Careers at Beneficial Insectary
At Beneficial Insectary, we are proud to be a leader in the production and supply of high-quality beneficial insects and mites for biological pest control. Since 1986, our team has supported growers across North America with science-based, environmentally friendly pest management solutions.
If you’re passionate about agriculture, sustainability, and making a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.
Why Work With Us
At Beneficial Insectary, we believe that our people are the foundation of our success. We foster a collaborative environment where innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement are encouraged. Whether you’re working in production, research, operations, or administration, you’ll be part of a team making a difference in agriculture and the environment every day.
What we stand for
Our Values
Customer Commitment
Our Customer Service and IPM teams are dedicated in their commitment to delivering customer satisfaction and product awareness with every encounter.
Teamwork
We work together, to exceed the needs of our customers and to help our Company flourish.
Passion for Innovation
Driven and devoted to innovating science-based least toxic product development.
Respect for People
We honor and value our people, inspire their growth and celebrate their success.
Quality
We mass-rear outstanding products, with unsurpassed customer service that, together as a company, deliver superior value to our customers.
Personal Accountability
We are personally accountable for following through on our commitments every single time.
Comprehensive Employee Benefits
We are proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment. After 90 days, employees are also eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan, which includes a company match of up to 4% with 100% vesting.
- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Mental Health & Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with 4% Company Match and 100% Vesting
- Additional Wellness Resources
Open Positions
Description
Product Technician – Insect Production
**Department:** Biological Production
**Reports To:** Production Supervisor or Operations Manager
**Location:** [Insert location]
**FLSA Status:** Non-Exempt
Position Summary:
The Product Technician – Insect Production supports the rearing, harvesting, quality control, and packaging of beneficial insects and mites used in biological pest control. This role is essential to maintaining high standards of organism health, environmental cleanliness, and production accuracy. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working with live organisms, and committed to contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the propagation and rearing of beneficial insects and mites according to company protocols
- Monitor insect life cycles, growth stages, and environmental conditions to ensure healthy production
- Perform tasks such as feeding, harvesting, sorting, and transferring live insects with precision and care
- Prepare, package, and label live insect shipments for customer delivery in accordance with quality and safety standards
- Record production data accurately, including batch numbers, quantities, and developmental observations
- Conduct routine cleaning and sanitization of production areas, equipment, and workstations to prevent contamination
- Follow biosecurity and safety protocols strictly, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Communicate any anomalies in insect behavior, health, or facility conditions to supervisors promptly
- Support cross-functional tasks including inventory management, supply restocking, and minor facility maintenance
- Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives as directed
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Prior experience in agriculture, entomology, greenhouse operations, lab work, or animal husbandry preferred
- Comfort working in environments with live insects and organic material
- Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records
- Fine motor skills and the ability to handle delicate tasks with precision
- Ability to work in warm or humid environments typical of insect rearing facilities
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for extended periods
- Dependable, organized, and capable of working independently or as part of a small team
Work Environment:
- Work is conducted in controlled environments such as greenhouses, insectaries, or rearing rooms
- Regular exposure to high humidity, variable temperatures, and live insect populations
- Use of PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and hairnets may be required
- Flexible scheduling may be necessary during peak production seasons
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time during rearing and production tasks
- Manual dexterity to handle small and delicate insects with care
- Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 pounds regularly
- Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements
- Comfort working in high-humidity and variable-temperature environments typical of insect rearing facilities
- Use of ladders or step stools as needed to access equipment or materials
Requirements
Description
Position Summary
The Site Manager oversees daily operations at the insect production site, ensuring efficient workflows, high product quality, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. This role provides hands-on leadership to production staff engaged in the rearing, processing, and packaging of beneficial insects and mites used in biological pest control. The Site Manager coordinates with Operations and Quality teams to meet production goals, maintain facility readiness, and ensure consistent communication across shifts.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily work activities of site staff involved in insect and mite production, processing, and facility maintenance.
