Title: Horticulture Intern

Position Reports To: Director of Horticulture

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 currently seeking a talented, enthusiastic individual to assist in our public horticulture programs as part of a team of experienced and hard-working staff and volunteers. This unpaid, academic internship will provide a well-rounded, hands-on educational experience in the field of zoological horticulture.

Key Skills Learned and Benefits Earned:

• Philosophy and practice of zoological horticulture

• Philosophy and practice of habitat gardening and restoration

• Propagation techniques and troubleshooting

• Integrated pest management

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

Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers in order to learn about the design, maintenance, and interpretation of tropical and outdoor plant collections at Butterfly Pavilion. Work may include plant and landscape care, habitat restoration, educational programming, data collections, and record-keeping.

Qualifications & Skills: 

• Pursuing or hold a degree in biology, botany, horticulture, environmental sciences or related fields.

• Interest in public horticulture, especially zoological horticulture

• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets) and proficient in Microsoft Office.

• At least 1 prior gardening experience.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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 Hortculture 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 Horticulture Intern, the following characteristics are representative of the outdoor and conservatory environment the Horticulture 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 Horticulture Intern should expect some exposure to mild chemicals such as rubbing alcohol, herbicides and vinegar.  The Horticulture 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.