Butterfly Lead Keeper Chatfield

Title: Lead Butterfly Keeper at Chatfield

Position Reports To: Senior Lepidopterist Manager

Facility: Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms- 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128

About Butterfly Pavilion: At Butterfly Pavilion, (BP) 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, firsthand 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.

Our Core Values are a large part of who we are as an organization:

• Make Science Cool

• Love What You Do

• Go Above and Beyond

• Lead Change

• Know Your Stuff

• Be Positive

• Welcome All

These aren't just words, but words to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

FLSA: Seasonal | Full-Time| Non-Exempt (40 hours per week)

Season: May 18-Sept 12, 2026

Hourly Rate: $18.00/hour

Schedule: Tuesdays – Saturdays 8:00am – 4:00pm

Availability, Seasonal Commitment & Time Off:

This is a seasonal, full-time position with a short, fixed employment period. This role is expected to be available for the full duration of the season. Personal time off requests cannot be accommodated. Applicants should carefully consider their availability and ability to commit to the full season before applying.

Position Summary:

Provides care for all exhibit animals at the Chatfield butterfly flight house, maintaining containment while educating guests about the plants and animals inside the butterfly house. Serves as liaison between organizations to ensure smooth exhibit operations.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Provides daily care for butterflies including cleaning of habitats in exhibit area and monitoring environmental conditions of the exhibit

• Executes butterfly house vestibule protocols while controlling the flow of visitors into the exhibit, while providing information and guidance on house regulations

• Serves as liaison between DBG Chatfield and Butterfly Pavilion for seasonal exhibit operations

• Regularly inspects exhibit for any issues or repairs and performs minor maintenance tasks

• Ensures proper record keeping of daily husbandry, maintenance actions and animal health.

• Maintains compliance for USDA regulated animals.

• Receives and processes weekly butterfly shipments

• Communicates exhibit needs and ensures adequate stock of supplies

• Upholds AZA standards and follows Butterfly Pavilion animal policies.

• Effectively communicates with direct supervisors, and other members of both Butterfly Pavilion and Denver Botanic Gardens, to support the overall needs of Butterflies at Chatfield butterfly house.

• Directly communicates with Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms staff for onsite needs and minor or emergency maintenance requests.

• Helps implement training for volunteers as well as supervises volunteers within the butterfly house.

• Works collaboratively with staff and volunteers, problem solves and communicates within the team and when working with other teams or departments.

• Interacts with and provides educational information for guests of all ages visiting the butterfly house and uses live animals to demonstrate science-based concepts to guests.

• Conducts daily public programming and may help develop curriculum for new programs.

• Supports with end-of-season zoological records and data entry

• Additional duties based on organizational priorities and as needed.

Position Qualifications and Experience:

• Possesses or working towards a Degree in Biology or a related biological field or study.

• Experience working with invertebrates or animals in a zoo, museum, or similar facility is desired.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Enthusiastic, strong sense of fun, and patient.

• Experience working in a non-formal education/museum/education setting and/or a customer service based role.

• Prior experience working with, as well as comfortable working with, individuals of different ages and abilities

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

These work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter while performing the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

At Butterfly Pavilion at Chatfield, the employee is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time. This position is exposed to hot or humid conditions 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, carry and 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. Position is open until filled. No phone calls or drop in's please.