Position: Butterfly House Assistant

Status: Part-time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt, (3-days per week June – September)

Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)

Reports to: Education & Outreach Manager

Pay Rate: $18.00 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 part-time Assistant to work in its Visitor Interpretive Center’s native-species Butterfly House. The position is responsible for the health, well-being and husbandry of all native Lepidopteran species and native vegetation in the exhibit in collaboration with the Butterfly House Coordinator and volunteers, for interpreting to the public, the life cycles and biology of the animals in the exhibit.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Husbandry of native butterfly and moth species 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.
• Regular 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 to people of all ages on the biology and ecology of native Lepidoptera.
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors at the Butterfly House and as needed at the VIC front desk.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• All education and experience levels are considered.
• Demonstrated interest in and/ or knowledge of native butterfly and moth species including husbandry, life cycle, and survival needs.
• Proven gardening skills including plant identification, cultivation, and tending.
• Experience providing interpretation/ education to the public
• Knowledge of or interest in Adirondack natural history and ecology.
• Ability to work independently with a high level of detail.
• Experience and interest in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Ability to sit and stand for long hours and lift to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and events.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Red Cross First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid.
• Degree or in the process of obtaining a degree in wildlife or ecosystem management.

Open 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