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BEFORE YOU VISIT

Before you visit the National Butterfly Center, here are a few things you should know:

1) We are NOT a national park, state park, or public property supported by taxpayer dollars. For this reason, your "park pass" is not valid here. We are a nonprofit organization that relies upon admission fees, programs, plant and gift shop sales, and donations to fund operations.

2) We are NOT a butterfly house. We are a 100-acre nature center planted for butterflies, so they are all outside and free-flying. Come prepared to walk earthen trails, deal with the weather and look for birds, butterflies and other wildlife in their native habitat.

3) Mother Nature controls the seasons, regulates the plants and determines the volume of butterflies in flight at any given time of year--NOT us. For this reason, drought, cold and cloudy weather, rain, high winds and other natural phenomena will affect the number of species and individual butterflies present.

4) We welcome the opportunity to teach visitors about butterflies, their habitat and needs, so please feel free to CALL before you visit, if you are not sure what is happening at the National Butterfly Center, in the gardens and on the grounds.

5) We expect all visitors to follow the rules, listed below, for your safety and the benefit of butterflies.

FOR YOUR SAFETY & THE CARE OF THE GARDENS, ALL VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS & MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER MUST FOLLOW THESE RULES:

Please observe and obey all posted signs.
The posted speed limit is 10 MPH. No speeding or off-roading is permitted on the grounds. Parking is permitted in designated areas, only.
Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and on the grounds.
Children must be supervised at all times. Climbing trees, throwing stones and play that may cause injury to persons and property is not permitted.
Stay on the paths and trails. Walking through tall grass may give you a nasty case of chiggers. And yes, there are snakes out there.
Picking or removing plant material (including flowers, fruit and seeds) or animals at any stage of their lifecycle is not permitted. Seed collection may be arranged with special permission through the administrative office.
Please do not feed or handle wildlife, including butterflies. Do not harass or approach wild animals. Fishing is not allowed.
The taking of wildlife, including insects, caterpillars, chrysalids, butterflies and moths will result in immediate removal and revocation of privileges at the National Butterfly Center.
Playing recorded music and birdsong is prohibited.
Loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting and indecent language is prohibited, as is disorderly conduct. Behaviors such as this will result in removal without any refund of fees.
Bicycling is permitted only on the main roadway through the property, not on the trails or in the gardens.
Pets are not allowed on the property. Registered service animals are welcome; however, they must remain with their owner, not tethered or allowed to roam the property.
Picnicking is permitted and encouraged. Large groups may rent and reserve the Monarch Palapa for private functions, through the Visitor’s Pavilion.
Please dispose of all waste properly. Receptacles for trash are provided throughout the property.
Grilling, open fires and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited without a facility rental agreement that make special provision for these activities.
Carrying firearms on the property by licensed or unlicensed person is prohibited, with the exception of on-duty law enforcement personnel.
No solicitation or sale of any goods or services is allowed without special authorization by the Executive Director.
Portrait photography may take place only with pre-arrangement and fee payment. Professional photographers must accept responsibility for their subjects and ensure they abide by all the applicable rules for on-site photography.
The North American Butterfly Association and the National Butterfly Center are not responsible for accidents or injuries involving visitors, volunteers, members or service animals; nor are we responsible for damage, theft or loss of personal property. Please lock your car and keep valuables with you.

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STAND WITH US AGAINST THE BORDER WALL!

On December 7, 2017, the North American Butterfly Association intends to file a lawsuit to stop the illegal taking of its property and the construction of a Border Wall through the National Butterfly Center, which it owns and operates.

We are asking all who support environmental sanity and/or who recognize that private property rights are a cornerstone of American liberty to join with us in this effort.

If you join the National Butterfly Center by 10 p.m. CST, December 5, 2017, your name will be included in the lawsuit.

Please go to https://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/join to help stop this insanity!

By becoming a member of the National Butterfly Center (NBC), you will not only have access to the NBC (the best place in the United States to see and learn about butterflies), you will also receive discounts for nursery and gift shop purchases, and free or discounted admission to approximately 400 botanical gardens and zoos across the country through our participation in the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admission Program. For a full list of reciprocal organizations,download the list.

Your membership to this nonprofit project contributes to our continued operation and advancement of our mission of environmental education and conservation.

Thank you for supporting our work!

