Zoological Manager - Elephants

Disney's Animal Kingdom

To view full posting and to apply, visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/job/lake-buena-vista/zoological-mgr-elephants/391/19655380

Job Summary:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is seeking candidates for Zoological Manager role at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This person will be on a multi-manager team and report to the Animal Operations Manager of the Elephant and Ituri teams. The Zoological Manager team manages the area’s husbandry program, daily maintenance, development of keeper routines and scheduling, animal enrichment, behavior modification, exhibit design, staff selection, staff development, and assists with animal acquisition and deacquisition. The collection focus of this manager would be a mixed sex, multi-generational, breeding herd of African Elephants but may also include a variety of hoofed stock, rhinos, hippos, Nile crocodiles and large birds.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Elephant team alongside two other zoological managers, a staff of over 15 animal keepers and currently 3.6 African Elephants.
• Lead the team to deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care and welfare.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols, company guidelines, policies and standards.
• Select, train, evaluate and develop area Animal Keeper staff and directly supervise daily operations.
• Act as a primary point of contact for Veterinary, Nutrition, Horticulture, Operations, Education, and Maintenance issues.
• Ensure accurate and timely animal data documentation in the Daily Reporting System.
• Assume leadership role during emergency situations.
• Manage the delivery of inspiring guest experiences.
• Participate in collection planning for species in the area.
• Manage expenses of the area budget.
• In partnership with the Behavioral Husbandry team, manage the area’s animal training, enrichment and welfare programs
• Partner and manage the development of area research and education programs. Continue to seek and acquire education and professional training in the zoological and management fields.
• Perform the Animal Care Duty Manager role, as needed.
• May become qualified as a member of the Animal Escape, Recovery and Firearms team.
• Interact with other zoological facilities and conservation organizations on issues regarding the progressive animal care, husbandry, sustainability, research and conservation.
• Participate in scientific meetings, conferences and workshops, when appropriate.
• Author papers and present lectures on husbandry and conservation issues, when appropriate
• Provide manager coverage for the Elephant area, its sister team, and the park’s global schedule. This includes some availability for weekends and holidays and wide range of hours (currently 5am-9pm).

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years combined large mammal management/husbandry experience and post-high school education (30 semester credits per year) with at least five years of paid Elephant husbandry experience at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in a zoological setting.
• Experience with shared responsibility and leadership on a multi-leader team.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Demonstrated ability to positively interact within a team environment.
• Demonstrated Animal management expertise.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and communication skills.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Elephants includes: 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 elephant management techniques
• Experience leading teams of animal professionals.
• Experience in operant conditioning and enrichment
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers
• Ability to deliver and receive constructive feedback to improve cast performance

Required Education:

• High school degree or equivalent plus a minimum of ten years combined large mammal husbandry experience and post-high school education (30 semester credits per year), with at least five years of paid manager experience at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility.

Preferred Education:

• A four year college or advanced degree in biology or related field is strongly preferred.