Aquarist
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10157677 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Aug. 14, 2026Job Summary:
Aquarists are professional aquatic animal keepers who provide for all aspects of husbandry for the aquatic animal collections at the Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land under the direction of Animal Care management and guidance of Senior Animal Care Specialists. An Aquarist has mastered the scope of animal care skills related to multiple aquatic species and habitats attributed to a Seas Husbandry Associate through work and educational experience. An Aquarist engages in and develops specialized husbandry skills through job-related training, enhanced leadership behavior in interactions with peers and leaders, and increased skill at engaging park guests by providing interpretation of their role and sharing their experiences.
This is a Full Time position.
You will report into the Zoological Manager for The Seas.
What You Will Do
- Perform technical aspects of aquarium animal husbandry at a high level and develop additional technical skill sets while effectively performing husbandry routines.
- Demonstrate proficiency in multiple species, ecosystem routines, or team subsets.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and proactive thought to solving day-to-day challenges relating to animal care, routines, and processes.
- Demonstrate commitment to and increasing skills and promoting guest interactions and experiences
- Assist in prioritizing training goals and enrichment methods.
- Participate in the training of new keepers/team members.
- Develop and support the team through regular coaching and feedback sessions.
- Provide reliable and efficient communication during daily team meetings. These communications include, but are not limited to animal management challenges, training team updates, operational demands, operational improvements, daily tasks and enrichment, and best practices.
- Exhibit independent decision making in the day-to-day operation as appropriate.
- Work with their leader to establish and actively pursue a list of developmental behaviors that assist in personal growth and team/operational efficiency.
- Complete work with a limited degree of supervision
- Serve as an informal resource for colleagues with less experience.
- Consistently demonstrate the Disney 5-keys and Seas Team - Norms & Commitments - 2025.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- 3+ years of paid AZA animal experience
- Post high school education = 0-9 years
- Combined education/experience minimum = 5 years
- (Preferred qualification: Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology or other related field).
- SCUBA certified, CPR and First Aid certified
- Be able to move 50 pounds on a regular basis
- Carry, assemble, and don SCUBA tanks and gear daily
- SCUBA Rescue Certified
Required Education
- High School Diploma or equivalent
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 (opens in new window).
The hiring range for this position in Florida is $51,500.00-$68,900.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.
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.
