Job Description

Butterfly Zookeeper Intern Spring 2025

Title: Butterfly Zookeeper Intern

Supervisor: Senior Lepidopterist Manager

Internship Timeframe : T uesday, May 20, 2025 - Friday, August 15, 2025

About Butterfly Pavilion: At Butterfly Pavilion, (BP) we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom. As the leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection, Butterfly Pavilion works to foster an appreciation of these critical animals by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Whether it is providing unique, firsthand learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future. 

Looking forward, we are committed to providing the most enriching experience for our audience, being recognized as a scientific authority, and being a leading educational resource on invertebrates.

Our Core Values are a large part of who we are as an organization:

• Make Science Cool
• Love What You Do
• Go Above and Beyond
• Lead Change
• Know Your Stuff
• Be Positive
• Welcome All

These aren't just words, but words to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

Commitment:

• 16 hours per week for the duration of the internship. The weekly schedule is flexible to accommodate class and work schedules.
• Shift times for this position are from 8 :00am - 4 :30pm.
• Must be available for orientation on May 20 th , 2025
• Must be available for final presentation of project on August 13 th , 2025

Stipend : Unpaid; school credit can be earned for this internship in most cases.

Position Summary: Butterfly Pavilion is seeking a creative, highly motivated, and energetic individual to assist in butterfly and moth care, handling, and record keeping as part of a team of talented and experienced staff and volunteers. The primary goal of the Butterfly Pavilion Zookeeper Lepidopterist Internship is for individuals to gain knowledge and hands-on training in invertebrate animal husbandry.

Upon orientation completion, the intern will work with their supervisor to develop a work plan and project outline. Interns are required to develop a term project and presentation. Additional information for this project will be provided upon starting.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day care of all Lepidopteran animals on exhibit and behind the scenes, maintaining daily record keeping
• Day-to-day care of some terrestrial invertebrate animals behind the scenes, maintaining daily record keeping in Tracks database system
• Clean and maintain all exhibit and behind-the- scenes areas
• Provide support to Curatorial team
• Uphold AZA accreditation standards
• Comply with USDA containment standards
• Maintain a clean working environment
• Develop and execute an independent project, focused on Lepidoptera, to emphasize particular interest and expand the knowledge base of the Curatorial Department . Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship.
• Serve as a resource to guests in the exhibit areas of the Butterfly Pavilion

Key Skills Learned:

• Lepidoptera animal husbandry
• TRACKS animal care software
• Invertebrate animal or specimen handling and processing
• Data management and analyses skills
• Scientific writing skills
• Self-directed research project, including a written proposal and end-of-project presentation

Position Qualifications and Experience :

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Pursuing a degree in biology, environmental sciences, or related fields. Recent graduates also accepted.
• Interest in invertebrate animal husbandry and care
• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets)
• Willingness to handle animals (all training provided onsite)

Competencies:

• Strong research skills
• Responsible and accountable
• Project/Time Management
• Teamwork
• Detail Oriented
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Coachability/Willingness to learn

Additional Requirements:

• Must be available for orientation on May 20 th , 2025
• Must be available for final presentation of project on August 13 th , 2025
• Must have reliable transportation to and from Butterfly Pavilion
• Minimum Age Requirement: Due to USDA regulations, Zookeeper Intern applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Benefits:

• Experience working with animal collections in an AZA-accredited institution
• Internship will create new pathways into animal science and care
• Be part of a collaborative team working to promote Butterfly Pavilion and further our mission. 

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the following work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Able to work in small spaces or awkward positions that require bending or stretching
• Able to tolerate strong odors such as dust, animal fecal matter, etc.
• Able to work in a hot, humid environment for extended periods of time

• At Butterfly Pavilion, the team member is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the team member is required to talk and hear . The team member is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The team member is occasionally required to reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The team member should be able to lift, carry and items up to 50 lbs.

How to Apply:

Butterfly Pavilion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply for open positions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or veteran status.

Applicants must submit a Resume and Cover Letter.

Position is open until filled . No phone calls or drop in's please .

Note: An offer is contingent upon passing of a criminal background check.

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