Volunteering

There are many ways in which to volunteer some time and help support our organization. Please do.

New Mexico BioPark Society Volunteers work with the Society on a variety of programs and projects including Run for the Zoo, River of Lights and the annual Gala. Volunteers are needed daily in the office to assist with membership services and other clerical duties. Call 764-6280 and request a volunteer application for the Society.

Greeters act as hosts and hostesses for BioPark visitors.

Conservation Camp Counselors - Summer Position - are paired with a lead teacher and assist with the daily operation of Camp BioPark at the zoo, aquarium or garden. Teens able to commit to at least two full weeks of the summer are eligible.

Volunteer Gardeners assist the BioPark garden staff. Teens (age 16 or older) and adults able to work weekdays are needed. No gardening experience necessary.

High School Mentorship/Internship Program is designed to give teens the opportunity to teach visitors about nature while getting practical work experience. Duties may include assisting with classes, generating teaching props, setting up for workshops, research, creating and distributing flyers and general office work.

Docents (Volunteer Teachers) undergo rigorous science-based training, including lectures, fieldwork, reading, a group project and a final exam. Training occurs each fall and Docents give 60 hours or more to the BioPark each year. Docents choose one volunteer role at the Zoo, Aquarium or Botanic Garden.

Special Program volunteer opportunities for trained Docent/Volunteer Teachers include:

• Zoo-To-You Van – visits all of NM with Zoo animals and lessons
• Ocean Tank Narration – gives information about daily fish feeding in shark
• Flower Power Discovery Station – teaches children about flower structure and function
• Aquarium Touchpoolers teach about marine invertebrates and guide visitors with gentle touching of live invertebrates at the Touchpool in the Aquqrium Tingley Beach
• Fishing Guides teach various fishing techniques, fishing etiquette and fish ecology, as well as provide general information about Tingley Beach and New Mexico's fishing rules and regulations.
• Heritage Farm Guides help visitors step back in history at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s Heritage Farm exhibit. Dressed in period costume, Farm Guides share information with visitors about agriculture, farm animals, daily farm life and traditions of the Rio Grande Valley.
• BioVan Rangers support the BioVan program by helping teach about the Rio Grande at schools and special events in the Albuquerque area.
• Garden Railroaders (ages 18 and up) operate and maintain the G-scale model train at the Botanic Garden and answer the public’s questions about the various trains in operation.