Head Aquarist

Head Aquarist

Salary

$54,891.20 - $57,636.80 Annually

Location

Albuquerque, NM

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2600975

Department

Arts and Culture

Division

CS-BP Aquarium

Opening Date

05/18/2026

Closing Date

6/1/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Bargaining Unit

MP

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Lead, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for caring, observing and maintaining a variety of fish and aquatic life within the ABQ BioPark; provide responsible assistance to the Aquarium Curator; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

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.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Lead, plan, train and review the work of staff responsible for caring, observing and maintaining a variety of fish and aquatic life within the ABQ BioPark.
• Check water quality of aquariums and add appropriate chemicals; clean tanks by SCUBA diving; change water in tanks; prepare fish diets; feed fish.
• Plan, direct and participate in preparing and maintaining a variety of records regarding fish behaviors, medical treatments and other pertinent information.
• Train assigned employees in their areas of work including proper aquatic care methods, procedures and techniques.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Observe fish behavior; treat and medicate fish and aquatic life as needed; report any unusual fish behavior or possible diseases to appropriate supervisor.
• Make recommendations for change in location of fish and aquatic life habitat.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding aquarium habitats and fish behavior.
• Provide responsible assistance to the Assistant Curator.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the design and construction of new aquarium habitats.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

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

Associates degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, biology, aquatic animal hubandry, or aquaculture; and

Four (4) years of aquarium operations experience; and

To include one (1) year of lead experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Drivers License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.

Possession of a City Operators Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Possession of a valid SCUBA diving certificate from an appropriate and recognized training agency within six (6) months from date of hire into position.

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, 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.

Total Rewards. Total You.

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays? Check

Paid parental leave? Check

Paid birthdays off? Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.

Total Rewards - City of Albuquerque

Fire Department

Albuquerque Police Department

01

Please identify your ability to possess a valid New Mexico drivers license (attach a copy of your drivers license). Select all that apply.

• Possess a valid New Mexico Drivers License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Drivers License)?
• Able to possess a valid New Mexico Drivers License within ninety (90) days from date of hire?
• Do not possess and not able to obtain a valid New Mexico Drivers License by date of hire or within ninety (90) days from date of hire.

02

Do you possess a valid SCUBA Diving certificate?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess the lead or supervisory experience outlined in the minimum requirements? If you have successfully completed the City of Albuquerques Pre-Management Development Program (PMDP), please select yes and attach your certificate. (Lead is defined as monitors projects, programs or people.)

• Yes
• No

04

Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).

• No High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or GED
• Non/degree accredited- Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters
• Juris Doctorate
• Doctorate

05

Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.

• No experience
• 1 to less than 6 months
• 6 to less than 12 months
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years to less than 11 years
• 11 years to less than 12 years
• 12 years to less than 13 years
• 13 or more years

Required Question

Employer City of Albuquerque

Address 400 Marquette N.W.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87103

Phone 505 768-3700

Website http://CABQ.GOV