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Animal Behavior Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Sales Specialist

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Lead by example by demonstrating strong selling behaviors and exceptional customer service.

Perdue Farms

Continuous Improvement Manager 2

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

... driving behavioral change across site through CI tools, methodology and coaching. * Manage Site ... Animal Science, and/or Supply Chain preferred by all majors will be considered. Experience ...

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Animal Behavior information

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 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 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 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 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.

Do animal behaviorists make good money?

Animal behaviorists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as certification or research experience, can lead to higher earnings, especially in private practice or consulting positions.

What jobs can you do with animal behavior?

Animal behavior specialists can work as zookeepers, wildlife rehabilitators, animal trainers, research scientists, or conservation biologists. These roles often require knowledge of ethology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications in animal science or biology.

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 knowledge of research methods and animal handling. They can be found in research institutions, zoos, conservation organizations, and academic settings.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal behaviorist?

Animal behaviorists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include understanding animal cognition and behavior, research experience, and often certification or training in animal handling or specific behavioral assessment methods.
More about Animal Behavior jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa?

For Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Veterinary Receptionist

Veterinary Practice Partners

Hiawatha, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Veterinary Practice Partners rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Receptionist - Veterinary Front Desk
Salary: From $15/hr.
Schedule: 36-40 hours per week, including every other Saturday
Petersen Pet Hospital is hiring a full-time customer service professional to be the knowledgeable, welcoming face at our front desk. This role goes beyond typical administrative assistant duties-it's about delivering knowledgeable service while confidently communicating in the language of veterinary care. Whether discussing vaccines, explaining procedures, or coordinating appointments, your ability to speak the lingo and anticipate client needs will directly contribute to smoother appointments, stronger client relationships, and better patient outcomes.
What to Expect
As you join our team, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:
  • All the benefits you deserve-medical, dental, vision, and retirement for full-time team members-plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too!
  • Paid time off. Catch your breath with paid holidays and PTO. Take the time you need to recharge.
  • 401(k) with a generous company We invest in your future while you care for our pets today.
  • Hands-on training and mentorship to support long-term growth across a variety of roles within the hospital, whether you're aiming to grow in client care, or simply build a meaningful long-term role.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Be the first point of contact: Greet clients and their pets warmly, complete the sign-in process, verify and confirm appointment details, and ensure clients feel informed and reassured.
  • Support clinical flow: Assist in relaying key information between clients and clinical staff.
  • Manage client communications: Handle incoming calls for appointments, care questions, prescription refills, and more. Make outbound calls for appointment reminders and follow-up care.
  • Operate with accuracy: Process payments, manage invoicing, and schedule future appointments with attention to detail.
  • Speak the language: Understand and communicate clearly about common vaccines, lab tests, procedures, pet behavior, and veterinary terminology.
  • Create a welcoming space: Help maintain a clean, organized, and client-ready environment-including occasionally assisting with pet-related clean-up to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Qualifications:
  • 2+ years of front desk or client-facing customer service experience, providing a warm and welcoming approach to every interaction
  • Ability to maintain a calm, professional, and positive demeanor

About Petersen Pet HospitalPetersen Pet Hospital in Hiawatha, Iowa is a beautiful, progressive, 8 doctor small animal practice. We are AAHA Accredited, Fear Free, pocket pet friendly upscale practice with an old-fashioned ethic of kindness, quality and caring. Our doctors and team are dedicated to making a visit to our practice a low stress event for our patients and their owners and our client testimonials attest to our success. Led by Dr. Petersen, Dr. Saunders and Dr. McGinty, our veterinarians are well educated and experienced. Most of all, they simply love animals. They are backed by a skilled support team that is friendly and enthusiastic.
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