Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Assistant Project Coordinator (Entomology)
The ABQ BioPark’s Entomology team is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and detail-oriented team member to assist with daily operations, guest engagement, and other projects at the newly renovated BUGarium. This position reports to the Curator of Entomology and is part of the Entomology Department.
The successful candidate will help maintain a safe, welcoming, educational, and engaging environment for guests while ensuring compliance with USDA-APHIS containment requirements. A strong commitment to the conservation and wellbeing of animals is paramount.
The ABQ BioPark consists of the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach.
This position is employed through a temporary staffing agency, not the City of Albuquerque, and is located at the ABQ BioPark. This full-time position is limited to a two year term.
The Floor Attendant duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Provide continuous guest monitoring and supervision of the BUGarium public areas during assigned floor shifts
- Provide continuous guest monitoring and supervision of the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion public area during assigned floor shifts
- Adhere to strict USDA-APHIS permit conditions and Standard Operating Procedures
- Prevent the removal, release, or escape of regulated organisms
- Maintain cleanliness and professional appearance of public areas
- Maintain a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for guests and staff
- Participate in Guest Engagement Moments around the BUGarium
- Provide accessible, accurate, and engaging interpretation about animals to guests
- Encourage positive attitude, appreciation, empathy, and respect towards arthropods
- Follow detailed animal handling, floor shift, and operational protocols
- Effectively communicate with animal care staff, Education, Guest Services, and other BioPark staff
- Support Entomology Department projects
- Assist with special events, educational activities, and department initiatives
- Assist animal care staff with animal husbandry as needed
A Successful Floor Attendant will:
- Possess a strong interest in biology, entomology, zoology, conservation, and/or environmental education
- Be enthusiastic about arthropods
- Be comfortable working hands on with live arthropods, including cockroaches, spiders, millipedes, etc
- Demonstrate excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills
- Be comfortable interacting with a diverse range of guests including families, children, and school groups
- Be able to carefully follow protocols and regulatory requirements with attention to detail
- Demonstrate sound judgement in recognizing and responding to potential safety and containment concerns
- Be familiar with the purpose and importance of zoos and aquariums and support the mission of ABQ BioPark
- Be able to quickly adapt to change during the workday
- Be motivated to work independently as well as in a fast-paced team environment
- Have a friendly and open personality and enjoy working with a diverse cross section of individuals
- Be motivated, hard-working, and dependable
- Be comfortable working outdoors for several hours a day in variable weather conditions
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Previous experience in customer service, guest services, museums, zoos, aquariums, or similar settings is preferred
- Experience or coursework in biology, entomology, environmental science, animal husbandry is preferred
- Strong verbal communication and organizational skills
- Ability to follow established procedures
- Candidates must pass a security background check to be hired
- Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation (standing, walking, reaching, bending, squatting, kneeling for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting, pulling, and pushing)
- Applicants must be able to work around a variety of animals, the public, extreme heat, noise, dust, insects, and in inclement weather conditions
Work schedule
Full-time; two year term; approximately 40 hours per week. Shifts are from 8 am to 5 pm. Schedule will include weekends, and occasional holidays and evening work may be required.
Pay rate
$15.52 per hour. This position is employed through a temporary staffing agency, not the City of Albuquerque.
To apply
Please provide a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references.
Send this information to [email protected] with the subject line Application for Assistant Project Coordinator - Entomology with Albuquerque BioPark. Open until filled.
Interviews will consist of an in-person interview and a tour of the assigned work area.