Zoological Manager - Large Animal Team

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is seeking candidates for a Zoological Manager role. 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 may be African elephants or a variety of hoofed stock, rhinos, hippos, Nile crocodiles and large birds and will, at times, cover the management requirements of the sister team.

In this role, you will be on a multi-manager team and report to the Animal Operations Manager of the Elephant and Ituri teams.

Responsibilities:

• Co-manage a large team of animal care professionals and a diverse group of animals.
• 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 ZIMs system.
• Assume leadership role during emergency situations.
• Lead the delivery of inspiring guest experiences.
• Participate in population planning for species in the collection.
• 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 run 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 or Ituri areas, or the sister team, and the park’s global schedule. This includes providing availability for weekends and holidays and wide range of hours (currently 5am-9pm).

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of paid large animal husbandry experience at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility.
• Minimum 1 year of leadership experience in a zoological setting, including experience with shared responsibility and leadership on a multi-leader team, as well as leading teams of animal professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to positively interact within a team environment, establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Demonstrated Animal management expertise.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills, excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum three years of leadership experience.
• Experience with Large animals especially, Elephants, Hippos, Rhinos, large antelope and crocodilians: Mixed gender and multi-generational herd management, artificial reproduction techniques, and neonate care in a protective contact environment.
• Knowledge of AZA regulations and animal care.
• Experience in operant conditioning and enrichment.
• Ability to deliver and receive constructive feedback to improve cast performance.

Education:

• High school degree or equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Biology or related field of study

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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