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. This contract role will assist the Disney Conservation team based at Walt Disney World Resort® with helping to create databases and input data, analyze, visualize, and report out on current and future data collection efforts to assess the impact of our work on conservation, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and community impact. This position will also play a role in supporting our Disney Conservation mission, provide a data-driven foundation for impact storytelling, deliver business value, and advance our commitment to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. A major portion of this role will be supporting database management for our team, with occasional opportunities to support our field-based conservation programs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of a Conservation Programs Manager, the Research Associate will:

• Comply with Disney rules and guidelines relating to appearance and guidelines of professional conduct for the duration of the contract.
• Devise and implement procedures for data handling and database organization.
• Perform database creation and data retrieval, data input, quality control, analyses, visualization, and storytelling.
• Ensure databases are backed-up and secured.
• Synthesize results and regularly communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate on conservation and biodiversity initiatives and strategies with internal/external collaborators.
• Assist with coordination and impact evaluation for our conservation programs.
• Assist with publishing the results of our scientific, education, conservation investigations in various outlets, including internal recommendations, position papers, and peer-reviewed journals.

Term:

This is a three-year contract appointment, as an independent contractor through the New College of Florida, 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A four-year degree with a major in Biology, Conservation, Wildlife Biology, Biotechnology, other related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Products.
• Demonstrated data entry, organization, quality control, analysis, and communications skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Demonstrate strong organization and time management skills to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines, analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Excellent outreach, engagement, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well within a dynamic team setting. 
• Full availability with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
• Possess (or willing/able to obtain) a valid US driver's license.  
• Ability to professionally represent Disney Conservation when interacting with external organizations. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A Master’s degree in Computer Sciences, GIS, Ecology, Social Science, Evaluation, Environmental Education, or related field.
• Experience with scientific writing.
• Experience with data analysis and manipulation.
• Experience with SPSS, Stata, R, GIS, or other relevant and specialized statistical analysis software.
• Experience collaborating on international projects or with international collaborators.