Sensory Welfare Research Associate based at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Could you please post the below opportunity for MS grads to the EEB website?

Research Associate Sensory Welfare

Science Operations Research Associate based at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®

Position Description:

Join us as part of a dynamic team and science-based culture where our mission is to Lead Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources. The successful candidate will assist in monitoring and managing the sensory environments of animals, such as sound pressure level, light intensity and wavelength, ground vibration, temperature, and other environmental variables. The candidate will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the environmental assessment program, conduct animal behavior research as needed, support general animal-welfare related initiatives, and will engage park guests about our animal science programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee the Sensory Environment program:

Collect environmental data including sound, light, ground vibration and temperature, analyze and interpret data, and generate reports

Work with other scientists and animal care staff to find and implement solutions that provide animals with sensory environments that promote positive welfare

As needed, assist in animal behavior research on animals (data observation and collection, behavioral scoring from video, behavioral data analysis)

Assist in animal welfare-related tasks, such as researching literature on issues related to animal welfare, generating reports related to animal welfare, and assisting in animal-welfare related initiatives.

Give presentations and prepare manuscripts as needed

Teach course in how to develop effective posters and presentations (effective science communication)

Engage with park guests about our animal behavior research

Term: This is a three-year contract appointment (with 6 months probationary period). The start date may be as soon as January 2020. The position is an independent contribution via a contract with the New College of Florida, but the candidate will be based at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®. Applicant must be able to work in the United States. Employer will not pay fees associated with relocation or visa/work permit applications.

Required qualifications:

Masters degree in biology, zoology or related field

Experience conducting behavioral research on animals

Experience measuring environmental data (sound, light, vibration, temperature, or other environmental variables).

Ability to manage day-to-day operations of large projects in coordination with many partners

Ability to operate and troubleshoot technical equipment and software

Excellent written and oral communication skills for both formal and informal audiences

Preferred qualifications:

Experience working in a zoo or aquarium

Knowledge of statistical software or other technical skills related to animal behavior research

Knowledge of GIS mapping software

Specific research in animal welfare science

Send cover letter (1 page or less), resume, and contact information for 3 references to:

Joseph M. Soltis, Ph.D.

Joseph.Soltis@disney.com

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

PO Box 10000

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

Closing date: December 9, 2019.

How to Apply

Send cover letter (1 page or less), resume, and contact information for 3 references to:

Joseph M. Soltis, Ph.D.

Joseph.Soltis@disney.com