ABQ BioPark School and Youth Programs Facilitator

The ABQ BioPark is seeking an enthusiastic, energized and fun individual to share their science knowledge with school and community groups while promoting conservation as a school and youth programs facilitator.  

The school and youth programs team works in conjunction with the ABQ BioPark to: increase interest in the environment, and local and worldwide conservation issues; and encourage budding young scientists and environmental stewards as part of its mission.

The school and youth programs staff are a close-knit team consisting of a program coordinator, and three facilitators. This group is an integral part of the education department at the ABQ BioPark and covers on-grounds staff-led experiences as well as in-person and virtual outreach programs to students in Albuquerque and across New Mexico.  Programs focus on inquiry based learning and align with the Next Generation Science Standards. These programs aim to create conservation leaders in our local community by engaging students at the BioPark, and in their communities. 

The school and youth programs facilitator is responsible for assisting in the development of education programs, working closely with team members and volunteers to run programs; handling, presenting and providing occasional husbandry for ambassador animals that accompany the programs; and maintaining biofacts and supplies.  For all school and youth programs, the Science Education Coordinator will schedule and assign staff for programming. 

School and youth programs team members work very closely together in preparing and delivering programs to a variety of audiences. In order to be successful, it is important that all team members strive to create an environment that fosters open communication, respect for new ideas, flexibility and a positive outlook. 

The school and youth programs schedule is based on program requests and will include occasional weekend or evening programs. 
 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Enjoys working with children and adults in schools and public settings
• Ability to engage groups through exemplary, inquiry based teaching skills
• Excitement and passion for the outdoors and environment
• Ability to handle ambassador animals (arthropods, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and various birds including raptors) while teaching and maintaining a safe environment for staff, guests and the animal—must be able to obtain and keep a handling certification for all animals in the program
• Ability to lead, create, or update evaluation methods to ensure best practice and to help programs grow and develop
• Ability to organize and present to teachers, staff and volunteers at meetings, trainings and workshops
• Ability to organize volunteer schedules for on-site and off-site programs, and maintain a positive rapport with volunteers from many different age groups and backgrounds
• Strong administrative skills including writing reports, communicating via e-mail, and maintaining detailed and accurate records in a timely and professional way for all programs and events
• Stamina to work long hours, stay on feet all day and physically set up and break down programs, including the ability to lift at least 50 pounds and work in extended exposure to heat and sunlight
• Ability to effectively communicate about ecosystems, plants and animals through interpretation to up to 60 students at a time
• Computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Willingness to help with BioPark-wide education and volunteer events (some Saturdays and Sundays)
• Pass a City of ABQ background check and obtain a City Operating Permit for vehicles

Work schedule:

This position is 40 hours per week with a varied weekly schedule including evening, weekend, and occasional overnight trips.  Overtime is an option with prior approval.  

Pay rate:  $15.96 per hour.  This position is hired through a staffing agency, not the City of Albuquerque.

How to apply:

Please e-mail a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for two references to

Bethany Dunn, ABQ BioPark school and youth programs coordinator, ABQ BioPark, bdunn@cabq.gov, 505-768-3387. Applications are due by Friday, Aug 19 at 5 p.m. MST.