Ambassadors

Ambassadors act as hosts and hostesses for visitors of the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden, explaining to visitors what exhibits are available, helping them plan their visit, and answering facility questions. By providing great customer care, ambassadors help to create an atmosphere conducive to conservation.

Requirements

• Anyone over 18 years.
• Enthusiasm for the BioPark.
• Ability to talk informally to children and adults, both in groups and one-on-one.
• Ability to communicate BioPark rules effectively in a non-threatening manner.
• Being reliable and responsible.
• The ability to do a considerable amount of walking and/or standing.
• Required knowledge is taught.
• As a safety precaution, all applicants are required to submit to a City of Albuquerque background check before they can begin volunteering and an annual security check thereafter.

Duties

Ambassadors have the option to work at the Zoo, Aquarium and/or Botanic Garden. At the Zoo, ambassadors will work near the front entrance. At the Aquarium and Botanic Garden, ambassadors can work in the Main Plaza or inside the Aquarium at the information desk.

Ambassador duties include the following:

• Welcoming school groups and providing a brief orientation which explains BioPark policies and the concept of the BioPark as a classroom.
• Welcoming general visitors, answering their questions and explaining special points of interest or events of the day.
• Ambassadors help to enhance the visitors experience while at the BioPark.

Minimum Time

• Ambassadors may work anytime the BioPark is open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., seven days a week, year round.
• Hours may vary based on the season and education event needs.
• A regular weekly schedule is encouraged, but not required.
• Scheduling is the responsibility of the ambassador. Two-hour shifts between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. are highly encouraged.
• A minimum of 60 hours a year is required to receive recognition as a BioPark education volunteer. At least 30 hours of these must be spent directly working as a ambassador; the remaining 30 hours may also be spent directly working as a ambassador or doing support work for BioPark education.
• Volunteers are responsiblefor tracking their own hours on an honor system.

Training

• Training to become a BioPark ambassador begins with a one-day orientation that provides information about the BioPark and the ambassador volunteer duties.
• The first half of the training will be conducted at the Zoo and the second half (after lunch) will be held at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden.
• Additional on-the-job training with staff and/or experienced volunteers is required.
• Additional training includes: completing two, two-hour shadowing sessions, and completing the BioPark ambassador scavenger hunt.

• Find upcoming training dates.

Uniform

• All BioPark Volunteers will be issued a Volunteer identification badge which must be worn while a volunteer is on duty.
• The BioPark volunteer uniform consists of appropriate solid-colored clothing (blouse/shirt and pants/shorts/skirts).
• Approved volunteer uniform colors include: black, brown, khaki and white.  Colors must be solid with no patterns or writing.
• Blue jeans are not considered appropriate.
• Comfortable shoes with good, non-slip tread are recommended.
• Greeters wear a green volunteer vest provided by BioPark Education. While on duty this vest is a required part of the uniform.
• Volunteers are responsible for acquiring and wearing the BioPark Volunteer uniform while on duty.

Benefits

• BioPark education volunteers have the opportunity to do meaningful and gratifying education work with thousands of visitors to the BioPark, which is an important intangible benefit.
• The volunteer identification badge allows the volunteer free regular admission to all BioPark facilities (Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden).
• Volunteers can receive a discount at food concessions and gift stores with their valid education volunteer ID during regular operating hours.
• Volunteers are offered discounts to all fee-based BioPark education programs and are invited to special volunteer-only events throughout the year.
• After the end of each calendar year, volunteers are awarded recognition items for their service, based on the completion of the minimum 60 hours of service.

Support

Resources exist throughout the BioPark to help volunteers fulfill their duties.

• Education staff is available to provide assistance.
• The Education libraries are located in the Zoo and Aquarium/Botanic Garden Education Buildings; they are a resource available to all BioPark Volunteers.
• Monthly Education meetings are held on the first Thursday and first Saturday of each month, and all volunteers are encouraged to attend. Meetings cover current BioPark happenings and facility-specific information. The same material is discussed at both sessions.
• Volunteers are also invited to attend monthly Brown Bag seminars following the meetings, as well as other lectures and workshops throughout the year.
• Volunteers receive our monthly BioPark volunteer update to stay current on all BioPark news, education programs, events, and resources.
• Information on current events is posted in the volunteer communication room at the AQ/BG education building or in the Zoo education barn.

Costs

• BioPark education volunteers are responsible for acquiring their own uniform clothing.
• You will need to put a $10 deposit down on a key to the Zoo education barn. You will receive your deposit back when you resign from volunteering.

How To Apply

Fill out an online volunteer application.

Online volunteer application coming soon. Please contact the Volunteer Specialist.

Our education department will review your application and notify you about openings and training dates.

What to Bring

Bring a photo ID to accompany the background check form. The majority of this training will be spent outdoors touring each facility, so please bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen. For a full day training, we recommend packing a lunch and/or snacks.