ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Assists with managing the Animal Care budget; organizing and coding invoices & receipts, maintaining a spreadsheet of the department budget, preparing budget reports, managing purchasing accounts ...

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Assists with managing the Animal Care budget; organizing and coding invoices & receipts, maintaining a spreadsheet of the department budget, preparing budget reports, managing purchasing accounts ...

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Animal Control Officer

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prioritizes calls using effective time management methods. * Issues citations, administrative citations and court citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances as necessary.

AMORE FOR DOGS

Be Seen First

ANIMAL CAREGIVER

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Employees will work closely under the direction of the Sanctuary Manager to create a safe, clean ... Clean and maintain animal living areas and facilities * Feed animals according to schedules and ...

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Under general direction of the Zoological Manager, Director of Animal Care and V.P. of Animal Care & Health, the Keeper is responsible for the application of daily animal care, maintenance of ...

County of Siskiyou, CA

Animal Shelter Coordinator

Yreka, CA · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single position classification for providing general daily management in the County Animal Control and Care Shelter and assistance in the daily duties of the ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$55K/yr

... management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$55K/yr

... management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Manager JobsAnimal Manager Jobs in California

Animal Manager information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$58.7K

$114.5K

How much do animal manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal manager in California is $58,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal manager?

An Animal Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the care, welfare, and management of animals in settings such as zoos, animal shelters, farms, or research facilities. Their duties typically include supervising animal care staff, ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare for animals, maintaining enclosures, and developing enrichment programs. They may also be involved in budgeting, staff training, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. Animal Managers play a vital role in promoting animal health, safety, and overall well-being.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal manager?

To thrive as an Animal Manager, you need expertise in animal care, husbandry, and behavioral management, often supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, health monitoring systems, and relevant certifications like Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) are typical requirements. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and ensure the well-being of animals. These competencies are vital for maintaining high standards of animal welfare, ensuring operational efficiency, and leading successful animal care programs.

How does an animal manager collaborate with veterinarians and animal care staff to ensure animal well-being?

Animal Managers work closely with veterinarians and animal care staff to develop and implement health care plans, monitor animal behavior, and respond promptly to any signs of illness or distress. Regular team meetings and clear communication are essential to coordinate feeding schedules, enrichment activities, and medical treatments. By fostering a collaborative environment, Animal Managers help ensure that all staff are aligned on best practices and that animal welfare remains the top priority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Manager jobs in California?

For Animal Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Manager job openings:

Animal Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,746 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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

9th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

SUMMARY:
The Animal Care Associate assists the Director of Animal Care with administrative tasks and duties to support the department's operational needs, as assigned, and provides support to the Registrar as needed.
Full Time, Non-Exempt - Monday through Friday - $22.60 - $27.60 DOE
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Department Support Functions:

  • Assists with managing the Animal Care budget; organizing and coding invoices & receipts, maintaining a spreadsheet of the department budget, preparing budget reports, managing purchasing accounts, and submitting reimbursement requests
  • Assists with the preparation and submission of the department credit card monthly statements
  • Performs administrative duties associated with management of the department, including, but not limited to:
    • clerical duties such as organizing and maintaining files
    • photocopy/scan/fax
    • maintaining and updating the staff roster, as assigned
  • Performs data entry as assigned
  • Assists with coordinating meetings, special events, and visiting consultants
  • Prepares reports and documents as assigned
  • Assists with department purchasing of supplies and equipment as needed
  • Assists with researching habitat design and sourcing equipment and supplies for habitats as needed
  • Assists with supporting or coordinating departmental travel
  • Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as
    Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers
  • Assists with supporting the Enriching Experiences Program through data management and liaising with
    Zoological Managers
  • Assists the Registrar with registrar-related duties when needed such as, but not limited to, animal transfer
    logistics and paperwork, maintaining animal records, animal regulatory inspections and inspection
    reports, and permit
  •  Assist the Registrar by serving as the primary driver and staff member responsible for the safe, secure, and
    compliant transport of animals between facilities and to/from airports
  • Knowledge of IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal regulations
  • Assists the Registrar with training staff on digital platforms and database use such as, but not limited to
    ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suite
  • Assist with management of digital platforms and databases for the Animal Care Department such as, but not
    limited to ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suite
  • Assists with special projects as assigned
  • Liaises with other departments on assigned administrative and budgetary tasks
  • Liaises with other departments about animal care operations as assigned
  • Assists the department with coordination of volunteer logistics as needed
  • Assists with onboarding of new staff within the department; paperwork, keys, radio, uniforms, etc.
  • Tracks keeper talks and animal experiences (encounters, BTS, camp, tours, etc.) as needed
  • Takes minutes at the weekly Animal Management Meeting and other meetings as needed
  • Attends monthly AC&H department meeting
  • Takes minutes at the quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meeting
  • Attends monthly all-employee meetings when scheduled on days of work
  • Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
  • Applies and exemplifies “Green” (Sustainable) practices whenever possible
Animal Care Keeper Support:

  • Assists with animal care duties when needed and as assigned
  • Assists with animal emergencies as needed in a support role under the direction of the Director of Animal
    Care, Zoological Managers, or Vice President of Animal Care & Health
  •  Assists with keeper talks and animal experiences as needed
SECONDARY DUTIES:

  • Attends Monthly All Employee meetings
  • Attends bi-monthly department meetings
  • Attends Animal Management meetings
  • Attends quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meeting
  • Promotes a collaborative relationship across the whole AC&H department
  • Develops positive and collaborative working relationships with other Zoo departments to achieve
    and advance the department and Zoo-wide goals
  • Other duties as assigned to support the operations and management of the Animal Care & Health
    department

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 the
    work area clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
  •  Associates with guests to share information and assist
  • 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 the employee
    communications and attending meetings
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the
    Employee Pledge
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:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Experience working in animal care at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, or equivalent facility
    desirable
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

  • A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is desirable
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of Windows programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) and generating reports from database information
  • Knowledge of animal record-keeping software (ZIMS)
  • General knowledge of animal taxonomy, animal husbandry
  • Basic knowledge of animal welfare and wildlife laws and regulations specific to exhibition, breeding,
    and domestic and international transport would be beneficial
  • Basic knowledge of population management principles and AZA animal programs would be
    beneficial
  • Excellent organizational skills, resourceful, and good time management practices
  • Ability to follow oral and written direction
  •  Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Ability to work effectively in a shared, open-space office with many interruptions
  • Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion
  • Ability to develop productive and professional relationships at work
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and
    our guests
Physical Demands & Work Environment:

  • Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
  • Must be able to participate in operational practices, including the ability to lift 20 lbs., climb stairs,
    manipulate tools, stand/walk for up to two continuous hours
  • Involves working in a shared, open-space office environment, as well as out-of-doors in all weather
    conditions
  • Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:

  • Personal computer and software (Word, Filemaker Pro, Excel, and Outlook)
  • Two-way radio
  • Standard office equipment: telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
  • Hand tools
NOTE: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and to act as a role model in the
adherence to policies. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
involved in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this job.

What Santa Barbara Zoo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom