Exhibit and Interpretation Specialist
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Education
Job Description
The Exhibit Specialist is a key member of both the Education Department and Storytelling Team, responsible for collaborating on the research, execution, and interpretation of an engaging exhibition calendar and specifically contributes toward the creation, support, and facilitation of a seasonal indoor butterfly exhibit. Overall, this position assists with the execution, coordination, preparation, and installation of exhibits, ensuring the delivery of exciting and immersive experiences for all visitors.
About Us
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes the public to enjoy its living plant collections and
breathtaking conservatory. Its exhibits, educational programming, roots, and relationships serve the greater
community. As a regional asset, it is committed to overcoming barriers to be an inclusive organization
where all feel welcome.
Designed by Lord & Burnham, its historic conservatory, modeled after rare glasshouses in London,
England, opened in 1900. Located within a park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1800s,
the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is situated on 12 acres that also feature an accredited
arboretum and lush outdoor gardens.
The campus is owned by Erie County and operated by the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization supported in part by public funds from the County of Erie, the New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, members, donors, and friends.
Duties & Responsibilities
Seasonal Butterfly Exhibit
Take the lead in overseeing and coordinating a seasonal indoor living butterfly exhibit. This exhibit takes place annually, June – August.
Support the care of living butterflies featured in annual exhibit. This includes sharing basic caretaking responsibilities, monitoring and correcting any potential health issues, and maintaining a clean and safe living environment.
Ensure compliance with USDA APHIS regulations for plant and animal security, including proper disposal of all materials and maintenance of facility; write and maintain annual report to USDA recording live animal viability and parasitic issues, if any.
Develop live animal inventory plan to secure compelling exhibit display and manage ordering stock, including adult butterflies and chrysalides, from a diverse range of vendors, while ensuring compliance with USDA permit.
Process and pin shipments of chrysalides for emergence, release emerged butterflies into the exhibit, and facilitate proper disposal of butterflies in compliance with federal regulations.
Ensure availability of sufficient food sources for butterflies, including nectar plants and supplemental nourishment.
Regularly communicate with Horticulture Team regarding nectar plant needs, as well as any exhibit maintenance items related to plant displays.
Exhibits and Interpretation
In collaboration with the Education Department and Storytelling Team, assist in researching and designing a unique and engaging exhibition calendar.
Work alongside multiple departments to help coordinate all aspects of plant and art exhibits including research, design and implementation.
Assist with facilitating the visions of seasonal and annual exhibitions. This includes supply procurement, construction, hardscaping, painting, organizing, etc.
Assist with communication with and facilitation of outside exhibitions.
Work with Director of Education to identify interpretive needs for special exhibits and permanent collections.
Assist with creation and development of interpretive signage elements for seasonal exhibits and plant collections. Research content for interpretation and write interpretive text as needed.
Develop and implement a wide range of interpretive programming and experiential learning opportunities relating to exhibits and plant collections.
Facilitate interpretive programming as needed.
Work with Director of Education and Educator & Volunteer Coordinator to develop and facilitate seasonal training programs for staff and volunteers to highlight visitor experience objectives, interpretive programming, and operational standards for all exhibits, including Seasonal Butterfly Exhibit. Lead training sessions for staff and volunteers as needed.
Teamwork & Relationship Building
Establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, volunteers and committees.
Lead by example to ensure a welcoming environment and an excellent experience for visitors from arrival to departure.
Encourage open communication where new ideas and innovation are fostered within your team and other staff.
Help to create a positive, transparent, collaborative and fair work environment.
Work closely with volunteers to ensure they are thoughtfully engaged, treated with the utmost respect and are utilized to their fullest potential.
Take initiative and work with the Director of Education to ensure thoughtful compliance with the organization’s Mission, Vision, Policies, Procedures, Core Values, Inclusion Code of Conduct and Strategic Plan.
General
Professionally serve as a representative of the Botanical Gardens to all clients, visitors, vendors, government officials and any/all external sources.
Individuals will be required to work a flexible schedule. Some evenings, weekends and holidays will be required.
Assist at Botanical Gardens events as needed.
Additional duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
A bachelor’s or associate degree and 3-5 years’ experience in Education, Natural Sciences, Museum Studies, or a related field. Experience working in a museum, with exhibits and/or with live collections is preferred.
Additional Information
Skills and Characteristics
A passion for mission-driven education and visitor engagement, and for nurturing both plant life and healthy professional relationships with co-workers and volunteers.
An enthusiastic lifelong learner with a strong interest in the natural world, plants, insects, and their human connections.
Confident in communicating with staff, volunteers and the public.
Familiarity with butterfly care and maintenance.
Enthusiastic, self-motivated, trustworthy, reliable, and team oriented.
The ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strict attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills and possess excellent written and oral communications skills.
Maintain a positive attitude and apparent enthusiasm for the job and the organization.
Computer skills including Microsoft applications, workflow software.
Must be willing and able to sustain moderate physical exertion, with a full range of body motion, lift to 50lbs, and at times work in all weather conditions including a high-temperature greenhouse environment.
Application Instructions
Apply here: https://buffalogardens.bamboohr.com/careers/46