Lead Teaching Assistant

ABQ BioPark Education programs focus on on-grounds interpretation. This includes conservation education programs, summer and spring break day camps, evening programming, tours, ambassador animal and arthropod encounters, and general exhibit interpretation. The Education Facilitator is responsible for certifying on and presenting ambassador animals and arthropods, informal and formal exhibit interpretation and implementation of various education programming.

This position will be primarily located at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden. 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 position is limited to a two-year term.

Tasks the Education Program Facilitator performs include:

• Presenting formal and informal education programming across BioPark grounds including feeding narrations, general interpretation, Discovery Days, tours, etc.

• Assist with BioPark volunteer trainings

• Assist with the summer and spring break 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 Animal collection, with supervision from Science Education Coordinator, Animal Behavior & Enrichment Manager, and Ambassador Animal care team members. Ambassador animals include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Facilitator must obtain and keep animal handling certification on animals assigned by the Science Education Coordinator.

• Work alongside Animal Ambassador Zoo Keepers 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 Science Education Coordinator or Education Curator.

A Successful Candidate will have the following recommended education and experience requirements:

• Two years of experience in 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.

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 Education Facilitator to flex and track those hoursin 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:

Please provide a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references.

Send this information to cabq@tryfacta.com with the subject line Application for Lead Teaching Assistant with Albuquerque BioPark. Position will remain open until 1/3/25