Assistant Curator; Botanic Garden

Overview

Supervise, plan and coordinate staff engaged in a variety of ABQ Bio Park services, activities and operations with the focus on providing highly responsible care and husbandry of the Bio Park's diverse living collection. This includes the maintenance of exhibits and facilities. Assignment will be in the Botanic Garden (plants, trees, farm animals and displays).

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Description s are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Biological Park services, activities and operations including the care and husbandry of animals; the care of Botanical Garden displays including trees, farm crops, the maintenance of animal enclosures and facilities and the provision of educational services.
• 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 Biological Park 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.
• Monitor animal diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals and farm crops.
• Conduct research on assigned sections of the plant or animal collections; maintain and update collection inventory and records.
• Assist with the evaluation of exhibit needs and tree health care; participate in the design, construction, and security of various animal habitats; coordinate assigned tasks with maintenance and construction divisions and staff as specified; manage facility as designated.
• Assist with monitoring animal husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals; consult with veterinarians as directed.
• Participate in the preparation of documents and reports related to the inventory, equipment, supplies and products.
• Research specific animal or plant history prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals, plants and trees.
• Assist with analyzing Bio Park visitor needs; participate in the design of programs to fit those needs.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding plants or animals and their behaviors; may evaluate, prepare and modify various educational materials and curricular; assist with the education programs as needed.
• Assist in selection, training and evaluation of animal care personnel and the coordination of staff training.
• Participate as assigned, in the development and administration of budget, forecast funds for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, etc. as necessary.
• Assist Bio Park Curator as needed.

• Participate on a variety of committees and boards relative to assigned area of responsibility; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as necessary.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings, seminars training sessions as needed.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Garden operations, including arboriculture; maintain awareness of new developments in the field assigned; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

When Assigned To The Botanic Garden

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in botany, horticulture, or agriculture; and three (3) years of experience working with botanical, horticultural, arboricultural, or agricultural operations (crop / animal); and to include one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification preferred.

Additional Requirements

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a New Mexico Public Pesticide Applicator's License: 1A and 1B or 3A and 3B within six (6) months from date of hire.

Environmental:
Outdoor facilities; may work in an animal environment including a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste;
Work in or with water; work on slippery or uneven surfaces;…