Zookeeper I, II, III Elephants, Carnivores, Birds, Hoofstock
Apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/jobs/5437390-0/zookeeper-i-ii-iii
The Albuquerque (ABQ) BioPark, the most visited attraction in New Mexico (1.2M annual visitors) is a dynamic cultural facility including an AZA accredited zoo and aquarium, a botanic garden and public park with fishing ponds. The BioPark is a beloved community jewel. The voters of the Albuquerque community voted in favor of a fifteen-year 1/8 cent gross receipts tax (GRT) in 2015 to support the implementation of the BioPark’s master plan. This support has allowed the BioPark Zoo to make important additions to the zoo including a new elephant barn, Asia, Birds of Prey exhibit, nearly $10M in maintenance infrastructure improvements and the opening of new Asia and Australia exhibits in 2023. In addition to broad community support for capital improvements, the BioPark is currently in the midst of strategic planning process that has identified a new mission, core values and strategic program pillars to guide our work over the next five years. We are excited to have this process evolve alongside a master plan review and update process that aligns capital improvements with program development that is focused on community engagement and conservation impacts.
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)
Position Summary
This posting is for the recruitment of multiple Zookeeper I-III positions in the following departments: Carnivores, Hoofstock, Elephants, and Birds
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.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Experience Required
ZOOKEEPER II ($20.19-$21.20/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 within ninety (90) days from 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 ($21.83-$22.86/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 within ninety (90) days from 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. Scuba certified or the ability to obtain a scuba certification within 1 year of hire for pertinent departments.
Further Comments
Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from 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. Working Conditions Environmental: Zoo environment; exposure, a variety of domestic and exotic animals, noise, animal body fluids, and inclement weather conditions; may work in or around water. Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, reaching, bending, squatting, kneeling, and climbing for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting, pulling or pushing.
