Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network Program Intern

Supervisor: Butterfly Coordinator, Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House

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 2022.  

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: Late April through September, aligned with butterfly monitoring season. 2-3 days per week/16-24 hours per week. Expect a combination of on-site, field, and remote/WFH work.

Position Summary: Butterfly Pavilion is seeking an organized, highly motivated and energetic intern to assist with a statewide community science initiative with a team of experienced staff and volunteers. The primary goal of the Butterfly Pavilion Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network program internship is for students to gain knowledge and hands-on training in coordinating an extensive species monitoring program.

Stipend: Unpaid position. School/university credit available.

Key Skills Learned: The intern will gain skills in butterfly monitoring and identification, data analysis and processing, scientific and technical writing, and volunteer management. Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to learn about butterfly care and interpretation topics at the Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House in Fort Collins, CO.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support for volunteer monitors (answering questions, compiling educational materials and updates for volunteers)
• Create digital maps of census routes in the network and assist volunteers with creating maps
• Collect and compile data sheets and photographs from volunteer monitors
  Observe and count butterflies at one or more sites over the field season
  Create and conduct an independent project related to the program
  Intern will learn and may assist in covering animal husbandry and interpretation duties at the Butterfly House at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, CO

Training: Successfully complete New Volunteer and Intern Orientation and All Team Training. Position-specific training will be provided on site by supervisor at the Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated from a degree in ecology, entomology, field research, conservation, environmental education, or related fields
• Ability to learn at least 25 common local butterflies species by sight (training will be provided)
• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, Google maps)
• Excellent organizational skills

Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age.

Physical Demands: walk or otherwise travel at a slow, steady pace, stand in place for extended periods of time, possibly on uneven terrain and in hot/humid environments. Ability to lift 10-20lbs. Ability to travel independently to field sites.

Sustainable Impacts: The intern will provide vital support to a rapidly growing, conservation-focused community science program. Community science initiatives are gaining traction to encourage environmental stewardship in all communities and provide vital data to local, national, and international research. The Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network (CBMN) is one such project led by Butterfly Pavilion that harnesses the power of volunteers to conserve Colorado butterflies. CBMN volunteers observe and count butterflies in open spaces and parks multiple times per season, gathering essential data that land managers can use when making conservation decisions. It's a fantastic chance to get outdoors and learn about butterflies, while having a positive impact on conservation in Colorado.

Evaluation: Intern will receive a mid-term and end-of-term evaluation based on their ability to follow the workplan that they will be given at the beginning of their internship. The work plan includes independent project deadlines, written Colorado butterfly species profiles, route creation and monitoring, and completion of on-the-job training.

Application Deadline: Priority deadline April 7, 2023. Open until filled.

Start date: Late April, 2023, ASAP

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