Job Information
Paul Smith's College VIC Butterfly House Coordinator in Paul Smiths, New York
Position: Paul Smith’s College VIC Butterfly House Coordinator
Status: Part-Time (20 hours/week), Non-Exempt, Temporary Seasonal (16 weeks)
Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
Reports to: Director of Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
Hourly Rate: $17.00/hour
Description:
The Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) seeks a full time Butterfly House Coordinator to oversee operation of the VIC’s native-species Butterfly House. The exhibit space opened in 1993 and was the first native species butterfly house in the US. Thousands of visitors explore the intimate, accessible and immersive learning environment each summer. The Butterfly House Coordinator is responsible for the health, well-being and husbandry of all native Lepidopteran species in the exhibit and for interpreting to the public, the life cycles and biology of the animals in the exhibit.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Native species butterfly and moth husbandry including capture, care and maintenance of Lepidoptera in various life stages, maintenance of appropriate species diversity, ethical handling, daily predator control, enclosure maintenance and disease mitigation
Daily and weekly upkeep of the Butterfly House gardens to ensure that adequate host plant material is available at all times for the animals throughout their life cycles.
Interpretation of the exhibit, namely educating people of all ages to the biology and ecology of native Lepidoptera
Execution of the annual tagging and release of Monarch butterflies, including preparation of records for the 2024 submission to Monarch Watch
Coordination, training and supervision of summer naturalist interns and volunteer staffing, and assistance with scheduling to ensure full daily coverage of the exhibit.
Provide excellent customer service to visitors.
As time permits, works closely with outside resources, sister organizations, PSC staff, faculty, and volunteers to create and implement relevant interpretive signage, exhibits, and programs related to the Butterfly House while improving visitor’s experiences and education.
Assist with other duties as needed or assigned by the John Dillon Park General Maintenance Associate.
Qualifications and Preferences:
A Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (wildlife or ecosystem management preferred)
Availability to start 1 May 2024 and continue through 10 September 2024 (16 weeks).
Certification in National Association for Interpretation, CIG training strongly preferred
Certification in at least one of the following: First aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder
Demonstrated knowledge of native butterfly and moth species including husbandry, life cycle, and survival needs. Experience handling and tagging wildlife strongly preferred.
Competent gardening skills including plant identification, cultivation, and tending.
Ability to work independently, delegate tasks, and organize scientific and historical data.
Experience supervising volunteers or employees.
Experience and interest in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages.
High level of attention to detail
Strong comfort level in working with the public face to face and excellent communication skills.
Ability to sit and stand for long hours and lift up to 30 pounds.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work
Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V