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Animal Care Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Bernalillo County

Program Facilitator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$22.81 - $36.01/hr

Animal Care Services Location: 3001 2nd St SW Pay Range: $22.81 - $36.01 Close Date: August 24, 2026 Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high ...

Bernalillo County

Program Facilitator

Albuquerque, NM

$22.81 - $36.01/hr

Animal Care Services Location: 3001 2nd St SW Pay Range: $22.81 - $36.01 Close Date: August 24, 2026 Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high ...

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Adoption Counselor

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$15.50/hr

Report and track animal health and behavior issues; immediately reporting any concerns to the clinic and supervisor. * Assist at mobile adoption events including kennel setup, animal care, and ...

City of Rio Rancho

Kennel Worker AF

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$16.37 - $20.46/hr

Six months of directly related work experience or training in kennel maintenance and/or animal care is preferred. Driver's License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required ...

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All JobsAnimal Care JobsAnimal Care Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Animal Care information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Rio Rancho, NM is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care worker?

Animal care workers are professionals who provide daily care and support for animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and pet boarding facilities. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with medical treatments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of animals and often work closely with veterinarians and animal trainers. Compassion, attention to detail, and physical stamina are important qualities for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care professional?

To thrive as an Animal Care professional, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning protocols, and safety equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and working well with team members. These skills ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient and humane care standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Animal care professionals frequently encounter challenges such as handling animals with unpredictable behavior, managing emotionally difficult situations like illness or euthanasia, and maintaining strict sanitation standards. Building strong observation skills, practicing patience, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Additionally, teamwork and open communication with colleagues, as well as ongoing training, are crucial for ensuring both animal welfare and personal well-being.

What are different types of animal care jobs?

There are many different animal care jobs available, and which one you choose to do depends on your qualifications, interests, and training. If you are interested in working with household pets, you can find work as a vet tech or assistant, a pet groomer, or an animal trainer. If you have higher qualifications and an interest in working with larger or more exotic animals, you can work as a zoo caretaker or even in a state park or wildlife refuge. The qualifications for all of these jobs vary drastically from no education to a doctorate.

What is the difference between Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often requires veterinary assistant certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennels, rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet services, sheltersVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Care roles focus on caring for animals in shelters, pet stores, and rescue organizations, often requiring basic certifications. Veterinary Assistants work directly in veterinary clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures and patient care, usually needing specific certifications. While both roles involve animal handling, Veterinary Assistants have a more medical focus, whereas Animal Care roles emphasize daily animal welfare and enrichment.

What animal care jobs pay well?

Animal care jobs that tend to pay higher salaries include veterinary technicians, zoo keepers, and animal researchers, often requiring specialized skills or certifications. Positions in wildlife rehabilitation or working with exotic animals can also offer higher pay, especially with experience and advanced training.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal care offers various job opportunities such as veterinary technician, animal shelter worker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and pet trainer. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, some may need certifications or training, and often involve working in environments like clinics, shelters, or zoos.

What jobs can I do in animal care?

Jobs in animal care include roles such as veterinary technician, animal caretaker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and animal trainer. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or experience working with animals in settings like clinics, shelters, zoos, or grooming salons.
More about Animal Care jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Animal Care job openings:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,323 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Program Facilitator

