To Apply:  Mail or email cover letter, resume, and the names and contact info of three references to Butterfly House Manager, Susan Myers at smyers@ladewgardens.com.

Butterfly House Description:  The butterfly house is a seasonal (open to the public June –October) exhibit providing a close-up, educational experience on the natural history and life cycle of butterflies. It showcases several species of native Harford County butterflies and their host plants, as well as nectar plants.  The exhibit emphasizes the importance of creating and protecting native habitats and the importance of plant-animal relationships in nature.

Intern Responsibilities:

  • Help observe and care for the eggs, caterpillars, chrysalides and butterflies in the house
  • Help maintain and care for the host plants and nectar plants in the house
  • Assist and/or teach educational programs in the butterfly house
  • Help supervise and act as house host/docent during public viewing times
  • Assist with other duties as needed (i.e. summer camp, special events, data-entry, etc.)

Qualifications:

  • Individuals 16 years or older pursuing studies in education, biology, environmental science, botany, zoology, or related fields are preferred
  • Experience and interest in handling insects, invertebrates, plants and getting hands dirty
  • Enthusiasm for and experience working with the general public
  • Friendly, flexible, creative, self-motivated personality with good communication skills
  • Ability to work in summer heat for several hours at a time & lift objects up to 30 lbs.

Time Requirements: 

  • June through August, with option to continue through early October
  • 2-5 days per week; Monday through Sunday; one Saturday or Sunday per month is required
  • 3-6 hours per day; availability approx. 10:00am – 4:30pm

Benefits

  • Great career builder for students interested in careers in environmental education, horticulture, invertebrate zoology, entomology, biology, etc.
  • Training in natural history/life cycle of butterflies, gardening, and general ecology concepts
  • Free participation in annual Monarch Butterfly Workshop (in early August)

Organization Description: Ladew Topiary Gardens is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is “to maintain and promote the gardens, house and facilities in keeping with the creative spirit of Harvey S. Ladew for the public benefit and for educational, scientific and cultural pursuits.”  Ladew’s grounds cover 250 acres, including formal gardens, a seasonal, native butterfly house and an educational trail system through natural habitats including forest, meadows and wetlands.