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.

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.