Intern-Pollinator Conservation Research Assistant, Butterflies

Working Title: Intern-Pollinator Conservation Research Assistant, ButterfliesJob Class: InternAgency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

Job ID : 82802

Location : Apple Valley

Telework Eligible : No

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Intern

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted : 12/24/2024

Closing Date : 01/21/2025

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Non Employee

Division/Unit : Conservation / Conservation & Research

Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies

Days of Work : Varies

Travel Required : No

Salary Range: $15.00 / hourly

Classified Status : Non-Status

Bargaining Unit/Union : 223 - Non-Employee/Unrep

FLSA Status : Nonexempt

Anticipated Dates : May 15 to August 15

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.This posting may be used to fill multiple paid internships.The initial work schedule is expected to be Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. After a few weeks, one position will transition to Sunday to Thursday, and the other to Tuesday to Saturday.This intern position assists daily operations of the Minnesota Zoo’s Pollinator Conservation Program, including care of and data collection on all life stages of imperiled and surrogate prairie butterflies; care of host and nectar plants; temperature and climate monitoring; and other related tasks.Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Demonstrate and maintain appropriate workplace behaviors and protocols as established by the Minnesota Zoo so that animal’s health and well-being is maintained, staff have a safe and respectful work environment, and guests have a welcoming and extraordinary experience.

Implement established rearing and husbandry protocols to ensure the highest standards of animal care for populations of several species of butterflies at the Minnesota Zoo, including species listed as Endangered or Threatened at state and federal levels and common surrogate butterfly species.

Collect data associated with all husbandry activities and log all activities to ensure appropriate record-keeping to facilitate increased scientific knowledge of butterfly life history and their care.

Maintain spaces so that proper health and quarantine procedures are assured.

Perform other duties as assigned or apparent to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and its projects.

Minimum QualificationsThe following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND

Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.

AND

Knowledge of basic biology and zoology.

High level of attention to detail.

Interest in zoo-based conservation of wildlife.

Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet and other software applications sufficient to create emails and enter, compile, store and retrieve data.

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with insects, especially butterflies.

Work experience with animal husbandry.

Experience in empirical research design, methodology and basic data analysis.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work outside under potentially extreme weather conditions.

Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven and occasionally wet terrain.

Ability to lift, carry and move up to 25 pounds.

Ability to operate a golf cart, i.e., possess a valid driver’s license.

Manual dexterity sufficient to operate basic hand tools, butterfly nets, light power tools, sprayers, and basic cleaning supplies.

Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, run, jump, push, pull, lift, stand still, and sit still.

Additional RequirementsApplicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

Conflict of Interest Review

Criminal History Check including fingerprinting

Education Verification

Employment Reference / Records Check

License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.