Assistant Curator - BioPark

Position Overview

The Assistant Curator at the ABQ BioPark Zoo is a leadership role focusing on overseeing animal care teams, specifically within the hoofstock department, managing species such as rhinos, giraffes, warthogs, and hippos. This position plays a key role in advancing the BioPark’s standards for animal welfare.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, organizing, and staffing of diverse Biological Park services, operations, and activities, emphasizing responsible husbandry for animals and upkeep of displays and facilities at one of the BioPark’s sites (Zoo, Botanic Garden, or Aquarium).
• Develop and implement organizational goals, policies, and priorities; propose policy enhancements and ensure their adoption.
• Identify and recommend improvements in service delivery and resource allocation; collaborate with management to execute enhancements.
• Oversee work plans, assign tasks, monitor workflows, and evaluate outputs of assigned BioPark services.
• Supervise animal diets, enclosures, transportation logistics, ensuring animal and crop welfare.
• Conduct research on assigned species or plant collections and maintain updated inventory and records.
• Assist in assessing exhibit requirements, tree health, habitat design and security, and coordinate with maintenance and construction teams.
• Support monitoring of husbandry methods and liaise with veterinarians regarding animal health.
• Prepare reports and documentation relating to inventory, supplies, and equipment.
• Investigate backgrounds of potential animal and plant acquisitions, advising on procurement and disposition decisions.
• Engage in assessing visitor needs to design responsive educational programming.
• Address public inquiries about flora, fauna, and behaviors; assist in modifying educational materials and supporting education programs.
• Contribute to hiring, training, and evaluating animal care personnel and coordinate staff training efforts.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting expenses related to staff, equipment, and materials.
• Provide support to the BioPark Curator as needed.

Additional Duties

• Serve on committees and boards connected to assigned duties, prepare staff reports and other communications.
• Participate in professional meetings, training sessions, and seminars to stay current with trends and innovations in zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden operations.
• Incorporate new advancements in zoo and botanical care practices into programs as appropriate.
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal husbandry, or biology from an accredited institution is required.
• Minimum of three years of experience managing exotic animals and their husbandry, including at least one year in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Experience at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution is preferred.
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• City Operator's Permit (COP) required within six months of hire.

Working Conditions

Work will often be performed outdoors in various weather conditions and animal environments that include exposure to domestic, exotic, and aquatic animals, and related elements such as waste, water, chemicals, pesticides, noise, dust, heat, and cold. Physical demands include light to heavy lifting; prolonged periods of walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling; and operation of motorized equipment and vehicles.