Portsmouth Museums & Visitor Services

Role:Butterfly Supporter at Cumberland House Natural History Museum

Purpose of role: To carry out regular checks, monitoring and maintenance of butterflies in Butterfly House atCumberland House Natural History Museum.

The role involvesassisting staff with the following tasks:

  • Sweeping the whole area, picking up any expired butterflies
  • Topping up nectar feeders
  • Monitoring temperature and humidity levels of the main house
  • Operating the heating and venting as required
  • Observing the Puparium and raising any concerns
  • Maintaining pupae, gluing pupae onto sticks, dealing with failed pupae and malformed butterflies
  • Research and inform on present stock, including flight stock levels and future stock potential
  • Liaising and monitoring on pupae supply
  • Letting out emerged butterflies
  • Taking and keeping photographic records of butterflies

Skills and qualities

  • Enthusiasm and commitment for the role
  • A willingness to work as part of a team
  • A commitment to learn and develop skills
  • A knowledge of,or a desire to learn, about butterflies
  • Good interpersonal skills

Time commitment:

Ideally volunteers would be able to commit to approximately 1-2 hours per day, for a minimum of 1 day a week.This would be at a regular time each week for a period of six months or more but we understand that you will have other commitments on your time. There may also be some weekend and Bank Holiday work. (The museum is closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays).

Support and training:

Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones. You will receive training relevant to your role and ongoing support whilst volunteering. This will include

  • initial interview and site visit
  • induction programme
  • regular meetings and reviews

Training needs will be identified at the interview and may include

  • handling of butterflies and pupae
  • health and safety
  • fire evacuation
  • equality and diversity
  • safety checks

What will you gain in return?

This is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a busy heritage environment whether you are looking for some practical work experience or a friendly environment to learn new skills and share your passion for natural history.

  • Experience of working with butterflies
  • Learning new skills related to natural history and museum environment
  • Knowledge of the collections on display and natural history/environment

Next steps……

If you are interested in the role please complete and return the application form to Alison McGrigor, Volunteer Co-Ordinator. Once you have completed and returned your application we will arrange an interview and site Tel: 02392 834779 or 023 9243 7791

Butterfly Supporter Cumberland House