Beekeeping Volunteer

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Position Overview: The Beekeeping Volunteer will work closely with the Entomologist to manage Butterfly Pavilion’s 40 beehives.

Length of commitment:This is an ongoing position with the majority of work occurring from April 1-November 1. Eight hours per week, on either a Friday or a Saturday.

Key Responsibilities:NOTE: All responsibilities will be performed as an assistant to the Entomologist or Lead Zookeeper. Volunteer will always be supervised.

• Construct and paint new equipment.
• Set up and install new hives in spring.
• Perform weekly health checks on bees.
• Move bees as necessary.
• Clean and organize bee yard.
• Help set up for Beekeeping Bootcamp classes.
• Feed or medically treat bees, as determined by Entomologist.
• Keep records of bee health.
• Extract honey.

Initial Impact:As part of its Pollinator Awareness through Conservation Education, Butterfly Pavilion will support 40 hives in two different apiaries. Care for these hives will directly result in increased pollination in the Denver Metro Area and bring awareness to issues surrounding pollination declines.

Sustainable Outcome: The selected volunteer will have hands- on beekeeping training, work with experts in the subject area, learn the biology and physiology of honey bees, learn the environmental factors that affect honey bees, and be exposed to the day-to-day events surrounding honey bee management. This will allow the volunteer to acquire skills in animal husbandry, equipment construction, animal records and invertebrate medical treatment.

Training & Support:Beekeeping volunteers will receive individual training and supervision from Butterfly Pavilion’s Entomologist. Training will develop skills in the following areas:

• Bee hive installation
• Apiary management
• Bee health monitoring and record keeping
• Bee disease and parasite mitigation
• Honey extraction

Beekeeping volunteers will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working in the hives.

Qualifications & Skills: This is a specialized position which will require an application and interview. Not all candidates are guaranteed an interview or position. To apply for the position, candidate must submit a resume and cover letter detailing the following qualifications:

• Interest in entomology and beekeeping
• Experience working with insects, Hymenoptera preferred
• Ability to follow safety protocols
• Ability and willingness to follow verbal directions
• No sensitivity or allergies to insect stings
• Ability to work long hours in all weather, including hot, dry summer conditions
• Ability to lift at least 50lbs
• Beginning beekeepers strongly encouraged to apply
• Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds strongly encouraged to apply

Benefits to volunteer:Volunteer will get individual, specialized training on all aspects of beekeeping. Volunteer will also be invited to attend formal beekeeping classes hosted by Butterfly Pavilion’s Entomologist.

To Apply: Please send letter of interest and resume to Julia McCleary, Butterfly Pavilion Volunteer Program Manager, at jmccleary@butterflies.org; qualified applicants will be invited to interview for this position with our Curatorial team, who will select the candidate who is the best fit for the position.