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Animal Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bimeda Inc.

Materials Handler III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$29.60 - $33/hr

Materials Handler III, Second Shift (2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.) Location: Pomona, CA (In-office ... animal health products and has over half a century's experience in providing science-driven ...

Bimeda

Materials Handler III

Pomona, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Materials Handler III, Second Shift (2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.) Location: Pomona, CA (In-office ... animal health products and has over half a century's experience in providing science-driven ...

Bimeda Inc.

Materials Handler III

Pomona, CA

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Materials Handler III, Second Shift (2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.) Location:Pomona, CA (In-office ... animal health products and has over half a century's experience in providing science-driven ...

Tekberry

Material Handler

Union City, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

JPC-12458 Tekberry is looking for a highly qualified and motivated Material Handler to work on-site with our client, the largest animal health care company in the world dedicated to supporting ...

Tekberry

Material Handler

Union City, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

JPC-12387 Tekberry is looking for a highly qualified and motivated Material Handler to work on-site with our client, the largest animal health care company in the world dedicated to supporting ...

TEKBERRY

Material Handler

Union City, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

JPC-12387 Tekberry is looking for a highly qualified and motivated Material Handler to work on-site with our client, the largest animal health care company in the world dedicated to supporting ...

Tekberry

Material Handler

Union City, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

JPC-12387 Tekberry is looking for a highly qualified and motivated Material Handler to work on-site with our client, the largest animal health care company in the world dedicated to supporting ...

Tekwissen

Material Handler

Union City, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $22.75/hr

This Client is a global animal health company dedicated to supporting customers and their ... Material Handler Location: Union City,CA 94587 Duration: 6 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment ...

Bimeda Inc.

Materials Handler I

Pomona, CA · On-site

Job Title: Materials Handler I, Second Shift (2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.) Location:Pomona, CA (In ... animal health products and has over half a century's experience in providing science-driven ...

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Animal Handler information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal handler in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common daily responsibilities of an Animal Handler?

Animal Handlers are typically responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the health of animals under their care. They may also be involved in cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, administering basic medications, and assisting veterinarians or trainers during procedures. Collaboration with team members is common to ensure proper animal care and support a smooth workflow. Depending on the workplace, handlers may work with a variety of species and follow specific protocols tailored to each animal's needs. Understanding these day-to-day tasks helps job seekers prepare for the hands-on and sometimes physically demanding nature of the role.

What does it take to be an animal handler?

An animal handler typically needs a strong understanding of animal behavior, safety protocols, and proper handling techniques. Relevant skills include patience, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Experience working with animals and knowledge of specific species are also important for this role.

What is an Animal Handler job?

An Animal Handler is responsible for the care, transport, and management of animals in various settings, such as zoos, veterinary clinics, research facilities, or entertainment industries. Their duties include feeding, grooming, exercising, and ensuring animals are comfortable and safe. They may also assist in medical procedures or training. Strong knowledge of animal behavior and handling techniques is essential.

What qualifications do you need to become an animal caretaker?

Animal handlers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience working with animals. Certifications in animal care, such as pet first aid or species-specific training, can enhance job prospects, and good physical fitness and communication skills are important for handling animals safely and effectively.

What is the highest paying job in the animal industry?

The highest paying jobs in the animal industry often include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, zoo directors, or research scientists, with veterinary surgeons typically earning the highest salaries. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience. Animal handlers generally earn lower wages compared to these specialized roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animal Handler position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Handler, you need practical knowledge of animal behavior, safe handling techniques, and often a high school diploma or specialized animal care training. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, safety protocols, and in some cases relevant certifications such as animal first aid are important. Patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication help Animal Handlers work well with both animals and colleagues. These skills are essential for ensuring the well-being of the animals, maintaining safety, and supporting a productive work environment.

What do animal handlers do?