- Plan and assign work to optimize productivity, quality, and resource utilization.
- Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sanitation) to maintain optimal production outcomes.
- Train employees in production techniques, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Inspect work areas and equipment for compliance with safety, quality, and sanitation standards.
- Maintain accurate records of inventory, production output, labor, and materials.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance and R&D teams to identify and resolve production or product-quality issues.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations for site employees.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, state and federal labor regulations, and biosecurity requirements.
- Assist with scheduling, timekeeping, and reporting hours worked to Payroll and HR.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Associate degree in Agriculture, Biology, Business, or a related field preferred;
- Minimum of 2 years of direct supervisory experience overseeing 10–15 employees in a production, agricultural, or manufacturing environment.
- 3–5 years of experience in agricultural production, greenhouse operations, insectary, or similar controlled-environment facility.
- Experience with scheduling, performance management, and cross-training in a fast-paced, hands-on setting.
- Familiarity with Cal/OSHA safety standards and agricultural labor regulations preferred
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Working knowledge of agricultural or biological production practices.
- Ability to identify operational issues and implement practical solutions.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and production recordkeeping.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and work in warm, humid environments typical of insect rearing facilities.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a controlled agricultural production facility with exposure to live insects, biological materials, and varying temperatures and humidity.
- May require weekend, holiday, or early/late shift work to maintain live cultures.
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Maintenance Electrician Trainee supports the electrical and controls infrastructure of the insectary under the guidance of a journey-level or senior Maintenance Electrician. The role assists with diagnostics, repair, installation, calibration, and preventive maintenance on facility power and control systems (including Argus Controls). This is a learning role intended to build toward full journey-level capability while following all company safety policies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with System Diagnostics & Repair – Support troubleshooting of power and control systems (sensors, relays, motors, pumps) on 120/240V single- and three-phase circuits under supervision.
- Preventive & Corrective Maintenance – Perform inspections, cleaning, basic calibration, and component replacements (e.g., light fixtures, conduit, control wiring) following standard procedures.
- Controls Support (Argus) – Assist with sensor checks, data logging review, and basic adjustments in Argus Titan 900; escalate advanced issues to senior staff.
- Installation & Modifications – Pull wire, place conduit, mount boxes/fixtures, and make terminations as directed; maintain tools and materials in safe working order.
- Safety & Compliance – Consistently apply company safety rules and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) under direction; identify and report hazards immediately.
- Documentation – Complete work orders, calibration logs, and parts usage accurately and on time.
- Team & Vendor Support – Coordinate with peers, production, and vendors/contractors as directed during projects and equipment startups.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Work in greenhouses/warehouses with varying temperatures, humidity, dust, and noise.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb ladders; safely lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs with or without accommodation.
- Use PPE (eye/hand protection, etc.); occasional after-hours response or weekend work as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Foundational electrical knowledge and tool proficiency (wire strippers, crimpers, drills); ability to read basic schematics.
- Ability to safely use a multimeter for voltage/continuity checks under supervision; basic understanding of Ohm’s Law (V=IR).
- Familiarity with industrial environments (motors, pumps, control panels) preferred; greenhouse or process controls exposure a plus.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail; proven reliability and attendance.
- Experience with any controls platform (Argus preferred) is a plus; training provided.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Vocational/technical coursework in electrical systems, electronics, or related field preferred.
- Relevant trainee/ apprentice registration or certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E) are desirable.
