Zoological Manager
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10149018 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Apr. 30, 2026Job Summary:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is seeking experienced candidates for a Zoological Manager position on the Birds 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 a large bird collection and staff. Duties include oversight of all aspects of animal husbandry, staff selection and development, and facilities management.
This is a Full Time position.
You will report to the Animal Operations Manager.
What You Will Do
- 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.
- Manage all aspects of husbandry for the bird collection, including welfare, reproduction, and behavioral husbandry.
- Primary contact for animal health, nutrition, horticulture, operations, education and facilities.
- Along with the Animal Operations Manager, develop and implement the area’s animal collection plan.
- Ensure accurate and timely animal data collection.
- Assist in managing the area budget
- Promote and enforce company guidelines, policies and standards
- Take leadership role during emergency situations (i.e. animal escapes or injuries, severe weather, etc.)
- Promote and participate in guest interactions
- Organize and coordinate animal shipments with other facilities
Required Qualifications & Skills
- At least 9 or more years of combined animal management experience - could include on the job experience and/or post-high school education.
- 5+ years of paid experience at an AZA accredited or equivalent facility
- Demonstrated leadership ability, and to positively interact within a team environment
- Demonstrated strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Schedule availability to include weekends, variable shifts, and holidays
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Previous leadership experience
- Experience with a wide variety of avian taxa
- Experience managing birds in large free-flight aviaries
- Experience with artificial incubation and hand-rearing
- Experience managing hoofed stock
- Experience with animal population management
Education
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
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 (opens in new window).
The hiring range for this position in Florida is $75,700.00-$101,400.00per 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.
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.
