LEARN AT BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND THROUGH THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM!
The internship program is organized to provide students with a unique learning experience where they will intern under mentor staff to complete an organized learning program with hands-on, real-world opportunities.
Interns must be at least 18 years old, adhere to professional grooming standards, and must be able to commit to a minimum of 2 days each week during the internship semester.
Internships offer a valuable, hands-on learning experience to build your skills and resume. Internships are unpaid.
Description:
Butterfly Wonderland, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the largest butterfly conservatory in America. It features a magnificent indoor conservatory that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert where thousands of butterflies fly freely. Butterfly Wonderland is a premier learning environment filled with interactive exhibits, including a Butterfly Emergence Gallery, 3D movie theater, Spineless Giants exhibit, a Rainforest Reptile exhibit, Rainforest Birds and a bug vending machine.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
The Butterfly Wonderland Foundation Internship program is available in several areas of Butterfly Wonderland. All internships are unpaid positions that offer valuable learning experiences. Internships are aligned with the semester calendar and require a 3 to 4-month commitment with a minimum of 2 days a week. Interns will be required to complete a project and present their project to staff and peers at the conclusion of the internship. A mandatory background check will be required before beginning the internship. Students wishing to earn college credit for the internship must coordinate with their college and Butterfly Wonderland in sufficient time to make appropriate arrangements.
If you have questions about the internship program please contact adriane@butterflywonderland.com
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Participate in educational presentations and interactive programs within Butterfly Wonderland
• Create positive guest interactions and experiences daily
• Keep a record of learning activities and hours
• Complete a project and give an oral presentation with visual aids to fellow peers and staff
• Follow all policies and procedures set forth by Butterfly Wonderland
• Complete any applicable additional tasks, worksheets, quizzes, tests, or projects as determined by the specific internship program
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
• Brief application below
• Cover Letter – 1 pg. maximum
• Professional Resume – 1-2 pg. maximum
• 3 letters of reference, at least 2 of which must be from a faculty member or academic advisor within your program of study
SEMESTER AND APPLICATION DATES
SPRING SEMESTER
• Application deadline: December 1st
• Semester runs January through April
SUMMER SEMESTER
• Application deadline: April 1st
• Semester runs May through July
FALL SEMESTER
• Application deadline: July 1st
• Semester runs August through December
TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS
GENERAL INTERNSHIP:
As part of Butterfly Wonderland’s General Internship program, interns provide fun learning experiences for guests through opportunities that bring our exhibits to life. Ambassador interns learn all aspects of Butterfly Wonderland alongside staff in a supportive and supervised role. Ambassador Interns learn and experience a variety of areas of Butterfly Wonderland, including admissions, guest services, membership, gift shop, education, and curatorial. Interns are instrumental in daily operations including feeding, cleaning, Conservatory duties, and engaging with guests to educate them on the importance of conservation. The internship will help to gain experience and skills in guest service, communication, public speaking, and management. This internship requires 8 hours (two 4-hour days) per week, for a full semester.
EDUCATION INTERNSHIP:
As part of Butterfly Wonderland’s Education Internship program, interns will rotate short-term throughout the building and work alongside Butterfly Wonderland staff in a supportive and supervised role. Interns will assist and participate in public speaking, guest education and interaction through hands-on learning in our Chrysalis Emergence Gallery, Butterfly Conservatory, and Rainforest Reptiles and Tropical Waters exhibit. The internship will focus on educating and inspiring guests to be intentional in their personal conservation efforts while inspiring guests to understand, appreciate, and protect the biodiversity of the rainforest. This internship requires 8 hours (Two 4-hour days) per week for a full semester.
CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP:
As part of Butterfly Wonderland’s Curatorial Internship program, interns will gain knowledge in Lepidoptera husbandry, identification, and education by assisting alongside a team of staff in a supportive and supervised role, with butterfly and moth care, USDA compliance and reporting, and visitor education. Interns also gain knowledge of rainforest insects, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life by learning about a variety of exhibits at Butterfly Wonderland. Curatorial interns gain additional experience in public speaking by interacting with guests to educate them on the importance of conserving our rainforests. This internship requires 8 hours (two 4-hour days) per week for a full semester.