Title:  School Programs Intern

Position Reports To: Education 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

• 16 hours per week for the duration of the internship. The weekly schedule must be flexible to accommodate class and work schedules.

• 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 energetic individual to work alongside the education team by teaching educational programming at Butterfly Pavilion and local schools. The primary goal of the Butterfly Pavilion School Programs Internship is for intern to gain knowledge and hands-on training in environmental education.

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.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Lead outreach programs in local schools and community sites for large and small groups of guests (school aged children up to adults)

• Great school group guests and explain program logistics to groups of children and chaperones.

• Lead field trip programs at Butterfly Pavilion for large and small groups of guests.

• Uphold animal welfare protocols while using live animals to demonstrate science-based concepts to 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.

• 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.

Key Skills Learned:

• 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.

• Classroom management: This position requires classroom management skills to transform an energetic group of students into active and engaged learners.

Position Qualifications and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

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

• Interest in environmental education

• Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets)

• Willingness to handle animals (all training provided onsite)

• Experience or interest in customer service and communication skills

• Comfortable interacting with guests of all ages

• Enthusiastic and patient

• Organized and flexible

Minimum Age Requirement:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age

Additional Requirements:

• Equipment: Must have access to personal laptop or computer with internet connection

• Valid Driver’s License

• Personal Vehicle

• Must have reliable transportation to and from Butterfly Pavilion

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds

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 awkward positions that require bending or stretching

• 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.