Bernalillo County

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$22.81 - $36.01/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Bernalillo County rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Posting Title:
Program Facilitator
Department:
Animal Care Services
Location:
3001 2nd St SW
Pay Range:
$22.81 - $36.01
Close Date:
August 24, 2026
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Program Facilitator supports Animal Care Services initiatives that manage adoptions, placements, and transfers of animals, as well as coordinating off-site events, special programs, and public relations activities. The position oversees programs to ensure effective operations, positive handling of animals, and support for department-wide animal welfare efforts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FUNCTIONAL AREAS
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION
  • Assist in the training, scheduling, and oversight of volunteers supporting transfer, adoption, and outreach programming.
  • Promote positive volunteer engagement and ensure safe, humane animal handling practices.
  • Support volunteer participation in adoption events, shelter activities, and community outreach.
  • Provide concise and accurate information to the public regarding animal history, adoption, relinquishment, foster programs, and outreach events.
  • Provide care for animals; clean and disinfect enclosures, food and water dishes, and maintain related equipment for adoption and outreach events.
  • Handle animals in a humane manner according to established policies and procedures.
  • Remain alert to animal behavior and physical condition and report concerns to appropriate staff.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
PROGRAMMING
  • Provide support for the assigned section in the oversight of programs. Assist with implementing procedural, administrative, internal control, and workflow changes after approval.
  • Coordinate, prepare, and support events for adoption, foster care, or community outreach. Work and/or oversee events as assigned.
  • Promote humane awareness toward the care and treatment of animals through outreach programs.
  • Organize and maintain accurate and detailed databases, files, and records. Verify accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and record information.
  • Research, develop, prepare, and distribute a variety of information, documents, forms, records, and data as requested by management.
  • Provide concise and accurate information to the public regarding programs and events hosted by Animal Care Services.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
FOSTER COORDINATION
  • Coordinate the foster care program for animals in conjunction with medical staff.
  • Participate actively in the foster care program, providing training and support for foster caretakers.
  • Monitor animals in the program, schedule medical care, and ensure assistance is available to foster families.
  • Recommend animal placement options in coordination with other Animal Care Services sections.
  • Maintain and coordinate scheduling with foster families and outside agencies. Conduct interviews, advise on relinquishment or placement, prepare paperwork, and perform data entry.
  • Organize and maintain accurate and detailed records for foster placements, medical care, and animal disposition.
  • Provide care for foster animals during intake, transfer, or outreach events, including cleaning enclosures and handling animals safely.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
PLACEMENT AND RESCUE
  • Develop and maintain relationships with partner shelters, animal welfare entities, and organizations throughout the United States to coordinate programs and facilitate the transfer of animals.
  • Coordinate and participate in out-of-state and overnight animal transfers as needed.
  • Recommend placement and rescue options for animals in coordination with department staff.
  • Maintain and coordinate scheduling with the public and agencies for adoption, placement, and relinquishment of animals. Conduct interviews with prospective adopters, prepare paperwork, and perform data entry.
  • Inspect program partner facilities when possible or obtain reference letters and veterinary information used by the rescue or transfer partner.
  • Maintain accurate records and statistical data of placement and transfer activities, owner relinquishment and resource requests and outcomes including inventory of resources provided, disposition, transfer location, and statistical reporting.
  • Monitor the humane handling of animal's safety during placement and transport

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Associate's degree in Animal Science, Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field
  • Three (3) years of experience working in customer service, animal sheltering, humane society, public relations, community outreach, placement or animal adoption programs.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PREFERENCES
  • Experience working with volunteers in an animal-related capacity.
  • Experience with rescues, shelters, or animal transfer partners.
  • Experience with animal medical procedures including neonatal, microchipping, and vaccines.
  • Experience with animal behavior and assessments

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
  • Successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • Comply with County safety guidelines.
  • Complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned.
  • Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.
  • Shiftwork required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.
  • Individuals performing euthanasia must hold a valid license as a Euthanasia Technician issued by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine, with prior approval from the Director of Animal Care.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Work is performed indoors in office, shelter, and kennel environments, and outdoors in variable weather during transfers or events.
  • Travel with overnight stays may be required.
  • Exposure to animals, aggressive behavior, bites, zoonotic diseases, odors, animal dander, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Work may require on-call availability.
  • Work may involve uneven surfaces, stairs, and exposure to natural elements.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS
  • Standard office equipment, computers, and software.
  • Communication equipment including telephones, radios, and audiovisual tools.
  • Animal handling, restraint, and transport equipment.
  • Operate County Vehicles for transport of animals and supplies. This includes the ability and/or ability to learn driving larger vehicles and trailers.

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