Animal handlers are responsible for caring for, managing, and training animals in various settings such as zoos, farms, or research facilities. They ensure animals' well-being, safety, and proper behavior, often using specific handling techniques and safety protocols. The role may require knowledge of animal behavior and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Handler jobs in California? For Animal Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Handler jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Handler jobs in California are:
Animal Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Handler job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Education Supervisor-Premium Experiences

Education Supervisor-Premium Experiences

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Santa Barbara Zoo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 36 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

SUMMARY:Under the general direction of the Education Manager, the Education Supervisor - Premium Experiences
promotes the Zoo and its mission through planning, developing, coordinating, training, and evaluating
the Zoo's Premium Experiences programs and educational and engagement opportunities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Wildlife Experiences:
  • Collaborates with the Education team to design, develop, revise, coordinate, implement, and evaluate Education programs - especially as it relates to wildlife experiences -for guests of all ages in accordance with the Education Department Plan
  • Oversees Wildlife Experiences and Education Program Animal Encounters:
    • Works with interdepartmental teams to drive education-based animal experiences as it fits
      our institutional culture, community's felt need, and revenue opportunities
    • Works with the Education team to develop meaningful programs that are standards-grounded
      and experiential
  • Works with the Animal Care and Health (ACH) team to establish/maintain protocols (including
    handling, animal training, and staff training). Assist the animal care team as needed
  • Books/coordinates (and implements as necessary) BTS and Wildlife Experiences, virtual
    encounters, and virtual field trips, and field trip Education add-ons.
  • Serves as the Lead Animal Handler for all Education programming
  • Conducts ongoing evaluation in terms of guest engagement, learning outcomes, and staff delivery
    success when appropriate
  • Supports off-site education programming through training for animal handling and facilitating
    animal experiences as assigned
  • Collaborates with Education Leadership and Marketing Departments to meet budget and attendance goals, grow program annually.

Team Building Program:
  • Designs, trains, tracks, implements and evaluates Team Building Program.
  • Collaborates with Events Department, Food & Beverage Department and more to coordinate Team
    Building Events
  • Maintains required records and reports such as program attendance records and participant
    demographics
  • Collaborates with Education Leadership and Marketing Departments to meet attendance goals and
    grow program annually.

Bio-Fact Library Program:
  • Maintains inventory, organization, and storage of Zoo's bio-facts library
  • Trains Zoo staff and maintains protocols for bio-fact use for enriching core programming, Zoo
    events, and outreach on-site and off-site
  • Maintains required records and reports such as program use records, staff training records
    and participant demographics.
  • Works and collaborates with Zoo's Registrar to maintain accurate bio-fact records, abiding by Zoo's
    bio-facts acquisition policy.

Education Supervisor Duties:
  • Collaborates with Education team in Operational Plan development for Education Programs
  • Maintains and submits monthly and annual budget records for assigned programs to the Education
    Manager
  • Operates and utilizes various types of equipment and machinery in the performance of duties such
    as projectors, monitors, two-way radios, computer, printer, video cameras, and telephone, as well
    as animal crates as needed
  • May participate in engagements with the community as assigned
  • Schedules, develops, and leads/coordinates special program requests as required
  • Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
  • Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency
    situation
  • Attends monthly all-employee meetings
  • Maintains thorough understanding and implementation of Premium Experience best practices
    within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
  • Audits program prices and expenses annually and as needed to maintain alliance locally and within
    AZA

SECONDARY DUTIES:Other duties as assigned to maintain safe, efficient, and quality Zoo operations
Guest Relations:
  • Greets every guest with a smile
  • Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
  • Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
  • Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping
    work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
  • Associates with guests to assist and share information
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations
    procedures
  • Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code
  • Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee
    communications and attending meetings
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo's Core Values, and the
    Employee Pledge
  • Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible
  • Other duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Some experience working with children
  • B.S. or B.A. preferably in liberal arts, an education emphasis, conservation, biology, other life
    sciences, or equivalent experience

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check prior to start date
  • Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification required within 90 days of start date (may
    be available through employer)
  • Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through
    employer)
  • Yearly TB Test clearance
  • Experience in an informal education facility preferred
  • Experience with special needs children is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Basic knowledge of Elementary Education and Biology/Zoology
  • Ability to organize and implement daily Camp activities
  • Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner
  • Excellent coordination skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians
  • Ability to adapt quickly, be flexible in any scenario, and demonstrate considerable patience while
    leading and supervising program participants
  • Ability to meet deadlines and operate under time pressure, with various interruptions
  • Ability to work in a busy office environment, with a positive outlook
  • Ability to handle large, multifaceted events/programs with composure
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and
    our guests
  • Ability to work and collaborate in a team atmosphere
  • Ability to handle and interpret live Education animals, following ACH protocols
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits
  • Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers
  • Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to handle live animals safely
  • Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop,
    attic storage, and high storage shelves
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently
  • Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move
    objects
  • Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
  • Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:
  • Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
  • Two-way radio
  • Dry-erase board
  • Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
  • Educational animals
  • Sanitation tools, products, and PPE as needed

This job description is representative of the expectations for the position. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
Compensation: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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