Title: Community Habitats Intern

Position Reports To: Community Habitats 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 Internship runs from January 4th, 2027 – May 28th, 2027

• Must complete 180 hours over the course of the internship, typically following a schedule of 16-20 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 seeking a creative and passionate individual to support and expand horticulture focused programs in the Colorado community. As part of a team of talented and experienced staff and volunteers at Butterfly Pavilion, the Community Habitats Intern will be fully integrated into programs based in community science, invertebrate habitat development, and therapeutic horticulture. These programs include but are not limited to: Urban Prairies Project (a volunteer-powered habitat restoration program), Healthy Habitats Gardening (a hands-on program for adults residing in memory care, assisted living, and rehabilitative facilities), Habitat Gardening Bootcamp (a year-long educational course focused on transformation of lawn), and project-based-learning gardening programs in partnership with the education team. This position aims to provide ample opportunities for cultivating knowledge, relationships, and community building through hands on training and real-world experiences.

Key Skills Learned and Benefits Earned:

• Habitat restoration theory and techniques – including invasives mitigation and revegetation

• Techniques in invertebrate identification, monitoring and conservation

• Interpretation and Science Communication skills, including teaching adults and children

• Relationship-building with open space, horticulture, and education professionals across the state

• Increased knowledge of native plants and wildlife and habitat-focused gardening practices

• Exposure to fresh air, sunlight, and positive experiences with people of a wide variety of backgrounds.

• Positive impact on the ecological health of spaces across Colorado, including the mental and physical health of surrounding human populations.

Responsibilities: 

• Work with Butterfly Pavilion Community Habitats team to improve and lead volunteer training curricula for community restoration volunteers of all ages.

• Work with Community Habitats team to improve existing and create new educational materials and workshops for horticulture programs.

• Support planning and implementation of habitat gardens, both for community programs and professional services clients.

• Support and facilitate adult and youth garden education programs.

• Support and facilitate interpretation during outdoor education programs.

• Support and cultivate positive relationships with current and potential program partners.

• Support and lead restoration volunteers during workdays: guiding activities, answering questions, providing on-the-job training, etc.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret ecological data on partner habitat sites.

• Evaluate success of restoration efforts in partner sites, health of implemented gardens, and impacts of associated programming.

Qualifications & Skills: 

• Interest in invertebrates and their place in the health of ecosystems

• Strong communication skills, and experience interacting with people of varying ages, backgrounds, physical and cognitive ability

• Experience with science communication

• Experience with horticulture with an interest in its application in habitat provision.

• Willingness to work with BP volunteers, staff and community partners

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently

• Basic computer skills (word, spreadsheets, email)

• Willingness to engage in outdoor activity

• Ability to pass a criminal background check

• Driver’s License preferred

• Has current tetanus vaccination or ability to receive vaccination before start of internship

Minimum Age Requirement:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age

Work Environment / Physical Requirements: 

These physical demands are representative of the requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions within this position: use of hands, wrists and fingers, standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting and carrying, digging and raking, repetitive motion.  The Community Habitats Intern may have to occasionally run small machinery.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Free of tuberculosis in a communicable form and tetanus shot required. Must be able to lift 30 pounds and sit for extended periods of time. Able to travel independently to various sites. While performing the responsibilities of the Community Habitats Intern, the following characteristics are representative of the outdoor and conservatory environment the Community Habitats Intern will encounter: high humidity, intense sunlight, heat, cold, wind, precipitation, uneven surfaces. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.  The Community Habitats Intern should expect some exposure to mild chemicals such as rubbing alcohol, herbicides and vinegar.  The Community Habitats Intern will also be occasionally exposed to a variety of living invertebrates.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, with occasional bursts of loud noise.

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.