BE BUG-PERSON!

All of our BUG-People like kids and BUGS! They are paid well for doing a great job. The job description below contains the basics of being a BUGMAN Instructor.

• An Instructor, the position described below, teaches our BUG-Programs to audiences of varying sizes and ages, and maintains and handles a small stock of BUGS (part-time Instructors may not need this - we can share). 

Here are some things you should know about the job you will get to do. Contact Mark (bugman@bugs.org   614-491-3810) to learn more!

• We are looking to cover an area in and around Columbus and Central Ohio
   
• The area is generally within an hour drive in any direction (not usually more, and you'll get paid travel)
   
• Most of our programs are during the day - some are weekend birthdays with occasional evening programs
   
• We pay our Instructors well since they are BEE to the public. Pay is based on program fees and starts around $40/hour plus travel
   
• We usually work with pre-school and school-age kids
   
• We show our BUGS to all ages and ability levels - even senior citizens!
   
• You keep your own bugs - we help you get them started, but there is a small amount of set-up you are responsible for (of course, then you have BUGS!)
  • In some circumstances we may be able to share our primary BUG collection with part-time Instructors.
     
• A desired responsibility of our Instructors is to help generate new business. Instructors receive a bonus for programs booked through these efforts, and have dibs on presenting the programs they book. We have a variety of programs in place to support these activities.
   
• Occasionally, our Instructors are expected to present promotional programs (like for Garden Shows or Educator Conferences, for example). These programs generally will be unpaid or paid at a reduced rate. They will usually be fun and will be the most effective mechanism for generating new business.
   
• We want to start someone right away - you'll be training before Spring!
  • Minimum training requires three 'encounters' - two observations of us teaching (with a reconnoiter) and one observation of you teaching. All training materials are supplied and we will spend as much time with you as you'd like to ensure you are comfortable delivering programs at our high quality level.

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• You should have a college degree
   
• You have to be a nice, good person (no shenanigans)
   
• You have to be willing to hold bugs (including Tarantulas and Scorpions - we show you how - it's fun, easy and not as dangerous as most people think) - and you can't make faces... except happy ones!
   
• Audience Management is a big part of this job - be prepared to be patient with children - children you are showing bugs to (it takes quite a lot of patience sometimes!)
   
• You really don't need experience, we train fully, but it would be very helpful if you have some experience 'performing' in front of people - especially kids. Teaching experience is very helpful (but you'll learn a lot about teaching, too)
   
• It would also be helpful if you know something about bugs or the natural world (but we know a lot, so we'll help there)
   
• You can't be flaky - got to be where you say when you say you'll be there
   
• You have to have a reliable car

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• Complete training is interesting, educational, fun... and unpaid
   
• There is a minimum of three training sessions in a program setting (two where you watch us and the final one where we watch you)
   
• Some of our Instructors have opted for a little more training than the minimum so they would feel more comfortable during their early programs. If you're good, we'll work with you as much as you need
   
• Full training manual included
   
• We show you how to care for your BUGS, too
   

• We have identified other regions that will provide a great client base for new operations. Our expansion into Ohio has helped us develop effective strategies for starting in a new market. Since much of our business is obtained through word-of-mouth 'promotions,' there may be a lull at the onset of a new operation. Once word gets out though, Instructors can be quite busy and well-compensated throughout the year.

  Targeted areas for new territories include Phoenix, Southern California (around San Diego), and the larger cities in Florida. But we are ready to open new BEE operations wherever someone wants to teach about bugs! A territory is defined by an area containing a large enough population base to support a territory. (That is kind of circular, but the bigger the city, the more business you're likely to get!)

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If you're ready to get involved in the world of teaching with BUGS, call Mark at

614-491-3810
or email
bugman@bugs.org