Zookeeper at Animal Kingdom?

[WinnieSun_]

As a career, I want to become a zookeeper. I've always wanted to work for Disney, so would it be possible to become a zookeeper in animal kingdom? If so, what are some of the requirements to become one? Are there any other jobs similar to this if zoo-keeping specifically is not an option? Is their a training program in the Disney college program specifically for this job? Let me know!

 

[lazyboy97o]

The Disney College Program is not really the internship program that a lot of people think. It is mostly typical front line jobs and you are placed wherever Disney decides. There are actual professional internships in a variety of fields but they are few in number with many, many applicants.

If you are interested in being a zookeeper, then you should be opening to doing work outside Disney. While there are stories of people starting one field and being moved to another, it is far more of an exception than the rule.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an Association of Zoos & Aquariums facility, and they recommend the American Association of Zoo Keepers (http://aazk.org) to those interested in zookeeping as a profession and they even offer a student membership.

 

[Driver]

The Disney College Program is not really the internship program that a lot of people think. It is mostly typical front line jobs and you are placed wherever Disney decides. There are actual professional internships in a variety of fields but they are few in number with many, many applicants.

If you are interested in being a zookeeper, then you should be opening to doing work outside Disney. While there are stories of people starting one field and being moved to another, it is far more of an exception than the rule.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an Association of Zoos & Aquariums facility, and they recommend the American Association of Zoo Keepers (http://aazk.org) to those interested in zookeeping as a profession and they even offer a student membership.

They were looking for some entry level people recently. Not sure if they still are or what experience they required. But if you get your foot in the door (sometimes easier said than done) they will help with education cost as long as it's job related.

 

[Amidala]

The DCP exists more for the novelty of working for the company and getting your foot in the door than anything else. I'm an alum planning to return in January, and will have worked retail both times. The job opportunities are basic (food service, merchandise, character attendant, etc.) and most specialized/non-customer service jobs (like character performer) require an audition. I would suggest looking through the Disney PROFESSIONAL internships (here is a link to Professional Internship opportunities in Florida). These are much more competitive, so keep that in mind! Supposedly 50,000+ people apply for the DCP and anywhere from 8,000-10,000 are accepted, whereas only a handful of professional interns are chosen for each internship. The DCP only really requires customer service experience, but to qualify for a Professional Internship, you will need experience in your field (so if you want to do zookeeping, you'll need to have worked with animals in the past).

Going through the link I gave you, there's an Animal Husbandry Internship, Veterinary Hospital Internship, Animal Nutrition Center Internship, and Conservation Education Internship at Animal Kingdom, Marine Conservation Internship, Aquarium & Marine Biology Internship and an Aquatic Research Internship at The Seas in Epcot, and plenty more. These are probably closer to the kinds of internships you were looking for, but make sure to check before applying because some positions are only open to DCP alumni.

 

[Disorbust]

If you go disney park jobs website you can see the job description.

 

[Disorbust]

Here is the job discription
At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is seeking applicants for an animal keeper position. The successful candidate will work with a large team of 18+ keepers to carry out the daily care of the collection(s) and other animals in accordance with established guidelines. The desired candidate will also have a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management and research of the species in their care. We are looking for qualified candidates who have experience with a variety of species. This is a full time, salaried position with benefits.

“We make magic.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!
Responsibilities

• Cleaning, animal observation, diet preparation, behavioral conditioning and enrichment, and reporting pertinent information to zoological managers
• Interacting on a regular basis with maintenance, operation managers, horticulture, veterinary staff, educators and scientists
• Providing animal information and conservation messages through guest and cast interaction.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and team lift 75 pounds (more or less) throughout the day.
• Ability to move 200 pound carts daily.
• High school degree or equivalent plus a minimum of either:
  • Three years paid experience as a keeper in a AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards, and at least two years of verifiable college course work (60 semester hours) or
  • Four years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards, and at least one year of verifiable college course work (30 semester hours) or
  • Five years paid experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited institution, or in an institution with equivalent standards
• Experience working with a wide variety of taxa with a strong emphasis on operant conditioning is desired.
• Demonstrated strong observation, evaluation and data collecting skills.
• Proven experience in applying operant conditioning techniques in the field.
• Proven strong interpersonal and partnering skills.
• Ability to work in a large team environment
• Ability to work in an environment that is continually changing
• Demonstrated strong guest focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Zoology or related fields

Required Education

• Associate’s Degree in Zoology, biological sciences or related field

Additional