Aquarist I-III

Maintain and care for a variety of marine and aquatic species within the ABQ BioPark. Assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed and perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. Use SCUBA for in-tank animal care and exhibit maintenance.

These positions are part of the BioPark Training and Certification program

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. 

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. 

AQUARIST I ($19.51-$20.49/hr.)

High school diploma or GED; and Two (2) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: 

• marine biology
• aquatic animal husbandry
• aquaculture

Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.  

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date.

Possession of a valid SCUBA diving certification within six (6) months from date of hire.

AQUARIST II ($20.59-$21.62hr.)

High school diploma or GED; and Three (3) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: 

• marine biology
• biology 
• aquatic animal husbandry
• aquaculture

Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.  

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date.

Possession of a valid SCUBA diving certification within six (6) months from date of hire.

Must have completed Level 1 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or have 15 credit hours of college level work in marine biology, aquatic animal husbandry, biology or aquaculture. 

AQUARIST III ($22.27-$23.32/hr.)

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, or aquaculture; and Four (4) years of experience in any combination of the following areas: 

• marine biology
• biology
• aquatic animal husbandry
• aquaculture

 Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred. 

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:   

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.  

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire. 

Possession of an appropriate valid SCUBA diving certificate within (6) months from date of hire into position.

Must have completed Level 2 of the BioPark Training and Certification Program, or 15 credit hours of college level work in marine biology, aquatic animal husbandry, biology or aquaculture.

Environmental:

Indoor, outdoor and underwater environments; work with a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to chemicals and pesticides, noise, dust, heat, cold and inclement weather conditions.

Physical:

Ability to pass dive physical for SCUBA diving; basic eye-hand coordination; adequate manual dexterity; essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and occasional heavy, moderate, or light lifting.