Animal Operations Manager Position Available In Orange, Florida

Animal Operations Manager Job

ID 10122918

Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
Business Walt Disney World Resort
Date posted Jun. 02, 2025

Job Summary:

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. #DX_MEDIA #LI-JH6

About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished. This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.