Volunteer Opportunities

 

"After seeing the first Blue Morpho and the conservatory plants, I was hooked." - Judy Rosen, Butterfly House Gift Shop Senior Sales Person.

"It is fun to share the (butterfly) story with adults and see them recognize and absorb the wonder of Mother Nature." - Judy Briley, Butterfly House Volunteer.

We have more than 150 volunteers who help us with every aspect of our operations. The volunteers that contribute their time are extremely important to the operation of our facility. They help us bring the joy of learning about butterflies and the environment to thousands of people each week.
WE NEED YOU AS WELL!!!

 

The Butterfly House has many volunteer opportunities. Share your love of gardening and butterflies by working in Guest Services, Horticulture, Education or the Madame Butterfly Gift Shop. Community Service opportunities for students exist as well.

People of all abilities are encouraged to apply. Contact Jessica at 636-530-0076 ext. 12 or jessica.deering@mobot.org or click here to obtain an application (PDF document) for a volunteer position.


We value our volunteers, and the Butterfly House Staff feels strongly about recognizing the work and commitment of our volunteers.

ALL THAT'S MISSING IS YOU!
Guest Services
Like talking to people? Then consider Guest Services. Volunteers may work at the information and ticket desk, monitor the theater, or answer questions in both the Flight House and our new Teaching Gardens. Shifts are available every day of the week.

These volunteers work with the horticulture staff on various aspects of gardening, including planting, watering, weeding, and pruning. Shifts are available every day of the week.

 

Horticulture Volunteers
Work with our horticulture staff keeping the gardens beautiful.

 
   

Education Docents The heart of our education program lies with our Docents who foster exploration throughout our facility and in outreach programs. Our formal in-house programming focuses on elementary students. In addition, we have preschool and middle school classes available at the Butterfly House.

Docents are expected to be familiar with all five curricula (preschool, kindergarten, first through third grades, fourth and fifth grades, and middle shcool).  These classes are described on our website butterflyschool.org in the "Teachers" section.  Call for more information on available shifts.

   

Outreach Docents Another volunteering opportunity exists in our outreach programs. This can be the only volunteer choice or in conjunction with the in-house programs. Adult groups want to hear about butterflies and gardens. Children like to have insects visiting them. Outreach docents will travel to the sites, all year round. Insect handling is taught in a short training session, held twice a year.
 

Gift Shop Volunteers
The Madame Butterfly Gift Shop features butterfly related items including clothing, jewelry, accessories, house & garden items and educational materials. Volunteers should be friendly, knowledgeable of merchandise, maintain high standards of store appearance, and have knowledge of computers. Gift Shop Volunteers will assist shoppers with selections, record and transact sales, set up merchandise displays, sell Butterfly House tickets, inventory stock, and check in merchandise. Shifts are available every day.

 

Community Service:
Students can complete their community service hours at the Butterfly House. Opportunities include working with the Horticulture staff to keep the Gardens beautiful, helping with children with crafts on Craft Saturdays, and greeting and assisting guests during their visit. Project based opportunities are also available.

 

Craft and Event Volunteers:
During Craft programs, volunteers assist guests of all ages with craft projects.  Volunteers are also welcome to help design new craft projects.  Event volunteers help with our family-oriented events like Earth Day, Father's Day and Boo-terflies.  They help direct guests, assist with games and crafts and more.  Ideal for individuals who don't have a lot of time to help!

 

Bug Bureau of Investigation :

Love crime investigations?  Enjoy acting?  Volunteers in this position will conduct an "investigation" to determine what bug is responsible for a crime.  It will be an interactive presentation where the investigator will lead the guests to discover who committed the crime.  You will assist the audience in discussing insect behaviors and characteristics so that they learn while solving the crime.  Live arthropods will be included in the presentation.