Butterfly House Coordinator

Position: Paul Smith’s College VIC Butterfly House Coordinator

Status: Full Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt (June – September)

Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)

Reports to: Education & Outreach Manager

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

The Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) offers a unique blend of recreation and education for both the college community and the public. Encompassing 3,000 acres of working forest, the VIC showcases the college’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and learning. Containing nearly all ecosystem types found in the region, the VIC provides 25 miles of trails designed for running, hiking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. It also features world-class Nordic ski trails and a biathlon range. Nearly 30,000 visitors come to the VIC annually to enjoy programs including hands-on learning, naturalist programs, arts and culture initiatives, and a variety of recreational opportunities. Indoor facilities include an educational exhibit area, classroom, library, art gallery space, and retail store.

Position Description:

Paul Smith’s College is seeking a full-time Butterfly House Coordinator to oversee operation of its Visitor Interpretive Center’s native-species Butterfly House. The Butterfly House Coordinator holds primary responsibility 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 2025 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 supervising volunteers or employees.
• 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.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work.
• 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

Posted until filled

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V