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Contact
Address
903 Tenth Street SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 311 locally or (505) 768-2000
Fax: (505) 764-6281
Email: biopark@cabq.gov
Smoking is prohibited on all BioPark property.
Albuquerque BioPark Volunteer Program
The volunteers of Albuquerque Biological Park Education make many programs at the BioPark possible. Education could not carry out its mission of teaching about life and encouraging conservation without the generous work of volunteers.
No specialized knowledge is necessary to become a volunteer. BioPark staff will teach you everything you need to know in the training sessions. We ask that you bring your enthusiasm, a commitment to conservation, a sense of responsibility and patience. Experienced volunteers and staff are available to assist you after training, and monthly volunteer meetings keep you up-to-date.
Benefits vary with positions, but generally include free admission to all BioPark facilities (the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden) during regular daytime hours and discounts at the food and gift concessions.
Ages 14 and up: BioPark Nature Guides - summer position |
Ages 16 and up: Conservation Camp Counselor - summer position |
Ages 18 and up:
BioPark Nature Guides - Summer Position
BioPark Nature Guides staff our summer discovery areas at the zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden. Adults can serve as Nature Guide Captains. Shark teeth, porcupine quills, and secret plant smells are just a few of the interesting items used to excite visitors about nature.
Age requirement: 14 and up
Minimum time commitment: One three-hour shift per week
Job Description for BioPark Nature Guides 
Conservation Camp Counselors - Summer Position
Conservation Camp Counselors are paired with a lead teacher and assist them with the daily operation of a Camp BioPark class at the zoo, aquarium or garden. Teens who are able to commit to at least two full weeks of the summer assisting with camp will love this job!
Age requirement: 16 and up
Minimum time commitment: Two full weeks (Monday through Friday)
Job Description for Conservation Camp Counselors
Greeters
Greeting Team members act as hosts and hostesses for BioPark visitors. They help explain what visitors can expect to see, help them plan their visit, answer questions and provide friendly customer service. Greeters also help orient school groups. Greeters may choose to train and work at the Zoo or at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden.
Age requirement: 16 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year
Job Description for Aquarium/Garden Greeters
Job Description for Zoo Greeters
Horticulture Volunteers
Horticulture Volunteers assist the BioPark horticulture staff with routine garden maintenance and special plant projects. Teens (age 16 or older) and adults can work on weekdays at the botanic garden, zoo or in the greenhouses. No gardening experience necessary! This is a great way to increase your plant knowledge and practical gardening skills.
Age requirement: 16 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year
Job Description for Horticulture Volunteers
Docent (Volunteer Teacher)
Docents are volunteer teachers at the Zoo, Aquarium or Botanic Garden.
After a semester of classes and hands-on training, docents interact with visitors on grounds through tours, talks and discovery stations. Docents also lead many of our outreach programs.
Read more about the Docent Program.
Training: Thursdays in the fall of 2009.
Age requirement: 18 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year
Job Description for Volunteer Teachers
Aquarium Touchpoolers
Touchpool Volunteers teach about marine invertebrates and guide visitors with gentle touching of live invertebrates at the Touchpool in the Albuquerque Aquarium. The Touchpool is the only exhibit in the Aquarium that allows contact with animals and is extremely popular with visitors.
Age requirement: 16 and up
(Touchpoolers under age 18 must work with an
adult volunteer or staff person at all times.)
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year
Job Description for Touchpoolers
Tingley Beach Fishing Guide
Fishing Guides instill a sense of appreciation and respect for wildlife and the outdoors at Tingley Beach. They teach various fishing techniques, fishing etiquette and fish ecology, as well as provide general information about Tingley Beach and New Mexico's fishing rules and regulations.
Age requirement: 18 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year
Job Description for Fishing Guides
Heritage Farm Guides
Heritage Farm Guides help visitors step back in history at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s Heritage Farm exhibit. The farm is representative of the 1920s and 1930s. Dressed in period costume, Farm Guides share information with visitors about agriculture, farm animals, daily farm life and traditions of the Rio Grande Valley.
Age requirement: 18 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year.
Job Description for Heritage Farm Guides
BioVan Rangers
BioVan Rangers support the BioVan program by helping teach about the Rio Grande at schools and special events in the Albuquerque area. Rangers may also assist with the tours and activities in the Rio Grande bosque on Fridays with the Rio Rangers.
Age requirement: 18 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year.
Railroad Garden Volunteers
Railroad Garden Volunteers operate and maintain the G-scale model train at the Botanic Garden and answer the public’s questions about the various trains in operation. Children and adults love this miniature railroad and Railroad Garden Volunteers help to enhance their experience.
Age requirement: 18 and up
Minimum time commitment: 60 hours per year.
Job Description for Railroad Garden Volunteers
Volunteer Applications
Ready to sign up to be a BioPark Volunteer? Great! Simply download, print and fill out the appropriate application below. You can mail it to the address included on the application or bring it with you to training.
Please contact BioPark Education at (505) 764-6214 or biopark@cabq.gov to request an application by mail, sign up for a training date, or ask additional questions.
Application/Information Form for Adults
Application for Teens (ages 14-18)