Lepidopterist Intern at Gardens on Spring Creek

Lepidopterist Intern at the Gardens on Spring Creek Fall 2026

Title: Lepidopterist Intern at the Gardens on Spring Creek

Supervisor: Butterfly Keeper at Gardens on Spring Creek

Location: This internship is run through Butterfly Pavilion, but will be completed at the butterfly flight house at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, CO. Orientation will be at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO.

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.

About the Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO: 

The Gardens on Spring Creek (GOSC) is the community botanic garden of Fort Collins, Colorado. The 18-acre site opened in 2004 as part of a vital public/private partnership between the City of Fort Collins and the Friends of the Gardens on Spring Creek. The Butterfly House at The Gardens on Spring Creek emerged as a result of the new partnership between The Gardens on Spring Creek, the City of Fort Collins, and Butterfly Pavilion. The Butterfly House opened in November 2019 and currently showcases hundreds of North American butterflies with the help of Butterfly Pavilion zookeepers.

Commitment: 

• This Summer Internship runs from August 11th, 2026 - December 4th, 2026
• Typically 20 hours per week, not to exceed 24 hours per week, Saturday and Sunday required
• Must be available for orientation at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on August 11th, 2026
• Must be available for presentation of project at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on December 2nd, 2026

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Part Time

Hourly Rate: $17.00 per hour

Position Summary: 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.

Essential Functions & 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

Key Skills Learned: 

• 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

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

Competencies:

• 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

Additional 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

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the following 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.

• 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
• At Butterfly Pavilion, the team member is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time. While performing the responsibilities of this position, 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.

How to Apply:

Butterfly Pavilion 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 in's please.