Aquarist I-III

About the role

Maintain and care for a variety of marine and aquatic species within the ABQ BioPark. Assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed and perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. Use SCUBA for in-tank animal care and exhibit maintenance. These positions are part of the BioPark Training and Certification program. This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and care for a variety of marine and aquatic species
• Assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed
• Perform activities relative to assigned area of responsibility
• Use SCUBA for in-tank animal care and exhibit maintenance
• Participate in the BioPark Training and Certification program

Requirements

Aquarist I ($19.51–$20.49/hr.)

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of experience in any combination of: marine biology, aquatic animal husbandry, aquaculture
• Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months of hire
• Valid SCUBA diving certification within 6 months of hire

Aquarist II ($20.59–$21.62/hr.)

• High school diploma or GED
• Three (3) years of experience in any combination of: marine biology, biology, aquatic animal husbandry, aquaculture
• Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months of hire
• Valid SCUBA diving certification within 6 months of hire
• Completed Level 1 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or 15 credit hours of college-level work in marine biology, aquatic animal husbandry, biology, or aquaculture

Aquarist III ($22.27–$23.32/hr.)

• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Marine Biology or Aquaculture
• Four (4) years of experience in any combination of: marine biology, biology, aquatic animal husbandry, aquaculture
• Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months of hire
• Appropriate valid SCUBA diving certificate within 6 months of hire into position
• Completed Level 2 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or 15 credit hours of college-level work in marine biology, aquatic animal husbandry, biology, or aquaculture

Working Conditions

Environmental

• Indoor, outdoor, and underwater environments
• Work with a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste
• Work on slippery or uneven surfaces
• Exposure to chemicals and pesticides, noise, dust, heat, cold, and inclement weather conditions

Physical

• Ability to pass dive physical for SCUBA diving
• Basic eye-hand coordination
• Adequate manual dexterity
• Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and occasional heavy, moderate, or light lifting