Job Description

Junior Entomologist - Production

Beta Bugs Limited

This role is based on a 37.5-hour working week, with scheduled shifts over Saturday and Sunday, and two weekdays off

This is not a fixed set of tasks for the role; it provides an outline of the general responsibilities and deliverables applicable to the post holder. The post holder may regularly be required to contribute to work outside of the details given below, without additional pay or status.

ROLE SUMMARY

As a

Production Entomologist (Junior)

, you will be responsible for hands-on rearing and maintenance of Beta Bugs' insect livestock in the Production environment. Working directly with Black Soldier Fly, you will rear, measure, feed, and breed the insects to support customer demand.

You will also be responsible for progressing the company's technical expertise, contributing to new techniques, technologies, and efficiencies to rearing Black Soldier Fly.

Note that this role involves the ability to lift and safely handle items weighing up to 25kg and requires availability to work weekends due to BSF lifecycles.

KEY DELIVERABLES

Daily maintenance of Black Soldier Fly colonies in a controlled environment. Environmental monitoring to ensure optimal rearing conditions. Basic insect handling, including counting and/or weighing in various stages of the lifecycle. Insect diet preparation and feeding. Data collection, data entry, and visual analysis. Following SOPs and ensuring compliance with biosafety standards. Maintaining colony biosafety and hygiene protocols. Collect eggs for customer orders, and ensure packaging SOPs followed.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

While this role does not involve direct line management or formal leadership responsibilities, the Production Entomologist (Junior) is expected to lead by example in adhering to SOPs, biosafety standards, and health and safety protocols, supporting a culture of good practice and operational excellence.

VALUES & BEHAVIOURS

To live and breathe the Beta Bugs Values and Behaviours framework in all aspects of working life, which can be summarised as follows:

Through all our work and interactions, we value, support and promote diversity and inclusivity We treat everyone with dignity and respect We act with honesty and integrity in all that we do We innovate, and deliver quality outcomes We work together, and share knowledge We learn and grow, personally and professionally We accept accountability for our work We lead by Example

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

No formal qualifications required; full training will be provided. Hands-on experience with animals or insects is desirable but not essential. Comfortable working in high temperature and humidity environments. Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) with attention to detail. Basic understanding of safe handling and hygiene practices. Competent use of computer systems, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Breathe HR software, and dedicated database platforms. Strong organisational skills with the ability to accurately record data. Good written English and verbal communication skills. Reliable and proactive work ethic with a willingness to learn. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a collaborative team culture Physically able to carry out repetitive manual tasks and lift equipment up to 25kg Experience of use of industrialised equipment desirable but not essential.

About us

Beta Bugs is an insect genetics company based in Roslin Edinburgh. Since day one, genetics has been our sole focus. We have built our company's strategy, technology, and team around developing and distributing Black Soldier Fly breeds.

We leave large-scale production to Black Soldier Fly protein producers, our customers, who improve their bottom lines through our product. In doing so, we avoid unnecessary competition, and instead jointly focus our energies on scaling our industry.
We are looking to employ a Junior Entomologist placed within our Production facility in Loanhead, Midlothian. All training is provided but experience of handling insects is desirable.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Transport links
Schedule:

Day shift Every weekend
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: BBBF2501