Title: Aquarist Intern

Position Reports To: Aquatics Manager

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 a 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

Commitment: 

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

• Must complete 180 hours over the course of the internship

• 16 hours per week for the duration of the internship. Initially setting a weekly schedule is flexible to accommodate class and work schedules.

• Shift times for this position are from 7:00am – 3:30pm.

• Must be available for orientation on January 4th, 2027

• Must be available for final presentation of project 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 highly motivated and energetic individual to assist in marine animal care, life support maintenance, and record keeping. As part of this position, you will work in a newly-expanded aquarium gallery featuring giant Pacific octopus, three species of jellies and nettles, deep sea isopods, large tide pool habitat, coral reefs, mantis shrimp, and more.  The primary goal of the Butterfly Pavilion Aquarist Internship is for students to gain knowledge and hands-on training in aquatic invertebrate animal husbandry.

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

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute an independent project, focused on marine invertebrates, to emphasize particular interest and expand the knowledge base of the Curatorial Department. Professionally present this project to Butterfly Pavilion team members at the end of the internship.

• Responsible for the day-to-day care for all marine animals on exhibit and behind the scenes, maintaining daily record keeping

• Clean and maintain all exhibit and behind-the-scenes areas

• Uphold AZA accreditation and USDA containment standards

• Maintain daily records on all animal care in Tracks database system

• Maintain water quality and special projects

• Serve as a resource to guests in the exhibit areas of Butterfly Pavilion

Key Skills Learned: 

• Aquatic animal care

• Aquatic animal life support plumbing and maintenance

• Aquarium water quality testing and analysis

• TRACKS animal care software

• Data management and analyses skills

• Scientific writing skills

• Self-directed research project, including a written proposal and end-of-project presentation

Benefits:

• Intern will acquire animal care experience in an AZA-accredited facility

• Intern will gain knowledge and experience equivalent to AALSO Life Support and Water Quality Level I Certifications.

• Internship will create new pathways into animal science and care

• Be part of a collaborative team working to promote Butterfly Pavilion and further our mission.

Qualifications:

• Experience in aquarium keeping and courses in animal biology and/or marine biology are helpful

• Pursuing a degree in biology, environmental sciences, or related fields. Recent graduates also accepted

• Interest in invertebrate animal husbandry and care

• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets)

• Willingness to handle animals (all training provided onsite)

• Criminal background check

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

Minimum Age Requirement:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age

Additional Requirements:

• Must have reliable transportation to and from Butterfly Pavilion

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 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 in’s please.