Ignite your career in fire protection at Disney
Did you know that Walt Disney World has its own fire protection department? As part of Facilities Operations Services (FOS) and Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) the fire protection team works hard to ensure the safety of both guests and cast members at the parks and resorts.
Meet Jay and Kevin, two fire protection engineers who have created careers protecting the magic. Jay, a fire protection systems engineer, works with Facilities Asset Management (FAM) leading the team working on projects around Walt Disney World property navigating fire safety. He prioritizes complex understanding of codes, standards and unique problem solving in his day-to-day responsibilities.
Kevin, a senior fire protection engineer with WDI, focuses on engineering principles and designs fire protection systems throughout Walt Disney World. His work includes fire sprinklers, fire alarm systems, smoke control and more. In his senior role, he reviews documentation that his team works on, leading projects to keep everyone safe.
Learn how Jay and Kevin have found their spark at The Walt Disney Company.
Tell us about how you started your Disney journey!
Jay: “I knew that there would be a bounty of available experiences and an amazing opportunity for technical growth. Also, the title of Fire Protection Systems Engineer for designing and maintaining ‘magic’ was intriguing. During my internship I designed a test to prove that artificial foliage is not a sprinkler obstruction. Our test proved to be satisfying, which allowed Disney to meet its desired design criteria, not only at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but also for Test Track.”
Kevin: “I grew up a massive Disney fan. I was not only inspired by the films and parks, but of the ingenuity and creativity of the man who made it all possible. When we would come to Walt Disney World as a family, I was always thinking of how I could one day work here and be part of what makes this place magical. Within my roles here at Disney, I have gotten to approach fire protection from the facility, creative and quality engineering perspectives. It has challenged me to broaden my understanding of the role and the importance of project delivery.”
How did your previous experience prepare you to step into a role like this?
Kevin: “I started my Disney career as an intern with the Architecture and Facilities Engineering team here at Walt Disney World. With that team I was not only able to learn more about engineering, but about how we do engineering here at Disney – learning from previous projects, while engaging on projects in production. I was able to be a part of projects like Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.”
Tell us your favorite thing about your role!
Jay: “The true team environment that I get to work in every day [is my favorite part]. Every project, no matter the size, involves a number of stakeholders, all of which get to collaborate to provide a magical experience for millions of guests every year. And have to do so within the confines of a strict budget, exceptional safety and stringent timelines. Similarly, the in-office experience and family environment that has been built between all of my counterparts, has been a gratifying experience.”
Kevin: “The best part of my role is being able to play a part in creating future attractions and offerings that our guests will get to experience for years to come. What we create will inspire the next generation to aspire to a role here at Disney.”
How does your role impact the guest experience?
Jay: “Without the WDW and WDI Fire Protection Engineers, and all of the departments and team members that assist with fire protection, none of our buildings on property would be able to be occupied, per safety regulations and code compliance. Our role is typically one in which we live in the shadows and is a true sui generis. If we are effective and efficient in our responsibilities, safety will always be beyond reproach.”
What’s the most challenging thing about your role and how do you overcome it?
Jay: “The sheer number of buildings we are responsible for. With over 1,700 buildings on property and fire protection being required in nearly all of them, it can be difficult to navigate the endless responsibilities we have to life safety. Luckily, I am surrounded by thousands of individuals that are delighted to assist with the safety of life and property.”
Kevin: “Many of the things that we dream up here at Disney are the first of their kind and present unique design challenges. Working as a team, we are able to come up with creative solutions to meet that challenge.”
What makes Disney standout as an employer?
Jay: “The themed environment and the due diligence of our recruiting professionals. I am surrounded by a multitude of successful, intelligent, hardworking, inspiring, people. The culture that WDW has established and the people that have built and continue to build that culture, is a true pleasure to work in.”
Kevin: “The Walt Disney Company is one of the largest employers in the country. If you can think of a career, odds are you can do it for Disney. Working for The Walt Disney Company exposes you to career paths that you could never imagine. In learning about these different roles allows you to find what you truly enjoy doing and to pursue it.”
Any tips or advice for anyone looking to apply to a role like yours at Disney?
Jay: “College education and certification classes can only teach you so much. Everyone and anyone can gain that. True technical learning comes from strapping up your boots and getting out in the field. Until you can see, touch, hear and experience how a smoke control system, stairwell pressurization system, fire alarm system, sprinkler system or a themed attraction safety system work; you cannot begin your engineering journey. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone and the FPE journey begins outside of the cubicle.”
Kevin: “My advice for anyone looking to apply to a role like mine at Disney would be to seize every opportunity. Take chances on roles that you might not normally go for. You never know which door will be the right one for you if you don’t open it.”
Looking to start your career in fire safety at Disney? Visit DisneyCareers.com!
