BioPark Curator/Life Support
The Albuquerque (ABQ) BioPark, the most visited attraction in New Mexico (1.2M annual visitors) is a dynamic cultural facility including an AZA accredited zoo and aquarium, a botanic garden and public park with fishing ponds. The BioPark is a beloved community jewel. The voters of the Albuquerque community voted in favor of a fifteen-year 1/8 cent gross receipts tax (GRT) in 2015 to support the implementation of the BioPark’s master plan. This support has allowed the BioPark Zoo to make important additions to the zoo including a new elephant barn, Birds of Prey exhibit, nearly $10M in maintenance infrastructure improvements and the opening of new Asia and Australia exhibits in 2023. In addition to broad community support for capital improvements, the BioPark is currently in the midst of strategic planning process that has identified a new mission, core values and strategic program pillars to guide our work over the next five years. We are excited to have this process evolve alongside a master plan review and update process that aligns capital improvements with program development that is focused on community engagement and conservation impacts.
POSISTION SUMMARY
Supervise, plan and coordinate a variety of Biological Park services, activities, operations and maintenance of life support systems and aquatic facilities; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Aquarium Manager.
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.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below)
Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Biological Park life support operations including the maintenance of pumps, filters, ozone generators, compressors and HVAC equipment.
Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommend and implement resulting policies and procedures.
Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned life support services; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Evaluate and determine the needs for exhibit life support design and engineering.
Oversee the water quality testing on all aquatic animal exhibits and facilities; make adjustments to ensure health and welfare of animals; consult with veterinarians as needed.
Supervise and participate in the construction and maintenance of various life support systems and facilities; coordinate with maintenance and construction divisions and staff.
Coordinate assigned activities with contractors; ensure compliance with contract specifications.
Maintain various reports on all inventory, equipment and expenditures; direct the purchase of equipment, supplies and research products.
Maintain equipment associated with all Biopark life support, control, and HVAC systems, including preventative maintenance and water quality records.
Respond to public inquiries regarding water quality and life support systems.
Select, motivate, evaluate and direct the training of life support and water quality personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
Participate in the development and administration of assigned budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
Provide staff assistance to the Aquarium Manager; participate on a variety of committees; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
Coordinate and support assigned activities in area of responsibility with Biological Park Maintenance Manager and Zoo Manager as appropriate and necessary.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Operational characteristics, services and activities of a Biological Park
Water quality for fish, marine and aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles
Principles of municipal budget preparation and control
Pumps, filters, ozone generators and other equipment needed for aquarium and biological park life support systems
Preventative maintenance practices for aquarium and biological park life support systems
Troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions
Safe work procedures when around animals
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, operation, troubleshooting, and repair
Supervise, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
Supervise the construction and maintenance of various life support systems
Exercise judgment in cases of animal and equipment emergencies
Communicate clearly and concisely
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Education & Experience
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or mechanical engineering; and
Five (5) years of managerial experience at an aquarium or biological park setting with aquatic life support systems; and
To include two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing or walking for prolonged periods of time.
Working Conditions
Biological park / aquarium environment; exposure to dust, a variety of fish and animals, animal body fluids, inclement weather conditions, mechanical pumps and generators. May work in an animal environment including a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste; SCUBA diving in a variety of exhibits, temperatures and environments. Work in or with water; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to chemicals and pesticides, noise, dust, heat, cold and inclement weather conditions.
Salary & Benefits
The City is committed to providing employees one of the most comprehensive and reasonably priced benefit packages available in New Mexico. We hope that you will find the coverage offered provides you with the choices and options necessary to keep you and your family healthy and well. The City offers regular, full-time and part-time employees the option of participating in a variety of group insurance plans. Both Regular and Temporary (non-seasonal) employees participate in the state's retirement system. Additional Benefit information is available by clicking on the link below. General Benefits: http://www.cabq.gov/humanresources/employee-benefits/new-employee-information
