Bahamas Conservation Assistant Programs Manager — Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment

Since its inception, the Walt Disney Company has worked to connect people with the natural world and inspire them to take conservation action in their own lives. Walt Disney once said, “Facts can be as fascinating as fiction, truth as beguiling as myth, and [we] have opened the eyes of young and old to the beauties of the outdoor world and aroused their desire to conserve priceless natural assets.” Today, that legacy is carried on by Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment and the Disney Conservation Fund. Together, these teams work to conserve wildlife and wild places around the world by supporting and partnering with conservation organizations and leading conservation programs in our own backyard at Disney properties worldwide.

The Bahamas Conservation Programs Assistant Manager role primarily supports implementation of the environmental management plan and local conservation strategies at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera and secondarily supports conservation more broadly in The Bahamas. The role implements native wildlife conservation, research, and outreach programs under the guidance of the Conservation Manager who sets the strategic priorities and provides program oversight. Preference will be given to Bahamian candidates who meet work authorization requirements for The Bahamas. This role is based at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera.

General Responsibilities:

• Coordinate field logistics of conservation programs, including, but not limited to, equipment maintenance, equipment organization, equipment procurement, budget tracking, training, scheduling, and event preparation and execution

• Conduct field-based conservation projects in a manner that upholds Disney’s commitment to conservation through interactions with contractors, community members, Disney employees and guests on-site

• Oversee data collection and management workflows to ensure efficiency while maintaining high data quality

• Work with conservation leaders (internal and external to Disney) and diverse teams to support analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, writing scientific and popular science articles, and presenting results to a diversity of audiences (e.g., guests, Disney employees, community groups, professional meetings)

• Represent Disney’s commitment to the environment within The Bahamas and serve as a spokesperson for our collective efforts for people, wildlife and the planet

• Lead terrestrial biodiversity surveys and monitor target species through a variety of methods (e.g., camera traps, acoustic monitoring, bird point counts and banding, nest monitoring, radio telemetry, insect collection), with a current focus on protected plants, birds, bats, aerial insects, and land crabs (note: focal species may change through time)

• Conduct marine biodiversity surveys through a variety of methods (e.g., Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment, seagrass surveys, photomosaics, sea turtle surveys, marine mammal monitoring) and assist with coral and sponge rehabilitation and relocation

• Support strategies to build conservation capacity from early childhood to early career, working with local schools and nonprofit organization partners

• Support a culture of inclusion and belonging within the team and across interactions with collaborators and community members

• Coordinate activities of Disney employees, interns, and volunteers for conservation projects as necessary

• Maintain high standards for safety and field protocol adherence

Basic Qualifications:

• General knowledge of Bahamian natural history and specialization in an area of focus for the site (e.g., plants, birds, arthropods)

• 3-5 years of experience with terrestrial or coastal ecology fieldwork

• Outstanding ability to work well within a team setting and coordinate the activities of team members

• Ability to professionally represent Disney Conservation when interacting with internal and external partners

• Effective communication skills, including excellent outreach/guest interaction/public speaking skills

• Outstanding ability to work well within a team setting and coordinate the activities of team members

• Demonstrated effective organization and time-management skills to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines; organizational skills with superior attention to detail

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Products

• Outstanding ability to work well within a team setting and coordinate the activities of team members

• Ability to endure heat, humidity, biting insects, equipment failures, and other challenges associated with work in the field on associated conservation projects (e.g., traverse >3 miles in soft sand or thick underbrush) 

• Ability to work independently and in small group settings in dynamic field environments

• Full availability with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays and rotating shifts

• Ability and willingness to adhere to the Disney Look guidelines including field-appropriate appearance that reflects the company’s brand and value

• Willing to travel, stay, and work in remote areas, alone or with others

• Ability to lift 50 pounds

• Outstanding ability to work well within a team setting and coordinate the activities of team members

• Possess (or willing/able to obtain) a valid Bahamian driver's license and passport 

• Have (or willing/able to obtain) US Visa for trainings and workshops

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with terrestrial conservation with a particular emphasis on birds

• Outstanding ability to work well within a team setting and coordinate the activities of team members

• Publication of at least one scientific publication

Required Education:

• Outstanding ability to work well within a team setting and coordinate the activities of team members