Conservation Camp CounselorsTeen volunteers who assist with Camp BioPark at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden. (16+)https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/about-the-biopark/biopark-jobs-volunteering/volunteer/conservation-camp-counselorshttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svgConservation Camp CounselorsTeen volunteers who assist with Camp BioPark at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden. (16+)https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/about-the-biopark/biopark-jobs-volunteering/volunteer/conservation-camp-counselorshttps://www.cabq.gov/++resource++plone-logo.svg
Conservation Camp Counselors
Teen volunteers who assist with Camp BioPark at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden. (16+)
Conservation Camp Counselors
Ages: 16 to 18 years old
Minimum time commitment: 40 hours (10 shifts) within a seven-week period
Conservation Camp Counselors are teen volunteers who assist with Camp BioPark at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden. Camp Counselors are paired with a lead teacher and assist with the daily operation of a Camp BioPark class, helping children discover nature.
Camp BioPark includes 12 different week-long (Monday through Friday) day camps. The camp classes help young people ages five to fourteen develop a better understanding of the earth and ways to take care of it.
All programs emphasize conservation and use the BioPark’s plants, animals, and exhibits as teaching tools and the BioPark grounds as a living classroom.
Enthusiasm for teaching conservation and working with children ages 5 to 13
Patience, maturity, a strong sense of responsibility, dependability, and a willingness to learn
Task-oriented, takes direction well, shows initiative, and has the ability to interact and communicate effectively with children and young adults
Required knowledge will be taught
As a safety precaution, all applicants are required to submit to a City of Albuquerque background check before they can begin volunteering
Attend an in-person orientation on Saturday, May 30
Important Dates for 2026
Application deadline: May 20
Virtual Open House: Saturday, May 16 (or view recording by May 20)
Must fill out the application to receive the Zoom link for this open house
In-person orientation: Saturday, May 30
Program duration: June 1 through July 25
Duties
Assist camp teachers with the hands-on activities, games, and art projects designed for each individual program
Assist with set-up and clean-up for daily activities
Help maintain a safe, enjoyable, and orderly learning environment
Inspire and motivate campers by being conservation-minded
Learn about topics relevant to Camp BioPark
Camp Counselors may also be asked to perform other miscellaneous jobs as the need arises
Camp Counselors will be scheduled at the zoo, aquarium, or botanic garden depending on need. We do our best to take your preferences into account
Time Commitment
Camp Counselors must commit to a minimum of 40 hours (10 shifts) over the course of a seven-week period
Camp Counselors have the option of working either morning or afternoon shift (8:15 am to 12:15 pm or 12:15 pm to 4:15 pm)
Camp Counselors also have the option to work for a full day (8:15 am to 4:15 pm). Camp Counselors who choose to work a full-day shift will receive a lunch break and should plan on bringing their own lunch
Orientation and Training
Virtual Open House: Saturday May 16 (or view recording by May 20)
Camp Counselor must attend a full-day orientation on Saturday, May 30
Uniform
Wear the issued a volunteer ID badge while on duty
Uniform shirt provided during orientation
Approved volunteer uniform colors include: black, brown, khaki, and white (colors must be solid with no patterns or writing)
The uniform should be neat and professional (clothing should not be ripped or torn, shorts must be a functional length)
Comfortable shoes with good, non-slip tread are recommended; all open-toed shoes must have a back strap
Camp counselors will be issued a Camp BioPark T-shirt to wear while they are on duty.
Volunteers are responsible for acquiring and wearing the BioPark Volunteer uniform while on duty
Benefits
BioPark Education Volunteers have the opportunity to do meaningful and gratifying education work with thousands of visitors to the BioPark, which is an important intangible benefit
The Volunteer identification badge allows the volunteer free regular admission to all BioPark facilities (Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden)
Volunteers can receive a discount at food concessions and gift stores with their valid Education Volunteer ID during regular operating hours
In addition to all of BioPark Volunteer benefits, Nature Guides will have to opportunity to attend an end of the summer recognition ceremony to be recognized for their participation
Camp Counselors who complete the minimum 40 volunteer hours will receive a certificate of appreciation and be eligible tp request a letter of recommendation which can be used towards college & job applications, portfolios, and résumés
Support
The Camp Counselors will work with various Camp BioPark Teachers at each of the facilities. The Camp BioPark Teachers mentor the teens, and provide supervision and assistance as needed. The Camp Counselors may also seek support and assistance from any BioPark Education staff member.
Costs
There are no costs for this opportunity aside from gas and lunch costs
Our Education Department will review your application and notify you about openings and training dates.
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