Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Lead Teaching Assistant (Family Programs)

The ABQ BioPark's Education programs focus on on-grounds interpretation for all ages. This includes spring break and summer day camps, holiday day camps, conservation education programs, evening programming, tours, Ambassador Animal and arthropod encounters, sensory-friendly programming, and general conservation interpretation. The Lead Teaching Assistant is responsible for developing day camp activities and curriculum, certifying on and presenting Ambassador Animals, arthropods, touchpool, formal and informal interpretation, and implementation of various education programming.

The Lead Teaching Assistant for Family Programs will be primarily be working out of offices at the Zoo, and will work from the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach as needed. The Education Department is a team and works across all BioPark facilities. 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.

Lead Teaching Assistant tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Develop curriculum and activities for Camp BioPark
• Teach Camp BioPark day camp programs as needed
• Support Camp BioPark programs and teachers
• Present formal and informal education programming across BioPark grounds including feeding narrations, general interpretation, discovery stations, tours, etc.
• Assist with BioPark volunteer trainings
• Work as part of the Education Team on BioPark wide programming, events, and planning
• Work as part of a team including Education volunteers
• Handle and present Ambassador Animals with supervision from Education Coordinators, Animal Behavior & Enrichment Manager, and Ambassador Animal care team members. Ambassador Animals include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, and touchpool. Lead Teaching Assistant must obtain and keep animal handling certification on animals assigned by Science Education Coordinator
• Work alongside Animal Ambassador Zookeepers to present or interpret Ambassador Animals on-grounds
• Perform general BioPark administrative tasks
• Other duties as assigned by Science Education Coordinator or Education Curator

A successful candidate will have the following recommended education, experience, and skill requirements:

• Two years of experience teaching formal or informal education, preferably in the sciences. Formal education may be interchangeable for experience, including a degree with major coursework in science, education, or a related field
• Experience working in zoo or aquarium education is a plus
• Computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Individuals selected for the position must pass a background check
• Have a friendly and open personality and enjoy working with a diverse cross-section of individuals from a variety of departments at all levels of government and job positions
• Be comfortable working outdoors for short periods of time in variable weather conditions
• Ability to obtain a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 3 months of hire date

Qualifications

Applicants must be 18 years or older and be physically able to lift or move up to 30 pounds (stanchions, photo/video equipment). Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Candidates must pass a security background check to be hired.

Work schedule:

Work schedule is 40 hours a week. Typical schedule will be Monday through Friday, some evening hours will be required. Evening programs or programs outside of work schedule will be assigned in advance. It is the responsibility of the Lead Teaching Assistant to flex and track those hours in conjunction with the Science Education Coordinator.

Pay rate:

$15.96 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 Lead Teaching Assistant - Family Programs with Albuquerque BioPark. Deadline to apply is February 24, 2026.