Head Aquarist

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Albuquerque, NM

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Animal Husbandry, Career Counseling, Community Support, Conservation, Construction, Disease, Diving, Driver's License, Facebook, Fishing, Insurance, Leadership, Manual Dexterity, Marine Biology, Medical Treatment, Regulatory Compliance, Staff Training, Strategic Planning, Twitter, Work From Home, Zoology
LOCATION
Albuquerque, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago

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ABQ BioPark

ABQ BioPark

Head Aquarist

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 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 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. General Benefits: http://www.cabq.gov/humanresources/employee-benefits/new-employee-information

  • 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 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.Assist in the design and construction of new aquarium habitats.

  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

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.

Experience 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. Associate''s 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.

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 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.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/jobs/5345211-0/head-aquarist

ABQ BioPark

903 Tenth St SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Phone: 505.768.3700

Fax: ABQ BioPark

Visit our website

@ABQ BioPark

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Association of Zoos and Aquariums