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Zoological Manager, Small Mammal Ectotherms

Job ID 10161597 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Oct. 23, 2026
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Job Summary:

Job Requirements

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is seeking experienced candidates for a Zoological Manager position on the Small Mammal Ectotherm Team.  The Zoological Manager, in partnership with a team of Zoological Managers and the Animal Operations Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Small Mammal Ectotherm collection and staff.  Duties include oversight of all aspects of animal husbandry, staff selection and development, and facilities management. The primary focus of this position will be managing and supporting the mammal collection within the SME team.


This is a Full Time position.


You will report to the Animal Operations Manager.

 

What You Will Do

  • Lead the team to deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care and welfare.
  • Direct supervision and management of a large animal keeper staff – including staff selection, development and performance reviews.
  • Co-manage of all aspects of husbandry for the Small Mammal Ectotherm team.
  • Promote and enforce safety protocols, company guidelines, policies and standards.
  • Primary contact for animal health, nutrition, horticulture, operations, education and facilities.
  • Interact with other zoological facilities and conservation organizations on issues regarding the progressive animal care, husbandry, sustainability, research and conservation.
  • Along with the Animal Operations Manager, develop and implement the area’s animal collection plan and guest experiences.
  • In partnership with the Behavioral Husbandry team, manage the area’s animal training, enrichment and welfare programs.
  • Lead, develop and promote the delivery of inspiring guest experiences.
  • Ensure accurate and timely animal data collection in the ZIMS system.
  • Assist in managing the area budget.
  • Organize and coordinate animal shipments with other facilities.
  • Take leadership role during emergency situations (i.e. animal escapes or injuries, severe weather, etc.).
  • Become qualified as a member of the Animal Escape, Recovery and Firearms team.
  • Perform the Animal Care Duty Manager role, as required.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Minimum of nine years combined animal management experience, could include on the job experience and/or post-high school education.
  • Minimum of five years of paid experience at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility
  • Demonstrated leadership ability
  • Demonstrated ability to positively interact within a team environment.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint and ZIMS)
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Schedule availability to include weekends, variable shifts, and holidays

 

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

·         Previous Zoological management experience

·         Experience with a wide variety of taxa management

·         Experience managing exotic mammals and ectotherms within guest experiences and education settings

·         Experience in developing animal guest experiences

·         Experience managing and developing behavioral husbandry practices

·         Experience with animal population management

·         Experience with ZIMS

 

Required Education

  • High school degree or equivalent plus a minimum of either:

  • Nine years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards

or

  • Five – Seven years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards and and/or at least two years of verifiable college course work (60 semester hours) or Bachelor's degree totaling nine years combined animal management experience

 

Preferred Education

  • Bachelor's or associate degree in Zoology or related field

 

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.





Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $76,800.00-$102,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

 

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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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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.

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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.

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