Title:  Animal Ambassador Intern 

Position Reports To:  Education Manager/Entomology Manager 

About Butterfly Pavilion: At Butterfly Pavilion, (BP) 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 Summer Internship runs from August 11th, 2026 – December 4th, 2026  

• 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 August 11th, 2026  
• Must be available for presentation of project at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado on December 2nd, 2026  

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 energetic individual to assist in both the education and animal care sides of outreach education including invertebrate care and teaching educational programming at local schools. The primary goal of the Butterfly Pavilion Animal Ambassador Internship is for students to gain knowledge and hands-on training in environmental education and invertebrate animal husbandry. 

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: 

• Invertebrate animal care: This position requires learning and understanding how to take care of and handle invertebrates that are used in outreach programs. 
• TRACKS animal care software experience: This position requires learning and understanding the TRACKS animal care software and its importance.  
• Invertebrate animal or specimen handling and processing: This position requires invertebrate animal or specimen handling and processing before, during, and after programming.  
• Communication: This position will provide ample opportunity for learning to communicate with a variety of audiences, including children, adults, and other professionals.  
• Public Speaking: This position requires giving classes/presentations to large and small groups of people and will allow for learning how to project their voice, speak clearly, and engage their audience.  
• 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:    

• Interact with Butterfly Pavilion guests of all ages as they visit the exhibits. 
• Uphold animal welfare protocols while using live animals to demonstrate science-based concepts to guests 
• Lead public programs in exhibits for large and small groups of guests. 
• Meet deadlines and expectations to complete a project over the duration of the internship. Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship. 
• Maintain appearance of exhibits and work with other team members as needed to ensure world-class quality of exhibits spaces. 

Qualifications & Skills:   

• Lead outreach programs in local schools and community sites for large and small groups of guests (school aged children up to adults) 
• Uphold animal welfare protocols while using live animals to demonstrate science-based concepts to guests.  
• Provide support to the Animal Care Team  
• Maintain daily records on all animal care in Tracks database system  
• Uphold AZA accreditation standards  
• Comply with USDA containment standards  
• Maintain a clean working environment  
• Meet deadlines and expectations to complete a project over the duration of the internship. Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship.  
• Interact with Butterfly Pavilion guests of all ages as they visit the exhibits.   
• Lead public programs in exhibits for large and small groups of guests.  
• Meet deadlines and expectations to complete a project over the duration of the internship. Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship.  
• Maintain appearance of exhibits and work with other team members as needed to ensure world-class quality of exhibits spaces. 

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.   

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  July 24th, 2026. No phone calls or drop in’s please.