Description
Product Technician – Insect Production
**Department:** Biological Production
**Reports To:** Production Supervisor or Operations Manager
**Location:** [Insert location]
**FLSA Status:** Non-Exempt
Position Summary:
The Product Technician – Insect Production supports the rearing, harvesting, quality control, and packaging of beneficial insects and mites used in biological pest control. This role is essential to maintaining high standards of organism health, environmental cleanliness, and production accuracy. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working with live organisms, and committed to contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the propagation and rearing of beneficial insects and mites according to company protocols
- Monitor insect life cycles, growth stages, and environmental conditions to ensure healthy production
- Perform tasks such as feeding, harvesting, sorting, and transferring live insects with precision and care
- Prepare, package, and label live insect shipments for customer delivery in accordance with quality and safety standards
- Record production data accurately, including batch numbers, quantities, and developmental observations
- Conduct routine cleaning and sanitization of production areas, equipment, and workstations to prevent contamination
- Follow biosecurity and safety protocols strictly, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Communicate any anomalies in insect behavior, health, or facility conditions to supervisors promptly
- Support cross-functional tasks including inventory management, supply restocking, and minor facility maintenance
- Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives as directed
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Prior experience in agriculture, entomology, greenhouse operations, lab work, or animal husbandry preferred
- Comfort working in environments with live insects and organic material
- Ability to follow detailed protocols and maintain accurate records
- Fine motor skills and the ability to handle delicate tasks with precision
- Ability to work in warm or humid environments typical of insect rearing facilities
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for extended periods
- Dependable, organized, and capable of working independently or as part of a small team
Work Environment:
- Work is conducted in controlled environments such as greenhouses, insectaries, or rearing rooms
- Regular exposure to high humidity, variable temperatures, and live insect populations
- Use of PPE such as gloves, lab coats, and hairnets may be required
- Flexible scheduling may be necessary during peak production seasons
Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time during rearing and production tasks
- Manual dexterity to handle small and delicate insects with care
- Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 pounds regularly
- Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements
- Comfort working in high-humidity and variable-temperature environments typical of insect rearing facilities
- Use of ladders or step stools as needed to access equipment or materials
Requirements
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Bumblebee Production Technician supports the rearing, harvesting, quality control, and packaging of bumblebees. This role is essential to maintaining high standards of organism health, environmental cleanliness, and production accuracy. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working with live organisms, and committed to contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the propagation and rearing of bumblebees according to company protocols.
- Monitor insect life cycles, growth stages, and environmental conditions to ensure healthy production.
- Perform tasks such as feeding, harvesting, sorting, and transferring live insects with precision and care.
- Prepare, package, and label live insect shipments for customer delivery in accordance with quality and safety standards.
- Record production data accurately using established systems (Excel, databases, or other software), including batch numbers, quantities, and developmental observations.
- Conduct routine cleaning and sanitization of production areas, equipment, and workstations to prevent contamination.
- Follow biosecurity, safety, and hygiene protocols strictly, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Operate microscopes and stereoscopes to observe insect development and quality.
- Communicate any anomalies in insect behavior, health, or facility conditions to supervisors promptly.
- Support cross-functional tasks including inventory management, supply restocking, and minor facility maintenance.
- Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives, including troubleshooting and process efficiency projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent (biology, agriculture, or related coursework preferred).
- Experience in insect rearing, agriculture, animal care, or laboratory work preferred.
- Computer literacy and ability to accurately enter and maintain data in spreadsheets or databases.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or other laboratory/production standards preferred.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work in a positive, team-oriented, and cross-functional environment.
- Strong observation, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain accuracy in repetitive tasks.
- Fine motor skills and ability to handle delicate tasks with precision.
- Comfort working with live insects and in a production/laboratory setting.
- Commitment to safety, biosecurity, and hygiene compliance.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Close visual acuity required for tasks involving insect observation, equipment operation, and data entry.
- Manual dexterity for handling small and delicate insects with care.
- Ability to work in controlled environments with variable temperatures and humidity.
- Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 pounds regularly.
- Frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements.
- Extended periods of standing or sitting, including time operating a stereoscope and/or computer.
Our Locations
We operate in the heart of California agriculture and are proud to serve growers across the U.S. from our headquarters in Redding, CA. Our proximity to farming communities and agricultural hubs keeps us closely connected to the growers we support.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested in joining our team? We invite you to explore our current job openings and apply directly through our official careers portal or reach out to us directly at careers@insectary.com with your resume and area of interest.