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Animal Handler Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Naples Zoo Inc

Educator (Part-Time)

Naples, FL · On-site

... animal handler status with the education program animal collection in accordance with education program animal guidelines, policies, and procedures. • Communicate appropriately and provide ...

Naples Zoo Inc

Education Specialist

Naples, FL · On-site

Train on and maintain active animal handler status and adhere to all handling and safety protocols while presenting Ambassador Animals. * Provide excellent customer service and communication to ...

Central Bark Jacksonville

Dog Handler

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Additionally, the handler is responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the playgroups ... providing animal care preferred but not required (personal or job related) · Self-motivated ...

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Animal Handler information

See Florida salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal handler in Florida is $13.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $13.99 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 Florida? For Animal Handler jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Handler jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Handler jobs in Florida are:
Animal Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Handler job openings in Florida 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 $27,929 per year, or $13.4 per hour.
Educator (Part-Time)

Educator (Part-Time)

Naples Zoo Inc

Naples, FL • On-site

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:

Educators are responsible for developing and teaching engaging and accurate informal education programs both on the zoo’s grounds and at off-site locations. The Educator will lead groups of all ages through effective interpretation, interactive activities, and lessons that teach about conservation, the zoo, animals, and the natural world. Educators are scheduled on an as-needed basis, and the number of hours depends on the number of programs booked.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts all education programs and guest interactions in accordance with AZA and organizational standards, regulations, safety, policy, and procedure.

• Teach and facilitate all education programs, including but not limited to; school programs, toddler programs, outreach programs, camps (fall, winter, & spring), and tours.

• Support the creation and development of age appropriate programs for all participants in the Zoo’s education programs.

• Support the creation and development of engaging activities for events (on-grounds and off-site), and help lead guests through these activities.

• Prepare program materials, breakdown materials, clean-up, and put materials away upon conclusion of the program.

• Utilize, care for, and manage all program equipment (laptops, projectors, microscopes, cameras, biofacts, etc.) appropriately.

• Maintain active animal handler status with the education program animal collection in accordance with education program animal guidelines, policies, and procedures.

• Communicate appropriately and provide excellent guest service to all children, caregivers, guests, teams, and co-workers to ensure positive interactions, experiences, and successful programming.

• Work with a team to create, build, and maintain a good working rapport, and ensuring a safe and fun experience for all.

• Attend and complete all required training; policies, procedures, online learning, educator training, animal handling, and education programs.

• Assist in maintaining clean and tidy education areas; the education classroom, storage locations, and office spaces.

• Attend and participate in education staff meetings, and participate in professional development as appropriate.

• Represent Naples Zoo and the Education Department in a positive, professional, and appropriate manner.

• Commit to flexible scheduling, including weekdays, weekends, and some holidays.

• Perform other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Willingness to support organization’s Vision, Mission and Values while working with individuals in our programs.

• Must obtain a TB test, pass a background check, and pass a drug screen upon hire.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, and must be willing to safely drive the outreach vehicles.

• Must be present and able to attend all required training.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products.

• Must have experience creating and delivering curricula in formal/informal settings.

• Ability to speak comfortably and confidently in front of various audiences.

• Willingness to work with and around animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. Experience working with tractable animals is a plus.

• Experience working in/with recreation programs, schools, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centers, and/or combination thereof.

• Must be flexible, fun, creative, responsible, dependable, adaptable, and have an enthusiasm for children, education, and wildlife.

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, and ability to remain flexible in order to maintain excellent guest service.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to practice open communication with supervisors and coworkers.

• Ability to physically and mentally remain calm and maintain control during emergencies that may arise.

• Ability to work as a member of a team and/or independently as needed.

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of two years of college coursework with a major in biology, zoology, environmental studies, education, psychology, or other related field preferred.

• Experience working with elementary aged children in formal/informal settings is preferred.

• Experience handling or working in environments with live animals is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and must be age 21 to drive personal or zoo owned motor vehicle for zoo business.

• National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working conditions for this position are normal for an outdoor environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:

• Must be able to repeatedly lift and/or push 50 pounds.

• Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time (~6 hours each day)

• May be subject to viewing a computer screen for extended periods

• Required to talk more than average

• Subject to daily contact and exposure to various plants and animals

• Subject to bites, stings and scrapes

• Subject to extreme weather conditions, including marked changes in temperature and humidity

• Must be able to travel and drive a vehicle (car/cargo van) as needed

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.