Insect Research Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Butterfly and Insect Pavilion Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. 

SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22nd - December 14th, 2026. All interns must be available during this time.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Butterfly and Insect Pavilion Intern. This position will assist with the daily husbandry and care of all species within the collection. The Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion is a total immersion exhibit that is home to an extensive invertebrate collection. One wing of the building features butterfly and moth species. The other wing is home to spiders, scorpions, walking sticks, mantids, millipedes, roaches, beetles, and a variety of other invertebrates. The building also includes several bird species throughout the building. Additionally, the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion is part of a year around program that focuses on the breeding and care of the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle that is native to Nebraska. This position reports directly to the Butterfly/Insect Supervisor.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of the Butterfly and Insect department.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Cleaning, general maintenance, and horticultural upkeep of the exhibits and building.
  • Daily care of animal collection.
  • Assistance in minor medical procedures and administering medications.
  • Recordkeeping.
  • Animal enrichment.
  • Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health.
  • Diet preparation and feeding.
  • Must follow all USDA/APHIS guidelines when working in permitted areas/with permitted species.  The protocols regarding USDA/APHIS guidelines will be part of the training process within the area.
  • Maintain the functions of USDA/APHIS facility including some life support systems.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
• Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s mission statement.
• Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with insects or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Knowledge of butterfly and insect natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to insects.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position may involve considerable physical exertion, including lifting of heavy objects (50+ pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider these physical requirements before applying for an internship in this area.  Interns that are not able to meet the physical requirements for the position may be reassigned to another department.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: May be asked to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Routine exposure to variable temperatures.   

PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. 

TO APPLY:

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered. 
  • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.

• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

DISCLAIMER

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.