Title: Research & Conservation Intern

Position Reports To: Director of Research & Conservation

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 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, firsthand 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.

Our Core Values are a large part of who we are as an organization:

• We Live our Mission

• Passion for Learning

• Welcome All

These aren’t just words, but words to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

Commitment: 

• This Internship runs from January 4th, 2027 – May 28th, 2027

• Must complete 180 hours over the course of the internship, typically following a schedule of 16-18 hours per week

• Must be available for orientation at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on January 4th, 2027

• Must be available for presentation of project at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on May 25th, 2027

Stipend: Unpaid; school credit can be earned for this internship in most cases.

Position Summary:

Butterfly Pavilion is currently seeking a creative, highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to assist in Research & Conservation projects, primarily the processing, preservation, and identification of insect specimens collected in Colorado.

Upon orientation completion, the intern will work with their supervisor to develop a work plan and project outline. Interns are required to develop a term project and presentation. Additional information for this project will be provided upon starting.

Key Skills Learned and Benefits Earned:

• Insect preservation and identification: Intern will develop significant skills in the collection, preservation, and identification of insect specimens at least to the family level.

• Data management and data analysis: Intern will use data management and analysis software including Excel and RStudio to maintain and understand new and historic data collected by the Research & Conservation team.

• Writing: This position will provide the opportunity to practice scientific and professional writing skills.

• Collection management: Intern will have the opportunity to maintain and preserve Butterfly Pavilion’s collections of research and education specimens.

• Data input support: Intern will gain experience supporting data input on platforms such as TRACKS, Ecdysis, and/or Excel to enter, organize, and maintain project and animal welfare data.

• Teamwork: This position works closely with a variety of team members including members of other departments. This internship will provide opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve common goals.

Responsibilities: 

• Preservation and identification of bees and other pollinating insects collected in Colorado.

• Digitization and documentation of preserved insects for our collections and database. Intern will collaborate with staff to verify identifications and curate physical and digital collections.

• Data management and analysis using Excel and RStudio

• Support with animal welfare data entry and record management (i.e., TRACKS).

• Meet deadlines and expectations to complete an independent project over the duration of the internship. Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship.

• Assist Research & Conservation staff with fieldwork including pollinator surveys and insect collections.

Qualifications & Skills: 

• Applicants actively pursuing or recently graduated from a degree in entomology, biology, environmental science, museum science, or related sciences preferred.

• Experience in insect identification, preservation, and taxonomy strongly preferred.

• Interest in invertebrate animals, flowering plants, taxonomy, research, and scientific communication.

• Experience in microscope and camera use preferred.

• Ability to synthesize and understand scientific publications.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, RStudio, or other data management or data analysis tools.

• Self-driven with the ability to work independently.

Minimum Age Requirement:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age

Work Environment / Physical Requirements: 

These work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter while performing the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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.

Intern will be required to use required to use their hands and provided tools to manipulate delicate specimens with care, as well as use a microscope for extended periods of time to view very small specimens.

Potential hazards of this position may include exposure to biting or stinging insects and extreme temperatures. Duties will consist largely of office-based work, with potential for limited fieldwork requiring same-day local travel under the guidance of staff and the ability to walk on uneven surfaces while operating a net or other handheld equipment.

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 November 9th, 2026. No phone calls or drop ins please.