Manager Security Canine Program

Job ID 10129173 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Aug. 21, 2025

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Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the Security Canine Operations for Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts and includes leading, teaching, and developing an independent, diverse, and high-performing team. This leader must be the subject matter expert on K9 operations and be able to motivate the team to action in delivering and executing both strategic and tactical initiatives.

This Manager Security Canine Program for Walt Disney World will be an unparalleled subject matter expert on K9 operations and risk, and lead an innovative K9 detection team on the cutting edge of the practice. This role will also manage the day-to-day operation of the security canine unit at Walt Disney World and guide, manage, influence, and develop a current team of 60 canine handler teams. The Manager Security Canine Program is responsible for continual risk assessment—always elevating and improving on the security product, defining the strategic security approach for their operational area, for emergency preparedness to ensure cast, guest, and intellectual property is safe and secure, and for delivering the WDW security vision of “guest facing security.” This senior leader must be able to craft and innovate organizational strategies, objectives, and best practices for the execution of both strategic and tactical initiatives. This role requires the ability to lead people, track risks in a dynamic threat environment, operate a K9 kennel function, interface with State/Local/Federal law enforcement, and partner with other WDW operational and Security teams to “Protect the Magic.” This role includes response to WDW property on significant events to including during non-scheduled hours.

Position Responsibilities:

Responsible for leading, teaching, and developing a K9 handler team that operates independently across the WDW property.
Responsible for overseeing the care, training, and management of Canines in the facility
Develop and implement training and education programs for both Canine and their handlers in alignment with operational goals and the changing risk environment
Oversee and train kennel staff, assign tasks, and ensure proper protocols are followed.
Ensure compliance with DHS Safety Act requirements. Ensure related training is completed, and dog's needs are met to meet certification standards.
Company liaison with an external vendor for the selection and purchase of suitable canines. Additionally, liaison with an external vendor for the initial training of suitable canines to include imprinting on required detection odors.
Lead the selection of the WDW security canines based on the unique requirements of the WDW Security mission and to operate in the WDW environment which includes specialized guest and backstage environments.
Oversee the availability of resources and proper equipment including vehicle optimization, required to operate the unit and Security K9 operations safely, efficiently, and to the highest levels of effectiveness.
Maintain agility in the highly dynamic security environment by maintaining knowledge and awareness of industry trends and recommend changes/updates to enhance the program to include training aids, health, and the proper nourishment of the canines
Responsible for scheduling and deployment of K9 resources based on operational needs.
Coordinate facility operations, maintenance, and improvements, ensuring adherence to safety protocols for animals and people.
Pair the K9 to the human with a focus on overall capability and efficiency of the team while also ensuring safety and well-being of both.
Understand and operate within the organization's contract.
Incorporate the lens of Leadership, Management, Technical skills, and Relationships (LMTR) in leading the team, daily operations, and strategic decision-making.
Create an environment of inclusion where differing perspectives are valued, diverse thoughts and ideas are recognized.
Anticipate, design and execute K9 operational plans within a dynamically changing environment, including the flexible deployment of canine resources based on both routine and evolving operational priorities and emergency situations.
Directly engage with leaders and cast to provide the direction, expectations, information, staffing and resources needed to deliver on the mission to serve and protect while achieving the highest level of guest service.
Maintain a positive, collaborative and productive workplace environment by quickly identifying, engaging in and resolving conflicts, and fostering trust.
Make decisive, sound, high quality decisions on escalated security issues in a unique and complex operating environment, accurately judging the urgency, response, and need for further escalation. Provide strategic oversight and leadership of team development.
Drive continuous improvement by utilizing data and metrics to monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of security methods, procedures, and team performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and leading changes for enhancement.
Continuous evaluation of the daily threat picture and ability to assess risk for WDW and ensure all security leaders and Cast have critical information during briefings
Cultivate relationships and collaborative partnerships with peers, clients, supporting law enforcement agencies, and corporate resources. Foster these relationships through inclusion, information sharing, and teamwork.
Develop and grow team members through mentoring, coaching, developmental opportunities, and feedback.
Leverage new technology, industry trends, and best practices to advance and elevate the Security operation.
Oversee resources and the development of the Annual Operating Plan and the accomplishment of area goals within the plan.
Lead in the development of a culture of safety.

Basic Qualifications:

10+ years of experience working in a kennel environment in various roles
2+ years of canine trainer experience
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of experience
Ability to partner and communicate with different levels of the organization
Experience leading people
Knowledge and ability to direct the operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Security program and team.
Demonstrated readiness and comfort with being in the position of critical decision-making, demonstrating an exceptional level of judgment.
Proven capability in incident response and de-escalation.
Actively engages when there is conflict, bringing resolution and composure.
Future-focused with the ability to set direction, inspire a team and deliver results.
Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with the team to create a culture grounded in trust, fairness, inclusion, and teamwork.
Ability to collaborate and share timely information with partners, clients and stakeholders to solve problems and build trusting relationships.
Effective communicator with a positive leadership voice, ability to influence as well as lead, and make decisions in a challenging operational and threat environment
Strong written communications with emphasis on security assessments, analysis, and reporting
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Demonstrated strong analytical skills and comfort with using data and metrics to manage the business.
Demonstrated ability to build and develop a team with a focus on talent development.
Ability to foster inclusion and grow a diverse team.

Preferred Qualifications:

5 years’ experience as a strategic leader
Demonstrated knowledge of Walt Disney World’s policies and procedures

Demonstrated knowledge of Walt Disney World’s property and resources
Experience in managing a proprietary guard force in a hospitality industry
Experience with crisis management, emergency preparedness planning, response, and business continuity
Knowledge of Florida State Statutes and experience interacting with law enforcement
Experience in interacting with executives in a Fortune 500 Companies.
Working knowledge of Investigative and Intelligence services, private and Government
Valid Certified Protection Professional Designation

Additional Information:

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.

This job is located in Lake Buena Vista, FL

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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.

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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.