BioPark Curator of Life Support
ABQ BioPark //
Albuquerque, New Mexico //
Apply by: October 6, 2025
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.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- 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.
- Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
- 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.
- Promote and coordinate educational programs and activities; determine methods of promotion and oversee implementation including tours.
- 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 staff; 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 other executive staff as appropriate and necessary.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Preferred Knowledge
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- Operational characteristics, services and activities of a Biological Park
- Water quality for fish, marine and aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles
- Theories and applications of biology, ecology or conservation
- Principles of municipal budget preparation and control
- Principles of animal physiology, behavior and classification
- 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
- Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office
Preferred Skills and Ability
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- 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
- Interpret and explain City Biological Park policies and procedures
- Exercise judgment in cases of animal and equipment emergencies
- Prepare clear and concise reports
- 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
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, hydrology, science and water resources, zoology, or chemistry preferred; and
- Five (5) years of managerial experience at an aquarium, water treatment systems, or biological park setting with aquatic life support systems or water resources management preferred; and
- To include two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred.
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
Salary: $68,931.20 Annually
