Horticulture Intern

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. Position Summary: Butterfly Pavilion is currently seeking a talented, enthusiastic individual to assist in our public horticulture programs as part of a team of experienced and hard-working staff and volunteers. This unpaid, academic internship will provide a well-rounded, hands-on educational experience in the field of zoological horticulture. Commitment: Interns must complete 250 hours (16 hours/week for Fall and Spring sessions, 24 hours/week during summer session). This is an unpaid seasonal position of 3-5 months. Stipend: Unpaid; school credit can be earned for this internship in most cases. Key Skills Learned: Philosophy and practice of zoological horticulture Philosophy and practice of habitat gardening and restoration Propagation techniques and trouble-shooting Integrated pest management Self-directed research project, including a written proposal and end-of-project presentation Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with staff and volunteers in order to learn about the design, maintenance, and interpretation of tropical and outdoor plant collections at Butterfly Pavilion. Work may include plant and landscape care, habitat restoration, educational programming, data collections, and record-keeping. Researches, executes, and presents an independent study project in any of the above fields. Training: Selected candidate must successfully complete New Volunteer and Intern Orientation and All Team Training. All other training is in the field with fellow horticulture team members. Qualifications & Skills: Pursuing or hold a degree in biology, botany, horticulture, environmental sciences or related fields. Interest in public horticulture, especially zoological horticulture Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets) and proficient in Microsoft Office. At least 1 year prior gardening experience. Criminal background check and acceptable driving record required. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Physical Demands: These physical demands are representative of the requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions within this position: use of hands, wrists and fingers, standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting and carrying, digging and raking, repetitive motion. The Hortculture Intern may have to occasionally run small machinery. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Free of tuberculosis in a communicable form and tetanus shot required. Must be able to lift 30 pounds and sit for extended periods of time. Able to travel independently to various sites. While performing the responsibilities of the Horticulture Intern, the following characteristics are representative of the outdoor and conservatory environment the Horticulture Intern will encounter: high humidity, intense sunlight, heat, cold, wind, precipitation, uneven surfaces. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The Horticulture Intern should expect some exposure to mild chemicals such as rubbing alcohol, herbicides and vinegar. The Horticulture Intern will also be occasionally exposed to a variety of living invertebrates. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, with occasional bursts of loud noise. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the Horticulture Intern. Sustainable Impacts: Maintain and improve habitat for native invertebrates Teach the public about the importance of sustainable landscapes Contribute to best practices in zoological horticulture 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 1 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.