Butterfly Keeper

Title: Butterfly Keeper

Department: Curatorial

Position Reports To: Senior Lepidopterist Manager

Location: Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526

About Butterfly Pavilion:

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 research, education, and conservation, 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.

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.

Job Status Non-Exempt | Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $18.00 - $18.50/hour

Work Schedule: Up to 40/hours per week. Works a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, and special events.

Position Summary: Provides daily care for all exhibit and non-exhibit animals in the Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House, ensuring proper containment and animal welfare while engaging and educating guests about the plants and animals within the exhibit. Supports overall butterfly collection operations, including intern and volunteer support, staff coordination, comprehensive recordkeeping, and public programs.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Supports or leads the care and husbandry of the Lepidopteran collection at Gardens on Spring Creek.
  • Assists with the training, supervision, and support of butterfly interns and volunteers
  • Maintains accurate records and reports related to the health, behavior, and care of the Lepidopteran collection
  • Maintains USDA animal containment standards and upholds AZA animal welfare standards
• Provides daily care for Gardens on Spring Creek animals, including cleaning and maintenance of habitats in both exhibit and behind-the-scenes areas.
• Upholds Butterfly Pavilion animal policies and professional standards.
• Assists with butterfly habitat and plant care, including host and nectar plants, to support animal health and exhibit quality.
• Effectively communicates with direct supervisor and other members of both Butterfly Pavilion and Gardens on Spring Creek to support the overall needs of the butterfly flight house at Gardens on Spring Creek
• Communicates directly with Gardens on Spring Creek staff regarding onsite needs, coordination, and maintenance requests.
• Works collaboratively with staff and volunteers, problem-solves effectively, and communicates clearly within and across teams or departments.
• Interacts with guests of all ages and provides accurate, engaging educational information about butterflies, plants, and conservation.
• Represents Gardens on Spring Creek and Butterfly Pavilion in a professional, welcoming, and guest-focused manner.
• Supports Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network (CBMN) program, including assistance with volunteer coordination, data collection, training support, and program logistics as assigned.
• Required attendance at monthly all staff, branch and department meetings and additional trainings and Butterfly Pavilion functions as designated essential by department and/or organizational need.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Time Management
• Departmental Knowledge
• Detail Oriented
• Communication Skills
• Innovation/Creating Thinking
• Accountable
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Initiative

Qualifications/Experience:

• Degree in Biology, Zoology or related field of study is desired.
• Experience working with invertebrates/butterflies or animals in a zoo, museum, or similar facility is desired.
• Experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• Prior experience working with, as well as comfortable working with, individuals of different ages and abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• Employee must have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

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 and Gardens on Spring Creek, the employee is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time.

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The employee 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 items up to 50 lbs.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to high humidity, intense sunlight, heat, cold, wind, precipitation, and uneven surfaces. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. This position may have to occasionally run small machinery. The employee will be exposed to chemicals (bleach, vinegar, ammonia, etc.). This employee must handle a variety of invertebrate animals.

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-ins please.