Volunteer Butterfly Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butterfly Attendant

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
The Butterfly Attendant is a specific type of encounter interpreter. As an Encounter Interpreter, you will lead conservation-focused encounters John and Greli Less Buttefly Rainforest at San Antonio Zoo. Encounter Interpreters perform a variety of tasks associated with delivering interactive experiences through informal, mission-aligned encounters between zoo animals and guests. Encounter Interpreters intertwine meaningful objects (artifacts, biofacts, graphics), exhibit animals, and personal moments that inspire guests to adopt behaviors that secure a future for wildlife. Encounter Interpreters may also engage zoo guests by leading guided tours, attending outreach engagements, and supporting special events. The Encounter Interpreter works in the Animal Care Department and reports to the Animal Encounter/AAT Manager.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As a Butterfly Attendant, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

• Ensure the safety of guests and exhibit animals referring to established protocols. Explain, and abide by, the policies and procedures of the encounter.
• Empower guests with accurate and enthusiastic conservation-focused information while visiting the exhibit.
• Engage conservation-minded guests by asking and responding to questions.
• Maintain the cleanliness and overall aesthetic of the encounter area.
• Check on plant health in Butterfly exhibit each work-day and report needs to Education Manager.
• Collaborate with zoo staff to ensure accurate dissemination of information and maximize the zoo's resources to support conservation education.
• Deliver a wide variety of interpretative encounters, integrating the zoo’s LEAP missiong and incorporating exhibit spaces, exhibit animals, and/or biofacts, to empower guests to adopt conservation behaviors that secure a future for wildlife.
• Train exhibit interpreters, education docents and teen volunteers on conservation-action messaging, guest interactions, and butterfly best practices. Provide support for volunteers and other members of San Antonio Zoo staff as needed.
• Uphold all company policies as outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
• Consistently exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and enjoyment. Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address guests - do not wait to be asked, demonstrate initiative.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas (pick up litter as you see it).

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist Invertebrate Specialist in attending to Pupae Emergence Room (PER), Butterfly House, Will Smith Zoo School butterfly exhibit as directed. Tasks may include participating in cleaning, feeding and care routines for any or all invertebrate species in our care, including but not limited to: butterflies, cockroaches, beetles, centipedes, millipedes and spiders.
• With guidance from Invertebrate Specialist, ensure the integrity of the Pupae Emergence Room (PER) and Butterfly exhibit(s) per USDA/APHIS regulations, including data entry and record keeping
• Assist with occasional educational outreaches and media appearances as needed.
• Perform other work-related duties as required and assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

• Minimum 3 full day availability, though 4 or more days available is preferred. Standard shift is 8:30am-5:30pm, though hours may vary for holidays, special events or other needs.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hour assignments.
• Ability to work comfortably among a wide variety of people.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work safely around delicate arthropods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, presenting biological and historical information in a professional manner.
• Knowledge of arthropod related citizen science projects preferred.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google Docs.
• Must be 18 years of age with a valid Texas driver’s license.
• Comfortable working in tight spaces.

The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.