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Animal Behavior Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Park City, UT ยท On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Animal Care Technician

Park City, UT

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Animal Care Technicians

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$17 - $21.82/hr

  • Retirement

Make observations and collect and analyze data on animal behavior. Assist in preparing technical reports, summaries, protocols, and analyses. Follow standard procedures and protocols. May prepare ...

Animal Adoption Counselor

Salt Lake City, UT ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Animal handling safety practices and common symptoms of disease Various animal breeds and general animal behavior Animal ordinances and state statues Customer service principles and techniques Modern ...

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 ...

Animal Care Attendant

Saratoga Springs, UT ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

All pet lovers welcome CityVet is looking for Animal Care Attendants (Kennel Tech) to join our team ... Monitor health, physically and behaviorally, and rapidly identify any issues or changes that may ...

Animal Care Attendant

Lehi, UT

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

All pet lovers welcome CityVet is looking for Animal Care Attendants (Kennel Tech) to join our team ... Monitor health, physically and behaviorally, and rapidly identify any issues or changes that may ...

Animal Care Attendant

Saratoga Springs, UT ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Animal Care Attendant works to ensure the professional, conscientious, compassionate care of ... Monitor health, physically and behaviorally, and rapidly identify any issues or changes that may ...

Lab Technician

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$19 - $21.63/hr

  • Retirement

Responsibilities Animal Behavior * Handle and train rats on complex cognitive tasks. * Design, build, and maintain custom behavioral rigs for rats, including integrating sensors, actuators, and ...

Lab Technician

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$19 - $21.63/hr

  • Retirement

Responsibilities Animal Behavior * Handle and train rats on complex cognitive tasks. * Design, build, and maintain custom behavioral rigs for rats, including integrating sensors, actuators, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Animal Behavior information

See Utah salary details

$16.7K

$42.2K

$66.3K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in Utah is $42,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,420.00 and $52,329.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Utah?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,169 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Animal Shelter, Behavior and Training Coordinator

Davis County Government

Fruit Heights, UT โ€ข On-site

$22.85 - $29.07/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Are you the type of person who loves animals and thrives in an environment requiring flexibility and resilience? Do you enjoy working closely with others, maintaining positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances?
If this sounds like you keep reading!
is currently hiring for a full-time Animal Behavior and Training Coordinator in Fruit Heights, Utah. This position is responsible for the enrichment, behavior modification, and training of animals and staff at the Davis County animal shelter. Implements behavior management plans for animals in our care, provides training and enrichment activities to enhance animals' adoptability and well-being, assists with adoptions by ensuring proper matches with potential adopters, and provides ongoing behavioral support and guidance to staff, volunteers, and adopters.
This position requires working 8 hr shifts, including a weekend day.
PAY RANGE AND BENEFITS:
$22.85 - $29.07/hr. Salary based on qualifications and experience.
In addition to competitive pay and our collaborative and service oriented culture, we offer the following benefits:
  • Affordable Medical, dental, and vision coverage DAY ONE!
  • 13 vacation days and 12 paid sick leave days
  • 3 paid personal preference days and 12 paid holidays
  • 4 weeks of paid parental leave after 6 months
  • Full pension retirement
  • Annual performance increases up to 2.5%
  • 401k match of 2%
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements
High school graduation (or equivalent) plus three (3) years of full-time employment as a professional animal trainer, shelter behavior specialist, or animal behavior consultant in an animal shelter environment; an acceptable combination of related education and experience may be considered.
Certification in animal behavior or dog training from a recognized, credible certifying body is required. Preferred credentials include: โ€ข IAABC (e.g., CSB-D, CSB-C, CDBC, CCBC, or Accredited Shelter Trainer) โ€ข CCPDT (e.g., CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, or CBCC-KA) โ€ข KPA (KPA-CTP)
Preference given for prior government or public sector work experience
Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is passionate about animal welfare and has a solid understanding of animal behavior, training, and enrichment techniques. They are skilled in safely handling animals of various temperaments and can develop and implement behavior management plans tailored to individual animals. They are proactive in assessing behavior and creating training opportunities to improve adoptability. The ideal candidate excels in communication, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and adopters, while also maintaining composure under challenging circumstances. They demonstrate flexibility, accountability, and a strong commitment to supporting the overall well-being of shelter animals.
Day to Day Duties
  • Implements in-house animal training programs using positive reinforcement training methods
  • Evaluates animals and develops and implements behavior plans.
  • Trains staff and volunteers about animal behavior and positive reinforcement training methods
  • Enters and maintains notes electronically; maintains training records and working files as assigned.
  • Offers pre- and post-adoption support services regarding behavior and training.
  • Manages groups of dogs in playgroup with various behavior dynamics to assess behavior and training needs
  • Educates potential adopters about animal behavior and training methods used at Animal Care of Davis County
  • Provides community outreach on animal behavior through pre- and post- adoption services, public workshops, information materials, classes and participation in special events.
  • Assists in the creation of educational handouts and resources for members of the community on humane training techniques as needed.
  • Trains animals in front of the public and assists members of the public in having safe, educational, and entertaining animal interactions during those training sessions.

Apply now and fill out our mobile-friendly online application. We hope to meet you soon!
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
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