Zookeeper I / Zookeeper II / Zookeeper III Entomology

The ABQ BioPark has been continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for more than 30 years, demonstrating the BioPark’s ongoing leadership in animal welfare and veterinary care, conservation, education, guest experience and safety. At the core of the BioPark’s AZA accreditation is the professional staff dedicated to the care of our living collections. This position, once hired, will automatically be enrolled in the BioPark’s Animal Care Excellence (ACE) program a new certification program that allows animal care staff to advance in their careers through ongoing training and development opportunities while also improving the lives of the animals entrusted to our care. Employees follow a curriculum of online and in-person trainings about a range of topics including animal wellness, nutrition, animal training and enrichment. The program allows for four distinct animal care staff levels, with each level receiving increased responsibilities and higher pay. This position will be hired at a Level I, II or III depending on experience and education. For more information about the ACE Program:  New Certification Program at the ABQ BioPark Will Offer Career Advancement, Ensure Continued Excellence in Animal Care — City of Albuquerque (cabq.gov)

Maintain and care for a variety of animals within the BioPark; assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed and perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. 

These positions are part of the BioPark Training and Certification program. 

Preferred Knowledge

• Principles and practices of animal behavior and physiology 
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices 
• Operations, services and activities of a biological park program 
• Methods and techniques of handling a variety of animals

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Prepare adequate diets for animal consumption 
• Operate a variety of diet preparation equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner 
• Work independently in the absence of supervision •Ability to learn operations, services and activities of a biological park program 
• Ability to learn methods and techniques of handling a variety of animals 
• Learn to prepare diets for animal consumption 
• Learn to operate a variety of animal/arthropod diet preparation equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner 
• Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals/arthropods 
• Clean and maintain assigned animal enclosures according to established BioPark guidelines 
• Communicate clearly and concisely •Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Experience Required

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

ZOOKEEPER I, B23 ($17.51 - $18.51/hr)

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

Additional Requirements:

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

ZOOKEEPER II, B26 ($18.87-$19.87/hr)

• High school diploma or GED; and Three (3) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: exotic animal husbandry zookeeping arthropod rearing Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date.
• Must have completed Level 1 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or have 15 college level credit hours of college level work in biology, zoology, or animal science.

ZOOKEEPER III, B29 ($20.65-$21.65/hr)

• High school diploma or GED, supplemented by thirty (30) credit hours of college level course work in zoology, biology, or animal science; and Four (4) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: exotic animal husbandry zookeeping arthropod rearing Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date.
• Must have completed Level 2 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or 15 credit hours of college level course work in zoology, biology, or animal science.

Further Comments

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. Further Comments The City is committed to providing employees one of the most comprehensive and reasonably priced benefit packages available in New Mexico. We hope that you will find the coverage offered provides you with the choices and options necessary to keep you and your family healthy and well. The City offers regular, full-time and part-time employees the option of participating in a variety of group insurance plans. Both Regular and Temporary (non-seasonal) employees participate in the state's retirement system. Additional Benefit information is available by clicking on the link below.