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Animal Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

... areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized ... The personnel in this position may be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific ...

SAIC

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

... areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized ... The personnel in this position may be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific ...

SAIC

Marine Mammal Operator 2

San Diego, CA

$40K - $80K/yr

... areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized ... The personnel in this position shall be designated as primary handler for multiple animals ...

SAIC

Marine Mammal Operator 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

... areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized ... The personnel in this position shall be designated as primary handler for multiple animals ...

Zerocater

$23/hr

Must have a Food Handler's Certificate or be willing to obtain one (the cost of which will be ... animal biology to an act of culture." -Michael Pollan We are an equal opportunity employer and ...

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Animal Handler information

See California salary details

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How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 is an animal handler?

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.

How do you become an animal handler?

To become an animal handler, individuals typically need relevant experience working with animals, such as volunteering or internships, and may pursue certifications in animal care or safety. Strong knowledge of animal behavior, patience, and physical fitness are also important for handling various species safely and effectively.

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, training, and managing animals in settings such as zoos, farms, or research facilities. They ensure animals are healthy, safe, and well-behaved, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

Science Applications International Corporation

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant for our San Diego, CA location.  In this role, the successful candidate will be required to perform preparation of rations, cleaning of food preparation areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized equipment.  A successful candidate will be physically fit, excel at working outdoors, and on a boat in moderate to rough sea states.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Personnel are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of small watercraft.
  • Personnel perform feeding and administration of food supplements, perform observation of marine mammals, and assist with basic husbandry.
  • The personnel in this position may be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific animals.  Sealion or dog handing experience is a plus.
  • As part of an integrated military function the MMA-1 performs tasks related to the care and training of marine mammals for specific marine mammal projects.
  • This position will require scuba diving. Advanced scuba skills are a plus.
  • Job will require working outdoors on boats in adverse weather conditions. Experience working at sea and on live-aboard boats is a plus.
  • All new hires will have to pass a swim & dive test in addition to possessing at minimum, a basic scuba certification.
  • Personnel must be able to work flexible work hours including weekends and holidays.
  • Deter the presence of nuisance animals following established NIWC processes and procedures.
  • A requirement for this position includes the ability to travel frequently with animals anywhere in the world, to include potentially harsh environmental and high-risk locations, within 72 hours' notice.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Education, Experience and Clearance to obtain:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent).
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance after start.
  • Must be physically fit and able to repetitively lift 50 or more lbs. on a regular basis.
  • The ability to successfully pass a Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the contract.
  • Basic SCUBA, and ONE of the following:
  • One (1) year animal training experience, OR
  • Operational and navigation experience on small boats (30' or under), OR
  • USCG license (operator of un-inspected passenger vessels/6pac - 46 CFR 10.467) or higher/U.S. Navy Coxswain's certification, and Operational experience using maritime navigational devices, OR
  • Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR
  • Two (2) years of college and 3 months experience as a marine mammal custodian.

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