Butterfly Exhibit Assistant Manager

Brookside Gardens is currently seeking Butterfly Exhibit Assistant Managers to help operate an educational live caterpillar and butterfly exhibit. Duties include training, supervising, and managing many adult and student volunteers; proper handling and management of butterflies, plants and related materials; customer service; and educational interpretation for groups and individuals. The ideal candidate is energetic, enthusiastic about plants, and enjoys interacting with people.

Throughout the year, Brookside Gardens hosts more than 1,000,000 visitors, many at engaging programs and events for children and adults, including the summer live butterfly exhibit and winter light display. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and can help us become a more inclusive garden for staff and visitors. Go to our website to learn more about Brookside Gardens. www.brooksidegardens.org 

• Assists Conservatory Gardeners to install and maintain plant displays.

• Performs daily tasks such as watering, grooming plants, weeding, and keeping walkways clean.

• Assists with ticketing purchase and check-in for visitors.

• Directs and works with volunteers who assist with plant maintenance.

• Equally involved with people management and exhibit operation.

• Trains and works with Volunteer Docents to provide a meaningful and informative visitor experience.

• Informs visitors respectfully of rules and permit requirements as needed to ensure compliance.

• Provides accurate interpretive information about butterflies and the exhibit to visitors.

• Responds in a positive and helpful manner to visitors’ requests for information or services.

• Receives, examines, mounts, monitors, and releases live butterflies according to USDA permit requirements.

• Monitors and replenishes supplemental nutritional sources for live butterflies.

• Assists in the proper sanitization and disposal of exhibit materials and dead insects.

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Ability to accurately follow detailed instructions for a wide variety of tasks.

• Punctual and reliable.

• Strong communication, leadership, and customer service skills.

• Ability to comfortably address groups in a pleasant but authoritative manner.

• Capable of working in hot, humid environments.

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn plant and insect identification, greenhouse control systems, disease and pest recognition.

• Attention to detail and record keeping capabilities.

• Ability to safely operate tools and equipment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a highly collaborative team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous horticulture experience in a greenhouse or conservatory.

• Previous experience with live animal care.

• Any coursework in horticulture, entomology, biology, or other natural sciences is a plus.

Supplemental Information:

• This position is not eligible for benefits.

• A criminal background investigation will be completed prior to hire.

• May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
  
  

Working Conditions?

The work environment is inside a public display glass Conservatory with exposure to temperature extremes such high heat and humidity and cold damp conditions, as well as to strong cleaning solutions, insects, and insect waste. Must be able to perform strenuous work, stoop, bend, stretch, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds. Work schedule is up to 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Salary : $17