Job Description Animal Keeper December 1, 2014

Salary: DOE Hours: 20 hours/week Reports to: Executive Director Benefits: Pro-rated vacation, holiday and sick leave

The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium inspires an appreciation of insects and their relatives through educational programs and innovative science exhibits featuring live invertebrates. To fulfill this mission, we are opening the first phase of our facility, the Missoula Insectarium, in early 2015.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Husbandry • In charge of daily maintenance of all arthropod species (includes feeding, watering, cleaning cages both behind the scenes and on-exhibit, and maintaining breeding colonies). • Observes live invertebrates to evaluate overall health and well-being. • Keeps detailed records of daily care. • Assess and revise protocols and procedures for arthropod maintenance. • Research husbandry techniques and develop protocols for care and exhibiting new arthropods. • Assists with facility maintenance in animal care areas (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing containers, etc.) • Maintains compliance with all USDA containment regulations and insures that all other regulatory agency procedures and policies are adhered to for live permitted arthropods. • May assist in collecting specimens and exhibit materials.

Supervisory/Training: • Supervise and/or provide direction to interns and volunteers assisting with keeper duties. • Train any staff, volunteers, and interns working with live arthropods.

Education: • Answers visitors’ questions concerning animal’s habits or museum operations while working on the exhibit floor. • Works in interactive stations and visitor program areas on the floor of the insectarium, including live animal presentations and demonstrations. • Provides written “keeper updates” in museum exhibits and on website and social media platforms.

Qualifications: Background / Skills • Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Wildlife Biology, or Zoology is preferred. • Previous terrestrial and aquatic arthropod care experience preferred. • Must be comfortable caring for and working with living arthropods. • Supervisory experience is preferred. • Interest and experience in aquarium/terrarium design is desirable. • Ability to read and interpret documents such as various governmental guidelines for exhibition and care of arthropod species, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Be able to follow instructions and protocols. • Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests or employees/volunteers of organization.

Organizational • Must have exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. • Must be able to work independently and manage and prioritize multiple tasks. • Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills. • Proficient with computers, Microsoft Word and Excel, basic internet and email. • Experience with social media platforms is desirable.

Requirements • Must be able to work weekend and holidays as required. • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. • Must possess a strong passion for arthropods and MBHI’s mission.

Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to MBHI, Attn: Jen Marangelo PO Box 8885 Missoula, MT 59807 or [email protected] by Dec. 31, 2014.