National Butterfly Center
3333 Butterfly Park Drive
Mission, TX 78572
956-583-5400NBC@NationalButterflyCenter.org

Employment Opportunities at NBC

Current opportunities include:

Clerk

(Full-time, Non-exempt)

Position Summary: The Clerk works under moderate supervision from the Assistant Director and primarily provides superior sales, customer service and cashiering ability while working in the Visitor’s Pavilion and Gift Shop. Opens, closes and operates the Visitor’s Pavilion and Gift Shop according to assigned schedule, attends to customers and informs them about the Center’s features, programs, membership and benefits. Notifies supervisor of issues or problems that arise unexpectedly throughout the day, and interacts effectively and courteously with the public, visitors, volunteers and members, one-on-one and/or during group tours of the center. Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides excellent customer service concerning the Center’s grounds, butterfly gardens and gift shop.
• Sells, mails and/or ships merchandise, center admissions, program materials and memberships to customers, visitors and others.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the Visitor’s Pavilion and restrooms.
• Restocks merchandise and creates pleasing visual displays. Monitors gift shop inventory to ensure reorders are placed and back stock is put out for sale.
• Shares center rules and checklists, as well as other resources, to promote positive experiences for visitors, volunteers and members.
• Responds to general inquiries by phone and email with courteous and professional communication.
• Accounts for receipts and operates a Point of Sale (POS) computer system and ten-key calculator.
• Reconciles daily income report from POS register to cash box and credit card receipts. Completes appropriate forms for daily reporting.
• Handles and files essential paperwork for community workers, memberships and renewals, photographers and facilities use, etc.
• Demonstrates superior interpersonal skills in the daily interaction with the public, other co-workers, community workers, visitors, members and volunteers.
• Assists the center’s staff with special events and activities, as necessary.
• Performs other assigned duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and a minimum of 1 year of administrative support experience to include money-handling, merchandising, and skillfully operating a POS computer, Microsoft Word & Excel, and calculator. Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in English. Prefer some ability to speak Spanish, knowledge of or experience with butterflies, wildlife and/or the natural habitat. Also requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrates a pleasant personality, interacts and welcomes center visitors with the utmost respect and courtesy, and ensures they have a positive experience.
• Ability to effectively operate the Pavilion Gift Shop and interact effectively with staff, vendors, community workers and volunteers.
• Takes pride in the workplace and personal performance, by continuously enhancing the Center, the environment and its features.
• Demonstrates a love of nature and stewardship of the environment.
• Ability to identify and solve problems, work well as part of a team, and accept training and constructive feedback, and learn new skills.
• Ability to maintain a dependable record of attendance and punctuality.

Working Conditions: Work is performed mainly indoors and during daylight hours. Must be able to work comfortably around co-workers and visitors. Rarely, weekend hours may be required, as well as some very occasional evenings.
Physical Demands: Requires the ability to stand, walk and sit. Requires the ability to lift and carry merchandise. Also requires the ability to reach, handle, hear, see in color vision, and speak to visitors about the center. Must be able to operate related office equipment in a safe manner.
This position description is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. It does not represent an all-inclusive listing of the duties, nor o the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the job.
*I have read this position description and understand the requirements for satisfactory performance.

Download Form for Signature

Apply Online

Groundskeeper & Educator

Position Summary: A groundskeeper is responsible for the maintenance of the gardens and trails and performs a variety of tasks related to gardening and landscaping. The groundskeeper will also play a role in the educational programs, field trips, presentations and community events, both at the NBC and off-premises. Handles duties that arise unexpectedly through the day in addition to regular, routine duties such as greeting and assisting visitors, members and volunteers. Walks the grounds daily to learn it well and be able to identify hazards and opportunities. Learns the native plants and the butterflies of the region to contribute to visitors’ overall experiences. Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

Weeds, waters and maintains plant and beds and reports issues to Director of Operations, in a timely manner.
Keeps groundskeeper’s work space, outside restrooms, palapas and other areas cleaned, stocked and properly maintained, on a daily basis.
Feeds butterflies, birds and other wildlife, daily, according to prescribed practices, and our mission and purpose.
Performs duties in support of native plant propagation and Nursery production.
Participates in environmental education programs.
Secures the grounds and assets at the end of the workday by clearing the gardens and trails of visitors and locking up.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year related work experience. Prefer some knowledge of plants, gardening, plumbing, carpentry and electrical. Ability to communicate in English and/or Spanish. Also requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Interacts with park visitors with the utmost respect and
Ability to follow daily work orders and daily work
Effectively manages daily work schedule and uses time
Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers and the
Takes pride in the workplace and personal performance, by continuously enhancing the Center, the environment and its features
Demonstrates a love of nature and stewardship of the
Ability to maintain a dependable record of attendance and

Working Conditions: Work is performed mainly outdoors subject to the weather and during daylight hours. Works in sunny, humid, windy, cold and rainy weather. Ability to work comfortably around co-workers and visitors. Some weekend work required.Physical Demands: Requires the ability to stand, walk and sit. Requires the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and push a wheelbarrow. Also requires the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, handle, speak, hear and see in color vision. Must be able to operate related machinery and equipment in a safe manner.This position description is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. It does not represent an all-inclusive listing of the duties, nor o the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the job.*I have read this position description and understand the requirements for satisfactory performance.

Download Form for Signature

Apply Online