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Animal Keeper Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Aequor Inc

Animal Technician

Durham, NC · On-site

Laboratory Animal Care Technician This individual will perform daily laboratory animal care duties ... Excellent record keeping skills are required. * Assists with handling and manipulations as per SOP ...

Tekwissen

Animal Technician

Durham, NC · On-site

Excellent record keeping skills are required. * Assists with handling and manipulations as per SOP ... Experience - Lab Animal or agricultural experience desired * Ability to lift 50lbs, roll heavy ...

Aequor Technologies

Animal Technician

Durham, NC · On-site

... keeping skills are required. • Assists with handling and manipulations as per SOP's and protocols. • Operates equipment and uses supplies according to safety guidelines, performs general ...

TEKBERRY

Animal Technician

Durham, NC · On-site

$20 - $21.31/hr

Title: Animal Technician Pay Rate: $20 - 21.31/hr. Benefits include health, dental, and vision ... Excellent record keeping skills are required. * Assists with handling and manipulations as per SOP ...

NCSU

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

LAR is responsible for assisting faculty in conducting animal experimentation in keeping with these standards and is committed to assuring the well-being of experimental animals while providing ...

NCSU

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$34K - $38K/mo

LAR is responsible for assisting faculty in conducting animal experimentation in keeping with these standards and is committed to assuring the well-being of experimental animals while providing ...

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Animal Keeper information

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How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Raleigh, NC is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal keeper?

Animal keepers are professionals responsible for the daily care, feeding, and well-being of animals in facilities such as zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and research centers. Their duties often include cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, preparing diets, and providing enrichment to encourage natural behaviors. Animal keepers may also assist with breeding programs, medical treatments, and educational outreach to the public. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare and a willingness to work in various weather conditions, often including weekends and holidays.

What does an animal keeper do?

An animal keeper works at a zoo or other wildlife reserve. As an animal keeper, you ensure that the animals under your supervision receive proper care. Your duties include feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining cages or exhibits, monitoring the animals for any signs of behavioral or health problems, and working with other keepers to make sure facility operations are running smoothly. Qualifications for the job vary. Some animal keepers can find work with a high school diploma or GED certificate, while others seek post-secondary instruction in natural science courses. Observational and animal-handling skills are crucial, so aspiring animal keepers should gain experience working with animals in any capacity.

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

To excel as an Animal Keeper, you typically need knowledge of animal care, husbandry practices, and a degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and sometimes certification such as AZA Professional Development is often required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for monitoring animal health and interacting with the public or team members. These competencies ensure the well-being of animals, compliance with regulations, and positive visitor experiences in zoological settings.

What are some typical challenges animal keepers face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Animal Keepers often encounter challenges such as managing the diverse needs of different species, maintaining rigorous cleanliness standards, and responding to animal health issues promptly. Adapting to variable schedules, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, is also common. Effective communication with veterinarians and other staff is essential for ensuring animal welfare. Building strong observation skills and staying updated on best practices in animal care can help keepers address these challenges successfully.

How much do animal keepers earn?

Animal keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals cared for. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in larger or more prominent facilities.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal keeper?

Animal keepers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or education in animal care, biology, or zoology. Certifications in animal handling, first aid, or specific species care can be beneficial, and physical stamina is often required due to the physical demands of the job.
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Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,113 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Animal Technician

Durham, NC • On-site

Aequor Inc
See more jobs at Aequor Incexternal

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

This individual will perform daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal husbandry, and routing cleaning and sanitation. All work assignments will be performed in accordance with SOP's and protocol instructions. Must maintain and demonstrate positive working relationships with co-workers, customers, be able to work independently to perform tasks, and have regular attendance.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Performs animal husbandry duties to maintain quality and health of research animals to include daily feed/water/enrichment, and cage or room cleaning as required.
  • Maintains focus on animal welfare reporting all concerns to management and/or others as required.
  • Ensures animal welfare guidelines are met, building, and equipment are maintained accordingly for internal IACUC inspections and maintenance of AAALAC accreditation.
  • Conducts all euthanasia as trained according to AVMA guidelines and completing all documentation associated with the task.
  • Cleans assigned animal rooms, isolator environments, animal care equipment, and associated animal facility areas daily.
  • Ensures facility areas are maintained and kept clean and orderly daily.
  • Assists in maintaining and stocking inventory and communicates when items are needed to be ordered.
  • Excellent record keeping skills are required.
  • Assists with handling and manipulations as per SOP's and protocols.
  • Operates equipment and uses supplies according to safety guidelines, performs general housekeeping, and adheres to safety procedures.
  • Able to observe equipment and report of any failures.
  • Maintains required attendance level and adheres to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels to ensure that assigned duties are completed. Weekend and holiday coverage is required on a rotation basis. May be asked to work extended hours occasionally due to workload – Overtime eligible. Being prompt to work and attendance are a must.
  • Takes the initiative to complete tasks and anticipates upcoming tasks.
  • Must realize the importance of non-contamination process and be prepared to adhere strictly to the procedures.
  • Must be conscientious, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work alone.
  • Ability to maintain good working relationships with others.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and oral.

Job qualifications:

  • Education – AA degree required
  • Experience – Lab Animal or agricultural experience desired

Ability to lift 50lbs, roll heavy objects, use ladders, working conditions up to 90 degrees or down to freezing temperatures. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Must be able to squat, bend, and stoop, as well as twisting and turning. Manual dexterity and visual acuity are important. Subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise. Not allowed to own poultry or swine. Multiple showers a day may be required for biocontainment, showering does include washing of hair. Hair must be able to be completely covered within hairnet for biocontainment purposes. Nails must be short in length to perform fine motor tasks and avoid risk of injury to oneself, colleagues, or animals. Work requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyveks, hairnets, respirator or PAPR, gloves, safety glasses, provided uniforms, and shoes. Personal phones and all forms of jewelry are not allowed in the vivarium.

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