Butterfly House Assistant

Position: Butterfly House Assistant

Status: Part Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt (June 16-August 14, 2026, approximately)

Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)

Reports to: Education & Outreach Manager

Compensation: $18.50 per hour

Position Description:

The Butterfly House Assistant 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.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier, which will enable authorization to drive College-owned vehicle.

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.

Physical Requirements:

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in an indoor office setting with normal temperature ranges for the season AND outdoors in all weather conditions and temperatures.
• Traditional noise of a busy office setting can be expected AND mechanical equipment noise where proper PPE is required.

Lifting and Carrying

• Ability to lift 30 pounds and travel short distances over uneven surfaces.

Mobility

• Prolonged sitting majority of the workday to complete responsibilities.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Climbing various staircases across the campus to engage in meetings and/or presentations.
• Capable of walking unassisted on uneven surfaces 1-3 miles per week

Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

• Manual dexterity for handling small office-related objects.
• Fine motor skills for work performed on laptop.
• Infrequent need to reach overhead or below shoulder level to perform work duties.
• Requires precise hand-eye coordination to operate tools, machinery, or equipment safely and effectively.
• Must maintain good hand-eye coordination and depth perception while performing physical or mechanical tasks.

Sensory Requirements

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.