Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCP119: Animal Educator

Animal Educator

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCP119
5
None
       
       
Hourly
As Hourly
As Annual
22.81 - 28.64 - 36.01 USD Hourly
$22.81 - $28.64 - $36.01
$47,444.80 - $59,571.20 - $74,900.80

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Educator promotes understanding and appreciation of animal welfare through engaging education, interactive experience, and community outreach. This position develops and delivers programs for schools, community groups, and the public, while fostering respect, stewardship, and responsible care for domestic animals, livestock, exotics, and wildlife. The Animal Educator supports community awareness efforts and ensures safe, positive experiences for participants and animals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop curriculum based on national best practices and standards.
  • Create and present educational content using multiple formats and delivery methods.
  • Engage learners of all ages and abilities through presentations, workshops, tours, and outreach events.
  • Ability to handle shelter animals in a variety of behavior and size.
  • Plan and implement programs on topics such as animal welfare, the human-animal bond, responsible pet ownership, animal cruelty prevention, and public health and safety.
  • Supervise the safety of program participants, volunteers, and animals during on-site and off-site activities.
  • Coordinate scheduling, setup, and cleanup of program spaces and events.
  • Collaborate with department staff to ensure consistency in educational materials and practices.
  • Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, educators, partners, and organizations to expand program reach and participation.
  • Assist management with staff training initiatives.
  • Collect and analyze program data, prepare reports, and evaluate program effectiveness.
  • Support department initiatives and other department projects as assigned.
  • Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive or restricted materials related to the position.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 

                                                                                                   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associates’ degree in Education, Communications, Animal Science, or a related field.
  • Three (3) year of experience in training, educational development, or an animal related industry.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

  • Basic knowledge of animal care and husbandry.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Completes a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • Complies with all County safety guidelines.
  • Possesses a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment start date and maintains it while employed in this position.
  • Completes required FEMA training(s) assigned to the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Essential job duties are performed indoors in temperature-controlled environment.
  • Primary work surface is even, dry, carpeted, tiled or concrete floor.
  • Employee works with a select team without direct supervision, and at times may work with a large group of people.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of duties includes telephone, two-way radio, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Handles various types of paperwork and printed materials as part of daily responsibilities.
  • Operate a County vehicle.
Revision: 10/22/2025 9:04:18 AM