Species Identification Specialist (Research and conservation)

Title: Species Identification Specialist (Research and conservation)

Position reports to: Target Species Manager

About Butterfly Pavilion: Here at Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom. As the leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration, and connection, Butterfly Pavilion works to foster an appreciation of these critical animals by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Whether it is providing unique, hands-on learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.

Looking forward, we are committed to providing the most enriching experience for our audience, being recognized as a scientific authority, and being a leading educational resource on invertebrates. To this end, Butterfly Pavilion has begun the early stages of launching a $40 million Capital Campaign to expand Butterfly Pavilion into the Center for Invertebrate Research and Conservation (CIRC) in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in 2022.

A large part of who we are as an organization is how we interact with each other. Valuing our facility, guests, donors, and our team is a priority, without these puzzle pieces we can't make it all work, these Core Values guide us throughout our day. We Love What We Do at Butterfly Pavilion, we Make Science Cool by Going Above and Beyond for all guests, donors, and team members while also Leading Change in invertebrate conservation. We Know Our Stuff and work to have a healthy culture by Being Positive and Welcoming to All. These aren't just words, but words for us to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

Core Values:

Make Science Cool: Science has the power to change the world and education is where it starts. We immerse our guests in the world of invertebrates, creating a safe, comfortable atmosphere to make connections to nature, filling guests with wonder and inspiring them to embrace their role as stewards of our environment.

Go Above and Beyond: It is "our job" to find a solution, even if we did not create the problem. We never stop with okay, instead striving for world class in all we do.

Love What You Do: As a conservation organization, we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do the work we do each day. Independent of role, project, or task, we stand behind that work with an unwavering belief in the significance of our efforts to support our mission, knowing our passion will inspire others to join our efforts.

Be Positive: We approach challenges with vibrant optimism. Always assuming positive intent, we embrace a productive problem-solving attitude and a supportive team-oriented atmosphere.

Know Your Stuff: We are the experts on invertebrates and their conservation. We are well-informed and present knowledge in a way that is accessible to the public and allows us to embrace our role as a community leader locally and globally.

Lead Change: We approach our work with a sense of exploration and adventure, pioneering new ways to view the world in which we live. As problem solvers, we seek new ways of tackling challenges and approaching opportunities.

Welcome All: We pride ourselves in embracing diversity of thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyles. We embrace a kind, compassionate, and engaging approach, welcoming all people in the work we do. We seek a competency of cultural understanding and social responsibility to make it as easy as possible for others to join us in conserving our natural world.

FLSA: Technician/Staff

Hourly Rate: $25/hr

Commitment: 28 weeks (May to December 2024) 40 hours per week (8 hours per day). The first week will be onsite for training and onboarding.

Position Summary: The Research Species Identification Specialist spends 40 hours/week fulfilling the research and conservation goals involving a BLM Lands pollination grant at Butterfly Pavilion, working in close cooperation with the Target Species Manager, BLM Project Coordinator, Vice President of Science and Conservation, and Fieldwork Technicians. Work duties include invertebrate specimen processing and identification, data management, and report writing.

Butterfly Pavilion is currently seeking a creative, highly motivated, and energetic individual to assist in invertebrate collection, preservation and identification, data management, and report writing as part of a team of talented and experienced staff, interns, and volunteers. The species identification specialist will assist in the identification and preservation of diurnal invertebrate pollinators and other invertebrates inhabiting land that BLM manages in Colorado, including species targeted for conservation, such as monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and western bumble bees (Bombus occidentalis). The Research Species Identification Specialist will spend the beginning of their position training and onboarding. They will then spend Mid-May through December 2024 (28 weeks) primarily identifying insects sampled during 2024 summer from the BLM Lands of Colorado. They will also assist in report writing and data analysis if necessary.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Provideactive, self-motivated participation in Butterfly Pavilion's research and conservation goals.
• Communicate with Butterfly Pavilion staff (particularly the Target Species Manager) daily.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Provide active, self-motivated participation in Butterfly Pavilion's Research and Conservation department.
• Conduct entomological lab work, primarily specimen organization, processing, and identification.
• Assist in data management and analyses.
• Assist in reports and scientific publications.
• Uphold AZA accreditation standards.
• Comply with USDA containment standards.
• Maintain a clean working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

1. Project/time management
2. Communication skills
3. Teamwork
4. Department knowledge
5. Detail oriented
6. Innovation/Creative Thinking
7. Initiative
8. Results and Goal Oriented

Required Minimum Qualifications/Experience:

• 2-3 years' experience in invertebrate identification, preferentially North American insects. College level classes will count towards experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Entomology or related field, advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience collecting, preserving, and identifying invertebrates using taxonomic keys.
• Enthusiasm to learn new concepts, field skills, and lab skills.
• Ability to work productively in a collaborative team.
• Attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Microsoft Excel/Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience conducting independent research.
• Experience with insect identification, especially in Colorado.
• Experience working in a team.
• Experience using statistical software such as R, GIS, PICES, and SYSTAT.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the following work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

At Butterfly Pavilion, the employee is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time.

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The employee is occasionally required to reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employee should be able to lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.

How to Apply:

Butterfly Pavilion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply for open positions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or veteran status.

Applicants must submit a Resume and Cover Letter to the following link: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/butterflies/jobs/3308755-20970

Position is open until filled. No phone calls or drop ins please.