Butterfly House Coordinator

Status: Full Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt (May 26-September 15, 2026, approximately)

Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)

Reports to: Education & Outreach Manager

Compensation: $20.00 per hour

Position

Description:

The Butterfly House Coordinator oversees the operation of the native-species Butterfly House. The position’s primary responsibility is for the health, well-being, and husbandry of all native Lepidopteran species in the exhibit and for interpreting to the public the life cycles and biology of the animals in the exhibit. The coordinator will be responsible for supervising a seasonal assistant and volunteers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Native species butterfly and moth husbandry, including capture, care, and maintenance of Lepidoptera in various life stages, maintenance of appropriate species diversity, ethical handling, daily predator control, enclosure maintenance, and disease mitigation.
• Daily and weekly upkeep of the Butterfly House gardens to ensure that adequate host plant material is always available for the animals throughout their life cycles.
• Interpretation of the exhibit, namely educating people of all ages to the biology and ecology of native Lepidoptera.
• Execution of the annual tagging and release of Monarch butterflies, including preparation of records for the 2026 submission to Monarch Watch.
• Coordination, training and supervision of summer naturalist interns and volunteer staffing, and assistance with scheduling to ensure full daily coverage of the exhibit.
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors.
• As time permits, works closely with outside resources, sister organizations, PSC staff, faculty, and volunteers to create and implement relevant interpretive signage, exhibits, and programs related to the Butterfly House while improving visitor’s experiences and education.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• A bachelor’s degree in relevant field (wildlife or ecosystem management preferred) or advanced coursework or training.
• Certification in the National Association for Interpretation, CIG training strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of native butterfly and moth species including husbandry, life cycle, and survival needs. Experience handling and tagging wildlife is strongly preferred.
• Competent gardening skills, including plant identification, cultivation, and tending.
• Ability to work independently, delegate tasks, and organize scientific and historical data.
• Experience and interest in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Strong comfort level in working with the public face to face and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to sit and stand for long hours and lift to 30 pounds.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier, which will enable authorization to drive College-owned vehicle.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.

Preferred

Qualification:

• Certification in at least one of the following:
  First aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in an indoor office setting with normal temperature ranges for the season AND outdoors in all weather conditions and temperatures.
• Traditional noise of a busy office setting can be expected AND mechanical equipment noise where proper PPE is required.

• Ability to lift 30 pounds and travel short distances over uneven surfaces.

• Prolonged sitting majority of the workday to complete responsibilities.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Climbing various staircases across the campus to engage in meetings and/or presentations.
• Capable of walking unassisted on uneven surfaces 1-3 miles per week

• Manual dexterity for handling small office-related objects.
• Fine motor skills for work performed on laptop.
• Infrequent need to reach overhead or below shoulder level to perform work duties.
• Requires precise hand-eye coordination to operate tools, machinery, or equipment safely and effectively.
• Must maintain good hand-eye coordination and depth perception while performing physical or mechanical tasks.

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.