Our internship program offers a unique hands-on learning opportunity in a beautiful setting. All interns have direct contact with our visitors and have the opportunity to educate in a non-formal environment. While assisting the Butterfly House staff, interns will do a project related to their area that is beneficial to the intern and the Butterfly House. All internships are part time and unpaid.

Basic internship requirements: 

  • 140-hour minimum commitment (will adjust to meet school requirements)
  • Related coursework or experience in area of internship
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • High school seniors entering college in the fall are accepted on a case-by-case basis

Internships are available in most areas and are available year round. Read about our internship opportunities below!

Entomology

BH_Intern EntoEntomology interns work side-by-side with our Living Collections team and participate hands-on in the husbandry, maintenance, and daily care for our living collections consisting of dozens of species of invertebrates. Interns will work in a USDA regulated containment facility and will be trained on the rules, regulations, and quarantine protocol associated with such a space.

Full internship description

 

Horticulture

The horticulture internship provides practical, hands-on work experience in a unique garden setting. Interns will assist with opening horticulture tasks, general maintenance of the tropical conservatory and outdoor pollinator gardens, and larger seasonal horticulture projects. 

Full internship description

Science and Conservation Education

The Science and Conservation Education Intern will assist with our formal education programs for students, conservation-focused programming for adults, and family events.  They will also work with volunteers and staff to enhance the daily visitor experience through interpretation of our exhibits. 

Full internship description

 

Events and Social Media

Events_web_300x200

The Events and Social Media Intern will be responsible for assisting in the coordination and execution of public and private events at the Butterfly House, including family events and wedding ceremonies. In addition, they will be executing social media campaigns, analyzing social analytics, and assisting with communication efforts on behalf of the Butterfly House.

Full internship description

 

 

Apply for an Internship

Interested in joining us for spring 2026? Apply here!

Application Dates and Deadlines

Internship Dates
3-4 months with flexibility

Summer: Early May - Mid August (application deadline: April 15)
Fall: Mid August - December (application deadline: July 15)
Spring: January - Mid May (application deadline: November 15)

Intern applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Interns are interviewed until all available positions are filled.  Depending on the number of qualified applicants, some of our internship positions may be filled prior to the end of the application deadline.
 

If you have questions about an internship, please contact (314) 577-0888 or email butterflyhouse@mobot.org