The Strong has upstate New York’s only year-round indoor butterfly garden, as well as a coral reef aquarium and freshwater aquarium which are home to many different species of fish and invertebrates. The live collections assistant is responsible for providing frontline exceptional visitor service in accordance with established team and museum standards. This includes interacting with guests of all ages to anticipate and respond quickly and effectively to their questions and concerns, as well as to meet and exceed their expectations to provide an exceptional museum experience.

　　The live collections assistant may also assist as needed with some day-to-care care and conservation of animals and plants in the collection, cleaning all live collections areas, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies.

　　This position is intended for applications interested in guest services and education centered around nature. The applicant can expect to spend a significant amount of time providing guest service in the butterfly garden while also experiencing some behind-the-scenes learning opportunities that may include providing care for exotic animals, participating in some butterfly data collection, or maintaining tropical pants.

　　Responsibilities:

　　Perform hosting duties in the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. Facilitate guests’ admittance to and departure from the garden. In collaboration with other staff, observe and caution guests touring the garden to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.

　　Help ensure that garden functions are consistently regulated.

　　Effectively handle guests’ needs, questions, and expectations in a manner consistent with museum service goals. Provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, or facility activities.

　　Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling to ensure the garden is properly staffed.

　　Notify live collections team members of concerns regarding livestock, including concerns regarding husbandry, health, or similar.

　　Assist with basic plant care in the greenhouse and butterfly garden, including, but not limited to, dead heading, weeding, and watering.

　　Minimum Qualifications:

　　A high school diploma, GED, or CDOS, with college-level science experience preferred.

　　Ability to be an outstanding ambassador for the museum.

　　Strong communication and listening skills.

　　Must be enthusiastic and passionate about working with exotic plants and animals and committed to protecting their well-being.

　　Willingness to work with taxa including, but not limited to, arthropods, reptiles, and amphibians.

　　Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.

　　Availability to work evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends as necessary.

　　Ability to work a flexible schedule. Including weekends.

　　Job Schedule:

　　Part-time

　　Thursdays 10:30am-5pm, Fridays 10:30am-3:30pm, Saturdays 3pm-8pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm; (21 hours) with room to pick up shifts regularly.

　　Starting salary: $15

　　The final candidate must consent to and pass a drug screen as a condition of employment. The Strong is an Equal Opportunity Employer.