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Animal Behavior Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

... behavior, and general animal care required . ยท Excellent communication skills and a history of working in a multidisciplinary team. ยท Basic understanding of research principles of laboratory animal ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and handling * Excellent communication and organizational skills * Passion for working with animals and ...

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and handling * Excellent communication and organizational skills * Passion for working with animals and ...

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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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Care Technician

Element Research Group Inc

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description:

Animal Care Technician– Element Research Group

Element Research Group (ERG) is a contract research organization (CRO) based in the Twin Cities medical device hub, specializing in pre-clinical studies. The Animal Care Technician is responsible for supporting the daily care, welfare, and well-being of laboratory animals in a research setting. This role plays a key part in ensuring high standards of husbandry and facility cleanliness while contributing to the successful execution of in-life studies. The technician works closely with veterinary and research teams to maintain compliance with study protocols and clinical observation requirements, helping ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with institutional SOPs and regulatory guidelines. This role is required onsite in Brooklyn Park, MN 5 days per week with a team rotation schedule covering weekends and holidays. 


Education

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an animal related field is desirable in order to allow for advancement opportunities.

· Laboratory Animal Technician certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) preferred.


Experience and Skill / Knowledge

· 1-2+ years of experience in an animal husbandry/animal care setting (research, veterinary clinic, agriculture, zoo) preferred.

· Knowledge of research animal behavior, and general animal care required

· Excellent communication skills and a history of working in a multidisciplinary team.

· Basic understanding of research principles of laboratory animal science. 

· Experience in GLP environment preferred.

· Strong attention to detail and good documentation practices are required. 

· Basic computer skills, with experience using Microsoft Outlook preferred


Element Research Group offers a full suite of Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, compeitive PTO, 401k matching as well as a warm culture and team to be a part of.


Salary range: Competitive within MN Twin Cities market 

Requirements:

• Accurately document clinical observations and environmental data.

• Assist in basic in-life procedures by restraining or handling animals as needed.

• Administer routine in-life treatments or medications under supervision.

• Participate in inter-room animal transfers and help coordinate housing logistics.

• May require occasional weekend, holiday, or after-hours work depending on facility needs.

Physical Requirements of the Job

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently (e.g., bags of feed, equipment, animals)

• Frequently standing, walking, bending and kneeling throughout the day.

• Ability to push, pull, or maneuver carts with supplies or equipment.

• Capacity to handle and restrain animals of various species and sizes safely.

• Good manual dexterity for tasks such as cage maintenance, administering treatments, or using 

tools.

• Visual and auditory acuity to observe animals for signs of illness or distress.

• Comfortable working in hot, humid, or cold environments depending on room and housing 

conditions.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, gloves, face shields, 

or respirators.