Job Description
Conservatory Internship
This position is on-site at The Butterfly House & Aquarium located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Butterfly House & Aquarium is offering an opportunity to assist our biologists in the day-to-day maintenance of the butterfly conservatory, outdoor gardens, and containment room, along with animal observation and husbandry. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in the ecological field with a focus on horticulture, reptiles, insects, and other invertebrates.
Primary Duties:
- Adhering to all USDA protocols and standards
- Assisting with the daily maintenance of the containment room, butterfly conservatory, and outdoor gardens
- Participating in animal observation and husbandry of ambassador animal exhibits
- Processing butterfly and moth pupae shipments
- Providing public education and exhibit interpretation pertaining to small animal exhibits and butterfly conservatory
- Developing an independent research project to be presented at the end of the internship
Qualifications:
- Pursuing or hold a degree in biology, environmental sciences, education, or related fields
- Preference will be given to a current college student or recent graduate - Must be 18 or older
- Must be a team player, able to follow instructions, and have a positive attitude
- Must have strong communication skills and a desire to learn
- Willingness to handle insects, reptiles, and other small animals (all training provided onsite)
Assessment:
- A satisfactory evaluation will be given to students who comply with their scheduled shifts, perform all tasks with honest effort, and complete their independent project.
Reports to: Colton Ekstrand, Area Supervisor - Butterfly Conservatory
Time requirement: 400 hours