Internship Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark
The ABQ BioPark is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working team member to assist in providing the highest level of care for the animals and plants in our collection. This position reports to the Curator or Assistant Curator of the respective area for which they are hired.
The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to conservation and understanding of plant and animal well-being is paramount.
The ABQ BioPark consists of the Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach. Interns will work in one of the following areas: Hoofstock, Herpetology, Horticulture, Heritage Farm, Ambassador Animals, or ACF (Aquatic Conservation Facility).
This position is funded through the City of Albuquerque, and is located at the ABQ BioPark. This part-time position is limited to an eight week term.
The ABQ BioPark Intern duties will be dependent on the area for which you are selected and may include, but are not limited to:
- Assist Zookeepers, Farmers, and Gardeners in the day-to-day care of the plants and animals in their department
- Assist in the feeding and watering of animals as directed
- Assist in the preparation of diets for animals
- Assist in the preparation and administration of enrichment
- Assist in the cleaning and maintaining of assigned animal areas and workspaces as directed and according to established BioPark guidelines
- Help maintain cleanliness of assigned areas
- Observe animal training sessions
- Assist in Guest Engagement Moments presentations around the zoo
- Assist in interpretation to guests during animal encounters and training sessions
- Participate in the maintenance of the ABQ BioPark grounds and plants/crops to include, but not limited to, weeding, pruning, and planting.
- Assist in the maintenance and care of a variety of farm animals to include, but not limited to, feeding based on established diet preparation.
- Assist in the operation a variety of farming maintenance equipment including tractors and weedwhackers.
- Assist the public by responding to questions and inquiries related to area assigned.
- Assist with the preparation of the farm grounds for public access, events, and use.
- Participate in the basic repair, renovation, and maintenance of farm grounds; may be required to clear land, repair, remove, and install a variety of fencing and structures, landscape materials, and other related components to maintain the appearance of the facility.
- Learn to perform various basic gardening, plant maintenance, and nursery duties; water, re-pot, prune, and transplant plants; harvest seeds.
- Assist with preparing flower beds for planting; fertilize flower beds and mulch with chips; prune and trim shrubs; trim trees as needed; inspect flower beds and surrounding areas for diseases and pests.
- Learn to operate a variety of gardening and maintenance equipment including a mower, leaf blower, line trimmer, aerator, and fertilizer spreader. Assist with performing minor maintenance and repair on equipment as needed.
- Assist in general grounds maintenance duties; pick up litter from grounds; utilize power blower and vacuum to dispose of leaves and debris.
- Maintain records regarding daily activities as needed.
- Assist in the administration of pest control operations as needed.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required
A Successful ABQ BioPark Intern will:
- Be familiar with the purpose and importance of zoo, botanic gardens, and aquatic conservation facilities.
- Have an enthusiastic attitude towards conservation and wildlife.
- Prioritize safety and respect and follow protocols.
- Be able to quickly adapt to change during the workday.
- Be motivated to work independently as well as in a fast-paced team environment.
- Have a friendly and open personality and enjoy working with a diverse cross section of individuals.
- Be motivated, hard-working, and dependable.
- Be comfortable working outdoors for several hours a day in variable weather conditions
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be 16 to 19 years old, a rising high school-aged junior or senior, or recently have graduated and be physically able to lift or move up to 50 pounds (feed bags, perching, and equipment).
- Candidates must pass a security background check to be hired.
- Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation (standing, walking, reaching, bending, squatting, kneeling for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting, pulling, and pushing).
- Applicants must be able to work around a variety of animals, plants, the public, extreme heat, noise, dust, insects, and in inclement weather conditions.
Work schedule:
Part-time; Monday to Thursday from 8 am-5 pm
Pay rate:
Interns will receive a stipend totaling $5,000. $2500 will be given after the four-week completion date, and the remaining $2500 will be given after the eight-week completion date. This position is funded through the City of Albuquerque.
Apply:
Deadline to apply for this program is April 30, 2025