Zookeeper Intern - Entomology Summer 2024

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.   

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. To this end, Butterfly Pavilion has begun the early stages of launching a $40 million Capital Campaign to expand Butterfly Pavilion into the Center for Invertebrate Research and Conservation (CIRC) in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in 2027.  

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: Interns must complete 250 hours (16 hours/week for Fall and Spring sessions, 24 hours/week during summer session). Zookeeper Intern - Entomology is on site 8:00am-4:30pm.

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

Supervisor: Entomologist

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

Key Skills Learned:

• Terrestrial invertebrate husbandry
• Experience working with animal collections in an AZA-accredited institution
• TRACKS animal care software experience
• Self-directed research project, including a written proposal and end-of-project presentation

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the day-to-day care for all terrestrial animals on exhibit and behind the scenes, maintaining daily record keeping
• 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 terrestrial invertebrates, to emphasize particular interest and expand the knowledge base of the Curatorial Department
• Maintain daily records on all animal care in Tracks database system
• Serve as a resource to guests in the exhibit areas of Butterfly Pavilion

Training: Selected candidate must successfully complete New Volunteer and Intern Orientation and All Team Training, USDA Training, Venomous Animal Handling Training, and Curatorial Intern Trainings.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 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)
• Criminal background check
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Minimum Age Requirement: Due to USDA regulations, Zookeeper Intern applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Physical Demands: While performing the responsibilities of this position, these 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.

At Butterfly Pavilion, the intern is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time.

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the intern is typically required to talk and hear. The intern is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The intern is required to reach with arms and hands, walk, climb, or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employee should be able to lift, carry and move items up to 35 lbs.

While performing the duties of this internship, the intern may be exposed to high humidity, intense sunlight, heat, cold, wind, precipitation, and uneven surfaces. This intern may also be exposed to venomous and non-venomous invertebrates.

It is recommended that the intern have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.

Sustainable Impacts: The intern will develop and execute an independent project, focused on terrestrial invertebrates, to emphasize particular interest and expand the knowledge base of the Curatorial Department.

Evaluation: The intern will follow a prescribed work plan meeting with Internship Coordinator and Supervisor regularly. There will also be both mid-semester and end-of-term formal reviews with supervisor.

Application Deadline:

• Spring Term - November 1
• Summer Term - April 15
• Fall Term - July 1

Apply: Fill out the form to the right and click "Apply for this Position" to start the application process. Must submit a cover letter and resume.