Zookeeper I-III

About the Role

The Ambassador Animal Team at the ABQ BioPark is one of the most unique animal teams at the park. The successful candidate will be passionate about conservation and engaging the public during programming while working with a variety of animals including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The role involves collaborating with the Education Team and other animal teams on animal encounters, conservation education, and animal-themed programming for special events. Responsibilities include maintaining and caring for animals, assisting curatorial and veterinary staff, and performing activities related to the assigned area.

These positions are part of the BioPark Training and Certification program and are safety-sensitive, subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and care for a variety of animals within the BioPark.
• Assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed.
• Collaborate on animal encounters, conservation education, and special event programming.
• Perform tasks related to the assigned area of responsibility.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months of hire date.

Qualifications

Zookeeper I ($19.13 - $20.09/hr)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in any combination of the following: exotic animal husbandry, zookeeping, or arthropod rearing.
• Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

Zookeeper II ($20.19 - $21.20/hr)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of experience in any combination of the following: exotic animal husbandry, zookeeping, or arthropod rearing.
• Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.
• Must have completed Level 1 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or have 15 college-level credit hours in biology, zoology, or animal science.

Zookeeper III ($21.83 - $22.86/hr)

• High school diploma or GED, supplemented by thirty (30) credit hours of college-level coursework in zoology, biology, or animal science.
• Four (4) years of experience in any combination of the following: exotic animal husbandry, zookeeping, or arthropod rearing.
• Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.
• Must have completed Level 2 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or 15 credit hours of college-level coursework in zoology, biology, or animal science.
• Scuba certified or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year of hire for pertinent departments.

Working Conditions

Environmental

• Zoo environment with exposure to a variety of domestic and exotic animals, noise, animal body fluids, and inclement weather.
• May work in or around water.

Physical

• Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition for standing, walking, reaching, bending, squatting, kneeling, and climbing for prolonged periods.
• Involves heavy, moderate, or light lifting, pulling, or pushing.

Pay

• Zookeeper I: $19.13 - $20.09/hr
• Zookeeper II: $20.19 - $21.20/hr
• Zookeeper III: $21.83 - $22.86/hr