Conservation & Science Technician (Casual Temporary)

About the Role & Team

Since its inception, the Walt Disney Company has worked to connect people with animals and the natural world and inspire them to take action to ensure wildlife thrives and that nature is treasured and protected. Walt Disney once said, “Facts can be as fascinating as fiction, truth as beguiling as myth, and [we] have opened the eyes of young and old to the beauties of the outdoor world and aroused their desire to conserve priceless natural assets.” Today, that legacy is carried on by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Disney Conservation. Together, these teams leverage science, collaboration and engagement to inspire action and care for animals and nature locally on Disney properties, in the communities that surround them, and globally through partnerships with hundreds of nonprofit organizations.

Join us as part of a dynamic team and science-based culture where our mission is to Lead The Walt Disney Company to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources. This hourly role is an integral part of the Conservation and Science teams.

The Conservation and Science Technician (CT) will support, assist and provide technical expertise to implement animal care and conservation programs, science-based practice, novel research, and outreach at Walt Disney’s Parks & Resorts.  Each Conservation and Science Technician position will specialize in either 1) physiology and environmental monitoring, 2) behavioral husbandry, 3) animal behavior science, 4) marine or terrestrial conservation and science or 5) conservation and science engagement and behavior change. However, we work as one multidisciplinary team to address dynamic needs where they arise across disciplines. The animal behavior technician (CT) specifically contributes to the collection, interpretation, summarization and publication of animal behavior data to support animal husbandry, health, welfare and conservation. Scientific methods are primarily used in an applied manner but at times can take a more hypothesis/classic research driven approach.

This is a Casual Temporary or Seasonal role with no guarantee of weekly working hours, as hours will fluctuate based on business need.

What You Will Do

• Conduct various aspects of scientific projects with a primary focus on collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting animal behavior data to inform husbandry and optimize animal well-being. Hormone analysis, sensory environment assessment, ecological/community surveys, wildlife monitoring, and habitat protection duties may also be assigned
• Collect, process and visualize data, and produce reports or presentations with visual appeal and clarity for partners; review videos; conduct literature searches, maintain databases and archival tools.
• Produce publications for scientific journals.
• Provide support for meetings, classes, and workshops and contribute findings for staff seminars, team meetings, scientific journals, conference presentations, popular publications, and social media.
• Develop and update standard operating guidelines, and provide technical support, organization and maintenance for equipment and safe work spaces, and ensuring hazardous waste compliance.
• Order and distribute supplies, maintaining inventory and assisting with quality assurance.
• Provide flexibility across Science Operations and Conservation teams and other science and conservation working groups to support operational and strategic goals.
• Engage with diverse Disney teams in the training and daily coordination of Cast Members and operating participants when on-boarding or for specific initiatives or projects.
• Support communication efforts, help create original content and interactive, interpretive experiences, and engage regularly with Guests and other audiences to share our stories. Support external partnerships to advance conservation, research, and public engagement.
• Support and promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated computer, written and oral communication and interpersonal skills for formal and informal audiences of all ages, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. 
• Experience with behavioral data collection, and a basic understanding of animal behavior and animal welfare science including current trends in research and methodological approaches.
• Enthusiasm for animal conservation and care.
• Ability to support multiple projects and deadlines with attention to detail and ability to problem solve. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as within dynamic team environment.  
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and in view of the public. Ability to endure heat, humidity, biting insects, and other challenges associated with work in the field on associated conservation projects. Willing to travel and work in remote areas alone or with others.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in zoos/aquariums and/or with wildlife.
• Two years experience with outreach/Guest interaction/public speaking.
• Additional technical expertise that can be leveraged across conservation and science programs such as:
  • Advanced data management and visualization or experience with R or other statistics software.
  • Technical proficiency in using, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific equipment.
  • Data processing, graphing, and presentation experience.
  • Experience with scientific writing and statistical analysis.

Education

• B.S. or M.S. in biology, marine biology, animal or conservation science, psychology or social science, laboratory science, science communication or related field or demonstrated evidence of ability and experience.