issues in the field. * Strong Tree and shrub ... Contribute to our safety culture by actively participating in weekly safety training. * Follow ...

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How much do insect trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for insect trainer in the United States is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Insect Trainers?

Insect Trainers are professionals who specialize in conditioning and guiding the behavior of insects, typically for research, educational demonstrations, or entertainment purposes. They use various methods such as positive reinforcement, environmental cues, and controlled stimuli to encourage insects to perform specific tasks or behaviors. While the concept may sound unusual, insect training has applications in scientific studies, pest management research, and even art installations. Insect Trainers need a strong understanding of entomology and animal behavior to effectively work with different species. This field is niche but offers unique opportunities for those interested in both insects and behavioral science.

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

To thrive as an Insect Trainer, you need a background in entomology, animal behavior, and basic biology, often supported by relevant scientific education or experience. Proficiency in using observation tools, controlled environments, and data recording systems is typically required. Patience, attention to detail, and strong observational skills help you understand and work with insect responses effectively. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the well-being of the insects, achieving training objectives, and advancing research or practical applications.

What is the difference between Insect Trainer vs Entomologist?

AspectInsect TrainerEntomologist
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of insects, often with certifications in animal training or pest controlAdvanced degree (bachelor's or higher) in entomology or related field
Work EnvironmentZoos, insectariums, entertainment shows, pest control companiesResearch labs, universities, government agencies, fieldwork
Industry UsageEntertainment, education, pest managementScientific research, academia, pest management policy

Insect Trainers focus on training insects for entertainment, education, or pest control, often requiring certifications in animal handling. Entomologists conduct scientific research, requiring advanced degrees, and work primarily in research or academic settings. While both work with insects, their roles differ significantly in purpose, environment, and credentials.

What are some common challenges faced by Insect Trainers when working with different species?

Insect Trainers often encounter challenges related to the varied behavioral patterns and learning abilities of different insect species. Each species may respond differently to training methods, requiring trainers to adapt their techniques and exercise patience. Additionally, maintaining a controlled environment to ensure the well-being of the insects while training them can be demanding. Collaboration with entomologists and other specialists is often essential to address these challenges effectively and to develop innovative training approaches tailored to each species.
Infographic showing various Insect Trainer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,233 per year, or $27 per hour.
Insect Packer (Evergreen)

Insect Packer (Evergreen)

Josh's Frogs

Durand, MI • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Josh’s Frogs is a fast-growing online pet store and leader in the industry, and we pride ourselves on selling only happy, healthy captive-bred amphibians, reptiles, insects, and fish. We respect and protect our people and animals, value integrity, and commit to constant improvement. We promote from within and offer ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
**This job ad is evergreen, meaning it will remain open for the foreseeable future. We are not actively hiring for this position at this time, but someone from our recruiting team may be in contact to get you into consideration for future openings.**
We're looking for people who appreciate creepy crawlers to join our Insect Department as full-time Insect Packers! As a part of our Insect team, you’ll be packaging and sending feeder insects to customers across the country. Your primary responsibilities will be packing insects into shipping-friendly containers, creating fruit fly cultures, handling bugs like cockroaches and mealworms, and counting orders. If you’ve been looking to work in a cool new industry with a dedicated team, this might be the perfect fit!

Full-time (40 per week), Monday through Friday OR Sunday through Thursday, schedule varying between 7:30 AM and 4 PM
$16.00/hour
Benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision Insurance (Josh’s Frogs contributes 80% for single and family coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield)
Paid time off (Holiday, Sick, and Vacation, with Sick pay and 24 Holiday hours added upon hire)
Short-term and long-term disability
$50,000 life insurance
Fully vested 401(k) (100% company matching up to 3%, then 50% match up to 6%), with additional options for Roth
Free membership to Calm Premium (including up to 5 dependents)
Generous employee discount on the Josh’s Frogs website
Free breakfast, snacks, and coffee provided at work
Travel opportunities for expos/shows (in some positions)

Day-to-day tasks include:
Pre-packing insects
Handling live insects
Counting orders
Creating fruit fly cultures
Receiving and rotating cricket delivery
For this position, you MUST possess:
Attention to detail
Data collection experience
Willingness to accept feedback
Excellent communication skills
Time management
Basic computer skills
Special consideration is given to those with:
Leadership experience
Experience with the scientific method
Examples of how an employee could exhibit our core values in this position:
Integrity - Communicating when uncertain about what to do, always looking for more, and alerting management when mistakes are made
One Team - Helping Shipping when they need it, and communicating with sister departments
Constantly Growing - Brainstorming for ideas to improve efficiency, communication, and organization
Herpetoculture is booming, and we're the proof! Josh's Frogs was one of the INC 5000's fastest-growing businesses in 2022, and we're proud of it. What's more impressive is that this is Josh's Frogs' FIFTH year in a row on the INC 5000 List! Only 5% of businesses have made the list five years consecutively. One of our core values isn’t “constantly growing” for nothing; the proof is in the pond. Come join the team and expand alongside one of America’s top-growing companies!
It is the policy of Josh’s Frogs to provide equal employment opportunity in recruitment, selection, training, compensation, promotion, job transfer, and assignments. These opportunities and other conditions of employment are extended to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individual’s race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, and/or other protected categories under applicable laws.

It is also the policy of Josh’s Frogs to make reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities, and to extend employment opportunities to such persons, as well as to special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam era, Recently Separated Veterans, Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans, and other protected veterans. The Vice President of Human Resources is the Equal Employment policy officer for the company.

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