Description
EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION/WORK SCHEDULE: Part-Time/Seasonal or LTE (hourly)
· Orientation: Monday, July 13, 5:00–7:00 PM
· Work Dates: Candidates should be available to work 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM on the following dates:
o Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from July 18 through August 8
BENEFITS: This position does not offer benefits.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: Olbrich Botanical Gardens is home to 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a 10,000 square foot tropical conservatory. The outdoor gardens include 10 unique specialty gardens and received the 2005 National Award for Garden Excellence. Indoors, the tropical Bolz Conservatory exhibits an extraordinary collection of exotic plants and orchids complemented by colorful birds and koi. Olbrich is committed to a culture of sustainability and education so that everyone - including future generations - can experience and learn about the fascinating world of plants and gardens. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is operated through a public/private partnership between the City of Madison and the Olbrich Botanical Society, the non-profit organization that raises over $3 million each year to support the daily operation of the Gardens.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
This hybrid role combines two key guest engagement positions:
· Blooming Butterflies Interpreter – Stationed inside the Bolz Conservatory, providing educational insights about butterflies, supervising volunteer Conservatory Docents, and responding to issues with the butterflies.
· Entrance Greeter – Welcoming and orienting guests, sharing essential USDA regulations, and managing the flow of guests entering the exhibit.
This position requires strong communication skills, a friendly and outgoing demeanor, and the ability to project your voice in a busy environment. Training is provided.
Watch this short VIDEO to learn more about the role and key information shared with guests before they enter the exhibit.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Entrance Greeter Responsibilities:
· Warmly Welcome Guests: Provide a friendly greeting and introduction to the exhibit.
· Oversee Entry: Ensure a smooth and orderly admission process for the exhibit.
· Share Exhibit Highlights: Deliver a brief, engaging overview to spark interest and curiosity.
· Explain Guidelines: Clearly communicate exhibit rules to promote responsible interactions and safeguard the butterflies.
· Ensure Compliance: Adhere to USDA requirements for admission to butterfly exhibits.
Blooming Butterflies Interpreter Responsibilities:
· Educate & Inspire: Engage visitors at the chrysalis cases, providing educational enrichment about butterfly biology, migration, and habitats using provided materials.
· Identify Butterflies: Help guests identify butterflies using the ID Guide and share additional details about various species.
· Support Docents: Collaborate with and assist volunteer Conservatory Docents to enhance the guest experience.
· Butterfly Safety: Ensure guests check their clothing and strollers for butterflies before exiting and gently move butterflies off pathways to prevent accidental harm.
· Butterfly Care: Respond appropriately to trapped, injured, or deceased butterflies.
· Release Butterflies: Occasionally release butterflies from chrysalis cases once their wings have fully dried.
· Promote Courtesy & Respect: Kindly guide guests in following exhibit rules to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Strong public-speaking skills with the ability to project voice over crowds.
· Comfort interacting with a diverse range of visitors, including children and adults.
· Ability to stand for up to three hours at a time.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Enthusiasm for butterflies, plants, and conservation education.
· Experience engaging with large groups in an educational or public setting.
· Friendly, outgoing personality with a passion for public interaction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
· This position rotates between the lobby and the Conservatory.
· The Conservatory can be warm and humid in the summer; tolerance for heat is required.
Summary
INCLUSION COMMITMENT: In pursuit of our mission to enrich lives and inspire harmony with the natural world, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every visitor, volunteer, and staff member is valued and feels they belong. With mindful intent and a dedication to continuous learning, we will work to remove barriers to inclusion through education, organizational improvements, and collaborative partnerships with our diverse community. Together, we celebrate the importance of plants and foster a sustainable, connected world.
The Organization has reviewed this position description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Please note other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or removed at any time. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Organization reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Organization may deem appropriate.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The job application window is open through May 1, 2026.
Please submit a cover letter along with your resume.