Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Lead Teaching Assistant (On-grounds Programs)

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

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

• Presenting formal and informal education programming across BioPark grounds including feeding narrations, general interpretation, discovery stations, tours, etc.
• Facilitate Discovery Days and Tingley Beach education programs
• Assist with BioPark volunteer training
• Assist with Camp BioPark
• 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 Education Coordinator
• Work alongside Ambassador Animal care team to present or interpret Ambassador Animals on-grounds
• Computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Perform general BioPark administrative tasks
• Other duties as assigned by 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
• 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 Tuesday through Saturday, 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: