Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Assistant Zookeeper of Elephants

The successful candidate will help the elephant team provide the highest level of care for the elephant herd. A strong commitment to conservation and understanding of animal well-being is paramount. This position reports to the Elephant Manager and is part of the Elephant Department. 

The ABQ BioPark consists of the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach.

This position is employed through Tryfacta  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 Assistant Zookeeper duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist zookeepers in the day to day care of the elephants

• Feed and water animals as directed
• Prepare diets for animals; care for food/insect colonies
• Clean and maintain assigned animal enclosures and workspaces as directed and according to established BioPark guidelines
• Help maintain cleanliness of assigned areas

A Successful Assistant Zookeeper will:

• Be familiar with the purpose and importance of zoos and aquariums.
• Prioritize safety and respect and follow protocols.
• 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 

• Candidates must pass a security background check to be hired.

• Applicants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma and be physically able to lift or move up to 50 pounds (hay bales, feed bags, elephant waste). Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

• 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; generally five days on, two days off. Works weekends. Hours from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Occasional holidays and evening work may be required.

Pay rate:  

$12.48 per hour.  This position is employed through ATA staffing agency, not the City of Albuquerque.

To apply:

Please provide a résumé and contact information for two references. 

Send this information to [email protected] with the subject line Application for Assistant keeper   with Albuquerque BioPark.  Applications must be received by March 10th, 2023 .

After initial review, we may contact you for a second interview and tour of the assigned work area.