Lepidopterist Intern at Gardens on Spring Creek

Butterfly Pavilion • Fort Collins, CO

8d • $17 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Butterfly Pavilion is seeking a creative, highly motivated, and energetic individual to assist in butterfly and moth care, handling, and exhibit interpretation as part of a team of talented and experienced staff and volunteers at the Gardens on Spring Creek location. The primary goal of the Butterfly Pavilion Internship is for individuals to gain knowledge and hands-on training in invertebrate animal husbandry and education. This internship runs from August 11th, 2026 - December 4th, 2026, typically 20 hours per week, not to exceed 24 hours per week, with Saturday and Sunday required. The intern must be available for orientation at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on August 11th, 2026, and for the presentation of their project at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on December 2nd, 2026. The position is FLSA Non-Exempt and pays $17.00 per hour.

Requirements

• Has current tetanus vaccination or ability to receive vaccination before start of internship
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, CO
• Ability to occasionally travel to Westminster, CO for orientation, project presentation, and for meetings as needed
• Minimum Age Requirement: Due to USDA regulations, applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• 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
• 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.
• Strong research skills
• Responsible and accountable
• Project/Time Management and Efficiency
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Follow Through
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Coachability/Willingness to learn

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Assist the GOSC curatorial team in day-to-day care of all Lepidopteran animals on exhibit and behind the scenes, recording care in animal record management system, TRACKS
• Work independently in the Flight House when the supervisor is not on site
• Provide interpretive support to the GOSC Education staff in the exhibit
• Use live animals to demonstrate science-based concepts to guests
• Uphold AZA accreditation standards for animal welfare
• Create meaningful interaction between the exhibit and guests for a deeper and more thoughtful experience and make connections between exhibit topic, conservation, and daily life
• Comply with USDA containment standards
• Maintain a clean working environment
• Develop and execute an independent project, focused on Lepidoptera and/or Exhibit Interpretation, to emphasize particular interest and expand the knowledge base of the Curatorial and Education Departments of Butterfly Pavilion.
• Present project at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO near end of semester.
• Serve as a resource to guests in the Butterfly House of The Gardens on Spring Creek
• Uphold Butterfly Pavilion's core values

Benefits

• Intern will develop skills in animal care, husbandry, animal display and record-keeping at an AZA accredited zoo
• Behind-the-scenes experience with the animal collection
• The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, fun, and creative team of people who all support habitat conservation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed