Animal Operations Manager

Join us as part of a dynamic team where our mission is to Lead Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources.

As an Animal Operations Manager (AOM), you will function as a senior curator and will deliver excellence in animal care and wellbeing for all animals in the collection at The Seas, The Land, and the Japan Koi exhibit at Epcot, as well as provide support for the Aulani Resort and Castaway Cay programs. The AOM manages the animal care leaders and team in the manner described below while pursuing safe and consistent husbandry practices and ensuring excellent day to day animal care and wellbeing and guest/animal experiences.

In this role, you will report to the Animal Operations Director - The Seas.

Position Responsibilities:

• Directly responsible for the show quality and wellbeing of animals and animal exhibits at Epcot.
• Lead and support a diverse team of Zoological Managers (ZM) and husbandry teams at The Seas
• Inspire and empower our Cast to deliver legendary Guest service
• Encourage, educate and hold leaders accountable to be an active participant in an immersive Guest experience
• Develop and implement a strategy and operating plan passionate about innovation and continuous improvements
• Drive improved Guest, and Cast results for your area with a focus on excellence, efficiency, and optimization
• Manage budgets, labor management, and actively contribute to the preparation of the annual operating and capital plans
• Serve as a change agent, taking calculated risks to integrate processes, remove barriers, and align performance goals
• Partner effectively with the Seas Guest Animal Experience (aka. Education) Managers to deliver excellent Guest exhibits and experiences.
• Ensure operational integration and communication among animal care and operations teams.
• Ensure adherence to standards of accrediting organizations including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• Ensure all Cast are fully trained and ready for their roles in each area
• Support Zoological Managers in identifying growth and development opportunities for themselves and their teams.
• Ensure animal training and enrichment programs are developed with the Behavioral Husbandry (BH) ZM and appropriate husbandry teams.
• Interact locally, regionally, and globally in conservation issues and programs concerning the species under their care.
• Develop Institutional and Annual Collection Plans for Animals with considerable focus on Sustainability in conjunction with Zoological Managers and the Animal Operations Director
• Actively participate in departmental safety program and work with Leaders and Teams to improve Safety
• Support our animal programs at the Aulani Resort and Castaway Cay

Basic Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of experience leading a team with experience mentoring, coaching, and recognizing team members.
• Minimum 2 years experience in Aquarium Operations
• Ability to work well in a team environment with excellent communication and project management skills across diverse teams.
• Knowledge of AZA standards pertaining to aquarium operations, animal welfare, life support, and behavioral husbandry programs
• Passion for storytelling and connecting guests to nature and science
• Ability to motivate change and influence teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Confirmed history of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of AZA structure and involvement in AZA committees/programs
• Experience handling operating and labor budgets
• Experience collection planning

Required Education:

• BS in Marine Biology or related field, or equivalent related work experience

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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