EES Field Entomology Technician

Title: EES Field Entomology Intern

Supervisor: EES Manager

About Butterfly Pavilion: Here at Butterfly Pavilion, 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, hands-on 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.

A large part of who we are as an organization is how we interact with each other. Valuing our facility, guests, donors, and our team is a priority, without these puzzle pieces we can't make it all work, these Core Values guide us throughout our day. We Love What We Do at Butterfly Pavilion, we Make Science Cool by Going Above and Beyond for all guests, donors, and team members while also Leading Change in invertebrate conservation. We Know Our Stuff and work to have a healthy culture by Being Positive and Welcoming to All. These aren't just words, but words for us to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

Commitment: Minimum commitment: 2-3 days per week with 16-24 hours per week. Interns must complete 300+ hours for total completion of internship. Duration of internship May-September typically 3-5 months.

Position Summary: Butterfly Pavilion is seeking a highly driven, motivated and energetic individual with an interest in invertebrates and field work. This is a great opportunity for those looking for hands-on experience in collecting, preserving, and identifying invertebrates. This position would assist the Environmental and Ecological Services team in field work, data organization, insect collection, preservation and identification. This is a great opportunity for those looking for hands-on experience in field and laboratory settings who are seeking a career in research and conservation.

Compensation: Unpaid; school credit can be earned for this internship in most cases. Scholarships may be available.

Location: Based in Westminster, Colorado and sites are spread throughout the state.

Housing: Housing and vehicles are not provided.

Mileage: Mileage will be reimbursed

Key Skills Learned:

• Visual observation and identification of invertebrates in the field
  • This position requires some previous experience in insect identification through previous work or coursework
  • The selected candidate will need to show ability and drive to learn how to ID in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.
• Invertebrate collection
  • This position requires an intern to hike around field sites, setting up pan traps, pitfall traps, and using aerial and sweep nets.
• Data organization
  • This position will require the use of excel spreadsheets to compile data collected in the field.
• Invertebrate Preservation and ID
  • This position involves working in the lab with invertebrate specimens. Pin, point, and preserve specimens of large and small sizes.
  • Use microscopes to identify specimens to family level.
  • Label specimens with family name and pertinent collection information.
• Teamwork
  • This position works closely with a variety of team members including members of other departments. This internship will provide opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Public Speaking
  • Upon completion of internship, a presentation directed at a small group of fellow interns and BP staff is required. This will allow them to learn how to project their voice, speak clearly, and engage their audience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support to the EES team
• Uphold AZA accreditation standards
• Comply with USDA containment standards
• Maintain a clean working environment
• Assist the EES team in outdoor field work, visual identification, and collection of invertebrates
• Transfer field data to excel spreadsheets for online use and storage
• Assist EES team in lab work consisting of preservation and identification of invertebrates
• Meet deadlines and expectations to complete an independent project over the internship. Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship.

Training: Successfully complete the following:

• Successfully complete New Volunteer and Intern Orientation and All Team Training.
• New Volunteer and Intern Orientation and All Team Training.
• Department specific onboarding training.
• Complete USDA training and Quiz.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Interest in invertebrate conservation work (lab and field)
• Attention to detail, especially when preserving and identifying invertebrates and correct data input.
• Actively pursuing an associate degree or higher in biological science, environmental, or a natural resources field from an accredited university. Recent graduates also accepted.
• Experience conducting ecological research, particularly participating in fieldwork, a plus
• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets) Microsoft Suite
• Basic fieldwork skills, including using a global positioning system, are a plus
• Enthusiastic and patient
• Organized and flexible
• Able to pass a criminal background check
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid Driver's License
• Personal Vehicle
• Criminal background check

Minimum Age Requirement: At least 18 years of age.

Physical Demands: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an intern to successfully perform the essential functions within this position.

• While performing the responsibilities of the EES Entomology Intern, the intern is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is often required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The vision abilities required by this job include far and close vision and ability to look through a microscope.
• Ability to lift, carry, and, load not to exceed 50 lbs.
• 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 outdoors in all environments for extended periods of time
• This position will require you to walk long distances on uneven ground in the field to collect invertebrates. This position will require the use of a GPS and written data collection.

Sustainable Impacts: The EES Entomology Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience and training that can help them gauge their interest or advance their career in the field of invertebrate and pollinator conservation, environmental and ecological work and working at an AZA facility. Butterfly Pavilion provides this internship as an opportunity to provide fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking about invertebrate conservation.

• Intern will acquire experience in an AZA-accredited facility
• Intern will complete a self-directed research project under the leadership of intern supervisor
• Internship can create new pathways into invertebrate environmental and ecological work, and research and conservation.

Evaluation:

• The EES Entomology Intern will meet with their supervisor every week to discuss progress on duties and their project and any challenges they are facing.
• At the midpoint of the internship, the intern and supervisor will meet to conduct a formal review at which point the supervisor will provide feedback on the intern's performance and offer suggestions for improvement.
• At the end of the internship, the intern and supervisor will meet to conduct a final review of the intern's performance and discuss their experiences.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Start date: May 28, 2024

End date: September 3, 2024. Flexible end date

Apply: Click here to apply with a resume and cover letter