Assistant Curator / Dive Safety Officer

Salary
$49,296.00 – $51,771.20 Annually

Location
Albuquerque, NM

Job Type
Full Time

Job Number
2600297

Department
Arts and Culture

Division
CS-BP Aquarium

Opening Date
11/18/2025

Closing Date
12/2/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

Bargaining Unit
MP

Position Summary

Supervise, plan and coordinate staff engaged in all aspects of the BioPark’s dive safety program.  Oversees and enforce dive safety policies, following AAUS and OSHA guidelines for all divers and dive activities under the auspices of the ABQ BioPark, as well as for performing various daily tasks required by the dive program.  Provide a variety of ABQ BioPark services, activities and operations with the focus on providing highly responsible care and husbandry of the BioPark’s diverse living collection.

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

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

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

Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.S.) from an accredited college or university; and 

Three (3) years of professional level experience working in dive operations within a public aquarium, dive shop or dive tourist destination; and 

To include one (1) year direct supervisory or technical lead experience.

Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility 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 6 months from date of hire.

Possession of certification as a Divemaster or Assistant Instructor.

Possession of an instructor level certification from a professionally recognized organization within one (1) year from date of hire into position.

Preferred Knowledge

• Principles and techniques of Aquarium dive program management
• Principles and techniques of marine and aquatic animal husbandry
• Aquatic animal behavioral training and acceptable operant conditioning techniques
• Basic operations and services of a Biological Park program focusing on SCUBA diving, fish and other aquatic animals
• Basic operations and services of a Biological Park program focusing on marine and aquatic biology
• Methods of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Principles and practices of volunteer administration, including recruitment and training
• Principles and practices of supervision, evaluation and training
• Principles and procedures of record keeping
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations for scuba diving

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Interpret and explain City Bio Park programs, policies and procedures
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Make repeated dives during the workday to feed animals, scrub algae and make in-tank repairs to exhibits
• Work with large and potentially dangerous marine animals
• Exercise proper judgment in cases of animal emergencies
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Oversee the work of lower level staff
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Total Rewards. Total You.

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state’s public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee’s contribution. That’s higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays? Check

Paid parental leave? Check

Paid birthdays off? Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.