Aquarist , II, III

ABQ Bio Park Aquarist I, II, III

The ABQ Bio Park has been continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for more than 30 years, demonstrating the Bio Park’s ongoing leadership in animal welfare and veterinary care, conservation, education, guest experience and safety. At the core of the Bio Park’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 Bio Park’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 Bio Park Will Offer Career Advancement, Ensure Continued Excellence in Animal Care — City of Albuquerque (cabq.gov).

• Basic operations of an aquarium or hatchery program
• Principles and practices of SCUBA diving
• Operations, services and activities of a biological park program
• Safe work practices for working in and around marine or aquatic animals
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices

• Maintain and care for a variety of marine and aquatic species
• Excellent observational skills
• Diet preparation and feeding techniques
• Maintain accurate records
• Clean and maintain aquarium exhibits and holding tanks according to established Bio Park guidelines
• Safe fish capture and handling methods
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• 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

Minimum Education , Experience And Additional Requirements Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

AQUARIST 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:marine biologyaquatic animal husbandryaquaculture

Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSPossession 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.

Possession of a valid SCUBA diving certification within six (6) months from date of hire.

AQUARIST 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:marine biologybiologyaquatic animal husbandryaquaculture

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.

Possession of a valid SCUBA diving certification within six (6) months from date of hire.

Must have completed Level 1 of the Bio Park Training and Certification Program, or have 15 credit hours of college level work in marine biology, aquatic animal husbandry, biology or aquaculture.

AQUARIST III, B29 ($20.65-$21.65/hr.)Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, or aquaculture; and Four (4) years of experience in any combination of the following areas:marine biologybiologyaquatic animal husbandryaquaculture

Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a…