COMPLETE Animal Operations Manager (Curator) - Large Animal Team - Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Job Posting Title:

Animal Operations Manager (Curator) - Large Animal Team

Req ID:

10065134

Job Description:

About the Role & Team

Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK) is seeking candidates for an Animal Operations Manager / Curator role that will be reporting to the Animal Care Director. In this position, you will lead two multi-manager teams (Elephants and Ituri areas) that are part of the Kilimanjaro Safari and primarily care for large animals including African elephants, Nile hippopotamus, black rhinos, Nile crocodiles, a variety of hoof stock and several species of large birds.

As an Animal Operations Manager (AOM) on the ASE (Animal, Science and Environment) animal care team, you will act as a senior leader in The Walt Disney Company, an animal care/management specialist in the zoo profession, a zoo operator with a focus on the guest-animal experience, an engaged partner with park operations, a responsible businessperson, and an involved professional.

What You Will Do

• Partner with other ASE senior leaders/managers and park partners to continue the excellence that is the Kilimanjaro Safari Attraction
• Lead all aspects of a large team of animal care professionals and a diverse group of animals, leading the managers and team to deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care and welfare
• Promote and enforce safety protocols, company guidelines, policies and standards
• Partner with other senior leaders, executives, area managers and cast to develop and implement a sustainable plan for elephant management and welfare
• Continue to progress the Ituri/Elephant areas in animal care, welfare, cast and guest experience
• Interact at a senior leader level with other zoological facilities and conservation organizations on issues regarding progressive animal care, husbandry, sustainability, research and conservation.
• Management of local team budget, labor tracking and compliance for local team
• Professional/organization involvement with AZA led programs and conservation initiatives
• Collection planning and continuous sustainability and improvement of collections in accordance with AZA and Disney policies/standards

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 15 years combined large mammal management/husbandry experience, including or in addition to a minimum 8 years of paid large animal husbandry management experience at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility
• Experience with large animals including elephants, hippos, rhinos, large antelope and crocodilians
• Demonstrated leadership ability in a dynamic, complex working environment
• Demonstrated ability to positively interact with other internal / external leaders and partners
• Demonstrated strong organizational, technical, communication and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in elephant mixed gender and multi-generational herd management, artificial reproduction techniques, and neonate care in a protective contact environment as well as proficiency with and knowledge of all AZA regulations and animal care
• Experience in operant conditioning and enrichment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers
• Ability to deliver and receive constructive feedback to improve cast performance

Education

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Preferred Education

• Advanced degree in biology / zoology or related field

Additional Information

• Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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Job Posting Segment:

Park Ops

Job Posting Primary Business:

Animal Progrms & Environmntal Initiatives (WDW)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Animal Programs Keepers/Zoological

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2023-10-10