ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alma Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Allen, TX

Knowledge of Animal Behavior, Animal Husbandry, Basic Safety, Documentation Skills, Customer Service, Performing Diagnostic Procedures, Use of Medical Technologies, Job Knowledge, Judgment, Integrity ...

City of Elk Grove

Animal Care Assistant

Elk Grove, CA

$41K - $55K/yr

The ideal candidates will have experience working in animal shelters or similar environments, with a solid understanding of animal behavior and demonstrated skills in safe, humane animal handling. A ...

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... animal behavior, handling, husbandry, and basic pet first aid, including medication administration. · Have the physical strength and ability to lift objects and pets weighing up to 50 pounds. · Be ...

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... animal behavior, handling, husbandry, and basic pet first aid, including medication administration. · Have the physical strength and ability to lift objects and pets weighing up to 50 pounds. · Be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs

Animal Behavior information

See salary details

$18.5K

$46.7K

$73.5K

How much do animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal behavior in the United States is $46,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $58,000.00 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 knowledge of research methods and animal handling. They can be found in research institutions, zoos, conservation organizations, and academic settings.

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 behaviour?

Jobs related to animal behavior include animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research scientist, and animal behaviorist. These roles often require knowledge of animal psychology, observation skills, and sometimes certifications or degrees in biology, zoology, or animal science. They typically involve working in environments such as zoos, research facilities, or conservation organizations.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals include veterinary surgeons, especially specialized or board-certified veterinarians, and zoo directors or managers. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the location and employer.

How do you 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 professional certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society can enhance career prospects.

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.

More about Animal Behavior jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Animal Behavior job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs are:
Animal Behavior jobs near you

Adjunct Faculty - Animal Behavior - Traditional Campus (Fall 2026) - College of Natural Sciences

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Grand Canyon University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

194th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Make a Difference at Grand Canyon University

The College of Natural Sciences employs faculty and faculty leaders who are passionate about engaging and assisting students in a wide array of disciplines to further the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding. Our faculty are energetic advisors who are committed to helping our students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. They are experts in their respective fields, in addition to being passionate educators and collaborators who help enhance the college experience for all students.

Join our mission in helping others find their purpose and start your instructor career with GCU. The College of Natural Sciences offers rewarding opportunities for adjunct faculty to teach part-time, face-to-face instruction at our Phoenix campus. If you are highly motivated and passionate about teaching exceptional quality instruction in modern facilities with smaller class sizes, we'd like to hear from you.

This is a face-to-face part time opportunity. MUST be available to come to the main campus.

Why Work at GCU:

  • Tuition benefits specifically for the adjunct employee

  • 401(k)

  • Employee Perks and Discounts

  • Gym and Fitness Center

  • Canyon Health & Wellness Center

GCU Traditional Campus - Phoenix, AZ:

  • Courses are in-person and on-campus for theFall 2026 Semester(09/08/2026 - 12/13/2026)

Course:Animal Behavior

This course examines the complexities of animal behaviors and how we study them. Specifically, students will develop an understanding of how animals learn and communicate with each other, as well as other behaviors to help them survive and thrive in their natural habitats, by integrating concepts, theories, and models of the discipline with behavioral analyses and an historical perspective.)

What You Will Do:

  • Facilitate classroom lecture and discussions

  • Engage students in learning course objectives and topics

  • Assess student performance and mentor success in the classroom

  • Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University's Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement, and Mission of Grand Canyon University

Qualifications:

  • Minimum: Masters in any field with 18 graduate credit hours in Biology emphasizing animal form and function or evolutionary biology or animal behavior.
  • Preferred: MS/doctorate in a Biological Science with emphasis in animal form and function or evolutionary biology or animal behavior.

Before submitting your application, please attach the following to review:

  • Your unofficial transcripts for any applicable conferred graduate degrees.
  • Any applicable licenses/certifications

#biology #animalbehavior #education #science #adjunct #INDLOPESUP

What Grand Canyon University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply