Instructors needed at WDW?

[EastCoastWreckDiver]

Just wanted to throw this question out there since searching the web is turning up no definitive results. I am currently an OWSI working towards my MSDT and was wondering if anyone could shed light on any known diving jobs offered at Walt Disney World? After college I applied and recieved a few interviews at their Orlando location but did not recieve any of the jobs I interviewed for. Now after becoming a scuba diving instructor (PADI) I was hoping to try again at the mouse house and try to get another job, this time a diving job. It doesnt have to be instructing, it could be cleaning out tanks for all I care. I know WDW has some connections with NAUI but I am PADI 100%. If anyone has any knowledge of any opportunities please let me know.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

As far as I know since I looked into this years ago, all of their instructors are NAUI certed. I'm guessing you'd need to do a crossover of some type. Even if it was cleaning tanks they might want to you do some remediation with their people.

 

[EastCoastWreckDiver]

You wouldnt know how to get more information on the jobs offered, or how to apply for them? I have looked at the disney careers pages and I cant find anything. Its a different system than when I last applied for jobs.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

No idea now. When I looked into it all the stuff was done through Epcot. Which made sense since they have the Living Seas exhibit.

 

[diversteve]

Looks like you're going to have to cross-over to have a chance.

From Epcot's website:

Epcot® DiveQuest is presented by the National Association of Underwater Instructors.

From NAUI's website:

NAUI is the official Dive Training Agency for the Walt Disney World Resorts' Typhoon Lagoon & Shark Reef and The Living Seas
These relationships assure that the divers who work at America’s best known theme park receive the best diver training in the world.

You wouldnt know how to get more information on the jobs offered, or how to apply for them?

It looks like you start here: Advanced Search Jobs | Jobs and Careers | The Walt Disney Company

Nothing close will come up unless you're good with Elephants. So maybe NAUI is somehow involved in the selection process - IDK. Or there are no current job openings there.

My best suggestion is call them during the week - get someone in Epcot administration - and ask. Although they'll likely just refer you to their employment office. There's also a link in the NAUI dive facility locator but it doesn't appear to be valid. If you click WDW Living Seas in the first column an e-mail link pops ups. NAUI Dive Center Locator Results

Maybe call some of the local shops also. There's a shop out here that works with our (smaller) Aquarium. They provide staff training, etc. Naui Corporate probably knows someone also - whether they'll tell you...

 

[EastCoastWreckDiver]

Thanx Steve for the help. I know from expierence getting even an interview for a WDW job is more than difficult (although the college program is pretty easy to get into). Maybe if I continue to search and apply something good will come up. Also might think about crossover training tp NAUI, even though PADI has my heart.

 

[DSW Diver]

I am a NAUI dive instructor and WDW only hires if you are 21 yrs old, not if you are qualified for the job. I know people that get a housekeeper job to try to move into the position they want when it opens. Good luck.

 

[EastCoastWreckDiver]

I am 22 years old so I am glad I aleast meet the age limit : )

 

[Wookie]

Maybe like most good employers, they hire from within first. That way you learn the company ropes and see if you will work out as a dishwasher in the restaurant before they send you to the shark tank.

Of course, I really don't know crap about Disney, so I'm just talking out my butt.

 

[DSW Diver]

I agree to an extent. My question is should they hire based on the best qualified? I am commenting based on my experience.