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Senior Aquarist

Job ID 10132774 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Oct. 02, 2025
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Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

As a Senior Aquarist, you will have an advanced level of technical competency in caring for aquatic animals, animal welfare practices, behavioral management, water quality and life support systems, as well as leadership habits and organizational skills to facilitate the daily operation of The Seas in EPCOT.

In this Full Time, Salaried position, you will be reporting to the Zoological Managers of the assigned area and team.

 What You Will Do

  • Maintain current knowledge of all specimens, including their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands on experience, upkeep with current literature and conference participation as approved. Strive to continually improve husbandry practices, developing procedures aimed at increasing efficiency and advancing animal care.
  • Act as a role model and resource for aquarist staff in day-to-day operations. Support and mentor aquarists with the development of exhibit improvements, training and enrichment proposals, and encourage advancements in husbandry practices.
  • Effectively communicate to leaders, partners and team with kindness and transparency.
  • Understand the principles of operant conditioning and employ behavioral husbandry techniques to improve the care and welfare of the animals within the collection.
  • Actively partner with various teams to facilitate state of the art guest service and animal programs. · Respond to emergencies and partner with Leaders to resolve issues and contact appropriate partners
  • Facilitate work orders for repair of equipment, exhibits, and other area needs · Maintain the area, exhibits and facilities in keeping with AZA standards
  • Maintain accurate, detailed records and make data-based decisions to ensure quality animal management and welfare

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • 5+ years working as an Aquarist/Biologist in a public aquarium
  • Have or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver’s License
  • SCUBA Certification
  • Ability to be SCUBA Rescue, CPR and First Aid Certified and comfortable with daily diving
  • Comfortability with heavy lifting up to 50lbs
  • Talent for developing partnerships and work with all team members in the organization
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of aquatic systems
  • Previous experience organizing the transport of aquatic animals
  • Prior experience working with chemicals and familiar with proper and safe handling practices
  • Proficiency in basic computer functions necessary to operate in a Windows environment and other technologies
  • Schedule availability to include weekends, variable shifts, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

  • 7+ years’ experience working in aquatic husbandry at an AZA-accredited facility
  • 10+ years’ experience working in aquatic husbandry at a non AZA-accredited facility or acceptable equivalent

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or Zoology, or equivalent experience

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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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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

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  • Be Part of the Story

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  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

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.

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