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Animal Behavior Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Maui Humane Society

Animal Care Specialist

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Animal handling experiencePhysical ability to crouch, stand, squat, and be in almost constant motion for 8 hoursAbility to observe and document animal behavior We'd love it if you already had ...

Maui Humane Society

Pet Resource Specialist

Wailuku, HI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Providing a positive community experience in all transactionsProcessing data and payments in our shelter software Intaking animals being surrendered - including for euthanasiaDocument animal behavior ...

University of Hawaii

Lecturer (Animal Science)

Hilo, HI · On-site

ANSC 133 Fundamentals of Riding I (3) (lecture/lab) ANSC 141 Intro to Animal Science ANSC 163 Intro Equine Sports & Careers ANSC 175 Animal Behavior and Handling (lecture/lab) ANSC 193 Horse Handling ...

Petco

HI · On-site

Lead by example modeling Petco's selling behaviors and customer service expectations. Let's Go! * Drive Companion Animal and Aquatics sales, margin, and shrink performance through disciplined ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Lead by example modeling Petco's selling behaviors and customer service expectations. Let's Go! * Drive Companion Animal and Aquatics sales, margin, and shrink performance through disciplined ...

Family Office

Animal Caretaker I

Kilauea, HI · On-site

The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the domesticated animals on a private estate. As directed ... Answers general questions about the animals such as behavior and habitat, facilitates Owner/guest ...

Vetcor

Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Aiea, HI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Basic understanding of animal behavior and patient care * Compassion for pets, clients, and teammates * Strong attention to detail and organizational skills * Ability to work independently while also ...

Hawaii County, HI

Zoo Animal Keeper II - BC-07

Hilo, HI · On-site

$65K/yr

Knows normal behavior patterns of animals and distinguishes and reports symptoms of sickness or unusual behavior in animals. * Suggests changes in diets. * Cleans pens, enclosures, and cages and ...

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Animal Behavior information

See Hawaii salary details

$19.6K

$49.5K

$77.8K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Hawaii is $49,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,358.00 and $61,422.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, you need a strong background in animal science, psychology, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society is typical. Excellent observation, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These qualifications are crucial for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues and implementing effective intervention strategies that improve animal welfare.

What jobs study animal behavior?

Jobs that study animal behavior include ethologists, wildlife biologists, zoologists, and animal behaviorists. These roles often require a background in biology or psychology, fieldwork experience, and sometimes advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in related fields. They work in research, conservation, zoos, or academic settings to observe, analyze, and interpret animal actions and interactions.

What is animal behavior?

Animal behavior refers to the actions and reactions of animals in response to external or internal stimuli. It encompasses everything animals do, including movement, communication, feeding, mating, and social interactions. Scientists study animal behavior to understand how animals adapt to their environment, interact with each other, and survive. This field can involve both observing animals in their natural habitats and conducting experiments in controlled settings.

What are some common challenges faced by animal behaviorists in their daily work?

Animal behaviorists often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle behavioral cues, working with animals that may be stressed or fearful, and effectively communicating findings to pet owners or facility staff. They may also face unpredictable situations, especially when working with animals with a history of aggression or trauma. Building trust with both animals and humans, as well as adapting behavior modification plans to suit individual needs, are key aspects of the role that require patience and flexibility.

What are animal behavior jobs?

Animal behavior jobs focus on either domestic animals or wildlife behavior. If you work with domestic animals, you may have duties like training dogs or horses as companion animals or service animals. Your responsibilities can vary significantly, as running obedience classes is very different than training a seeing-eye dog. As an animal behaviorist, your duties and responsibilities are to study how animals behave in their natural habitat, observing how they eat, their hunting behavior, their mating patterns, and how they raise their offspring. In addition to your research, you may teach in a college or university or provide instruction to primary school students. Other animal behaviorist work in zoos or wildlife preserves.

What jobs can you do with animal behavior?

Animal behavior specialists work in fields such as wildlife conservation, zoo management, research, and animal training. They analyze animal actions to improve welfare, develop training programs, or contribute to scientific understanding. Relevant skills include observation, data collection, and often a background in biology or psychology.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal BehaviorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications in animal behaviorHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior consulting firmsZoos, shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, animal behavior consultingAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Behavior specialists focus on studying, analyzing, and understanding animal actions, often working in research or consulting roles. Animal Care Specialists provide hands-on care, feeding, and maintaining animals in shelters, zoos, or clinics. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Behavior emphasizes understanding behavior patterns, whereas Animal Care focuses on daily animal well-being and management.

How do I become an animal behaviorist?

To become an animal behaviorist, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree specializing in animal behavior or ethology. Gaining experience through internships, research, or working with animals is important, and certification from professional organizations can enhance credibility and job prospects.
More about Animal Behavior jobs
What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Hawaii? For Animal Behavior jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Hawaii are:
Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,497 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

Maui Humane Society

Wailuku, HI • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Maui Humane Society is an open-air animal shelter for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, and other animals. We provide veterinary and routine care and help surrendered animals find a new home. We also provide humane law enforcement services, education and outreach, programs to retain pets in their families, and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. Our team is resilient, compassionate to animals, creative problem-solvers, and dedicated to do what it takes to get the job done. We're excited to welcome you as our next Animal Care & Enrichment Specialist (ACE). In this role you will provide daily care to the animals in our shelter. This includes providing meds, food, water, bedding, toys and treats, and overseeing volunteers in exercise and support. It also includes heavy duty cleaning - think poop...a LOT of poop. To be successful in this role you'll need to have (minimum qualifications):Animal handling experiencePhysical ability to crouch, stand, squat, and be in almost constant motion for 8 hoursAbility to observe and document animal behavior We'd love it if you already had (desired qualifications):Fear Free CertificationExperience in a professional animal care setting (boarding, grooming, vet)Professional cleaning experienceWhat you can expect from us:Regular supportive feedbackCareer growthTraining in animal welfareA comprehensive compensation package including:Medical benefits at no cost to you Dental & Vision benefits at low costFSA401K with matchStudent loan forgiveness eligibilityPerformance pay raises
Job Posted by ApplicantPro