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Animal Behaviour Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Animal Behaviour information

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How much do animal behaviour jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behaviour in Minnesota is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal behaviour?

Animal behaviour refers to the study of how animals interact with each other, their environments, and other living beings. This field examines patterns in movement, communication, feeding, mating, and social structures among animals. By understanding animal behaviour, scientists can gain insights into animal welfare, evolution, and how species adapt to changing environments. The knowledge is used in research, conservation, and improving the lives of both wild and domesticated animals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Behaviourist, you need a solid background in animal science, psychology, or zoology, often with a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with behaviour assessment tools, data analysis software, and certifications such as those from the Animal Behavior Society are typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for gaining animal trust and educating clients. These competencies ensure accurate behavioural analysis, successful intervention strategies, and positive outcomes for animals and their caretakers.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in animal behaviour roles?

Professionals in animal behaviour roles often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex or subtle behavioural cues, working with animals that may be stressed or fearful, and designing effective enrichment or training programs. Additionally, collaboration with veterinarians, zookeepers, researchers, and animal owners is essential, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability. Staying updated on the latest research and ethical practices is also crucial for success in this evolving field.

What is the difference between Animal Behaviour vs Animal Care Worker?

AspectAnimal BehaviourAnimal Care Worker
Required CredentialsDegree or diploma in animal behaviour, psychology, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behaviour consultancy firmsAnimal shelters, kennels, pet stores, zoos
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, animal behaviour specialistsAnimal welfare organizations, pet industry, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on understanding animal actions and cognitionFocuses on caring for animals' daily needs

Animal Behaviour professionals analyze and interpret animal actions, often working in research or consultancy roles, requiring specialized education. In contrast, Animal Care Workers provide hands-on care, feeding, and shelter for animals, typically with less formal education. Both roles are vital in the animal industry but serve different purposes and work environments.

What jobs can you do with animal behaviour?

A career in animal behaviour includes roles such as animal behaviourist, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, research scientist, and animal trainer. These jobs often require knowledge of ethology, observation skills, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in biology, zoology, or related fields.

What jobs can you get with an animal behaviour degree?

An animal behaviour degree can lead to careers such as animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, conservation officer, or research scientist. These roles often require knowledge of animal psychology, behavior observation skills, and sometimes certifications or fieldwork experience.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal behaviourist?

To become an animal behaviourist, a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree specializing in animal behaviour. Relevant skills include observation, data analysis, and understanding of animal psychology, with certifications or memberships in professional organizations enhancing credibility.

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Behaviour job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,881 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Animal Care Technician

Element Research Group Inc

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 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.