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Animal Keeper Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC

$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 ...

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Animal Keeper information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$19

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How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 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 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 do you become an animal keeper?

To become an animal keeper, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience caring for animals through volunteering or internships. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid; a background in biology or zoology can also be beneficial.

Do zookeepers make a lot of money?

Zookeepers typically earn modest salaries, with the median annual pay around $30,000 to $40,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the institution, and many zookeepers pursue certifications or specialized training to advance their careers.

How much do animal keepers earn?

Animal keepers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $25,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals they care for. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced keepers or those working in specialized environments can earn higher wages. Certifications and skills in animal handling can also influence earning potential.

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 nature of the work.

What are animal keepers?

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 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 job categories do people searching Animal Keeper jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Keeper jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Keeper jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Keeper job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,757 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Resources Attendant

Chatham, County of (NC)

Pittsboro, NC โ€ข On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

WELCOME TO CHATHAM COUNTY'S APPLICATION PROCESS. To Apply: Become a part of the best local government in North Carolina click "Apply" in the top right corner. All sections of the application, including work experience, MUST be completed.

Please include the last ten (10) years of employment history. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applications are stored on a secure site accessible only by authorized personnel.

Your application can be saved and used to apply for more than one (1) job opening. Chatham County is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law. Chatham County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

Chatham County does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for our positions at this time. *Please Note: After submitting your application: Log into your GovernmentJobs account daily. You will receive emails and notices from hiring managers asking you to complete tasks.

You do not want to miss these. The references you provided will be asked to complete a form. This does NOT mean you will be interviewed.

It is an automated process in NeoGov. We recommend you sign up for text message alerts when you create your account. If you have issues with submitting your application, please contact Neogov Applicant Support at 1-855-524-5627.

Return to the Chatham County Homepage. Job Description Are you an animal lover with a heart for rescue and a drive to make a real difference. We're looking for a passionate, hardworking, and compassionate Animal Resources Attendant to join our dedicated team at the shelter.

Every day, you'll play a hands-on role in providing comfort, care, and a fresh start for animals in need. From feeding and cleaning to cuddles and enrichment, your work will help transform lives, both animal and human. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, get a little dirty, and help create a safe, loving environment for pets on their journey to forever homes, we'd love to meet you.

Performs intermediate skilled administrative and technical support work assisting with a variety of administrative, custodial, and medical tasks including call dispatch, records maintenance, daily cleaning, and animal care facilitation, assisting the public and performing related work as apparent or assigned. This position requires a Certified Euthanasia Technician and Certified Rabies status. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Animal Shelter Manager and serves at the pleasure of the Chatham County Sheriff.

Essential Functions Acts as a receptionist by greeting visitors, providing information, answering questions, and responding to inquiries and/or complaints over a wide variety of issues including animals available for adoption, animal reclamations/transfers, shelter policies and services, referrals, etc.; Facilitates animal care daily by feeding, watering, bathing, grooming, and administering medications and vaccines as needed; Dispatches calls to Animal Resource Officers; Assists the public with the completion of adoption documentation and other applicable paperwork and applicable counseling; Assists with rabies clinics as well as the preparation and packaging of any rabies specimens as needed; Assists with the daily cleaning and disinfection of facilities, including spot cleaning of kennels as necessary; Maintains documentation of all veterinary/medical routine health and disease assessments; Schedules spay/neuter appointments for shelter-owned animals; Assists with euthanasia as needed; Transports and stocks animal shelter food and supplies; Enters a variety of data into the computer, checks and reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to established standards and procedures, and enters and retrieves sensitive and restricted information into the computer system including records of all animals and financial transactions; Works with the contract veterinarian to ensure animals are given the proper medical treatment; Keeps inventory of all Animal Resource Center supplies; Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED, moderate experience working with the public, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have a basic knowledge of animal species, common animal diseases, and basic animal handling techniques

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and administrative techniques; Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic; Thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and general administrative policies and practices; Basic knowledge of species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals as well as the symptoms and behavior associated with common animal diseases; Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling of common domestic and wild animals; methods and equipment used in the care and handling of common domestic and wild animals; Basic knowledge of proper cleaning methods and the safe usage of cleaning materials, disinfectants, janitorial tools, and equipment; Ability to keep office records and to prepare accurate reports from file sources; Ability to handle and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency conditions; Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of animal control tools and equipment; Ability to perform and organize work independently; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Physical Requirements This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, handling or feeling and repetitive motions, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

Special Requirements Must possess or obtain Euthanasia Technician certification upon employment. Must possess or obtain Rabies Vaccinator certification upon employment. Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Chatham County is fully committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and issues this anti-discrimination/EEO compliance clause to support and maintain employee's rights and responsibilities relating to equal employment. The core of equal employment opportunity is the right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, free from prejudice or discrimination. In accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination statutes, executive orders, and other authorities, Chatham County protects employees against discrimination, to the fullest extent of law, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, parental status, and military service (past, present, or future), and against retaliation for participation in EEO activity or opposition to discrimination.