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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 ...

Careers In Government

Animal Services Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$124 - $168/hr

The Animal Services Manager serves as the operational leader of the Animal Services Unit and Tri-City Animal Shelter, overseeing staff, programs, contracts, and services that support both animals and ...

New

AMORE FOR DOGS

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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

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 ...

22nd Century Technologies Inc. (TSCTI)

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Animal Technician / Animal care

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Animal care and room sanitation, animal health, record keeping, maintenance, animal husbandry ... Managed Services, Workforce Solutions, and Healthcare Staffing. We are a trusted partner to Federal ...

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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 19, 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 Keeper, Temporary, Full-Time, Primates

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA

$31.07 - $37.63/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Temporary Animal Keeper - PrimatesSan Francisco Zoological SocietyThis position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Salary Range: $31.07 - $37.63 Per hour Classification: Full-Time Temporary Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)Position Summary:An Animal Keeper, working under the general supervision of Zoo management, has direct responsibility for the care, welfare, and safety of assigned animals and their habitats or exhibits. Additionally, Animal Keepers further the Society's mission by engaging with and providing information to Zoo visitors.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:An Animal Keeper performs all aspects of animal care, including the upkeep of exhibits, minor repairs, public speaking, and volunteer coordination. Specific duties include:1. Habitat Maintenance: Cleans and maintains enclosures, cages, stalls, moats, barns, pools, yards, roads, and related areas. Removes animal excrement and food remnants; rakes, sweeps, and hoses down areas as necessary.2. Animal Observation & Health: Observes animal behavior on a day-to-day and long-term basis. Notes and reports unusual behavior, signs of illness/injury, appetite changes, breeding cycles, or social incompatibility to supervisors or the animal hospital. Assists in administering medication or treatments as directed.3. Public Engagement & Safety: Answers questions and provides information to the visiting public. Observes visitors to prevent malicious acts or harm to animals, property, or the public. Assists with crowd control when animals are loose or being moved.4. Animal Handling: Assists in the crating, uncrating, catching, restraining, and transferring of animals between locations.5. Exhibit Design & Repair: Designs and builds displays within existing enclosures. Assists with landscaping care and performs minor or emergency repairs to Zoo equipment and facilities.6. Guest Relations: Interacts with Zoo visitors and staff courteously and professionally at all times.7. Driving: Drives vehicles on or off Zoo grounds for off-site animal care, transporting animals, or handling emergencies.8. Dietary Management: Maintains knowledge of animal dietary needs. Facilitates food consumption and occasionally assists with food preparation near exhibits. Maintains food storage in compliance with state, local, federal, and AZA requirements.9. Collaboration: Partners with other Zoo departments to maintain top-tier animal care and attends internal training sessions as needed.10. Other Duties: Performs additional duties related to the care of Zoo animals as directed by management.Job Requirements & QualificationsEducation & Experience Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED). Experience: One (1) year of paid experience working with ranch, farm, or exotic animals.
  • Note: A degree from an institution offering specialized animal management programs with a hands-on component, or a relevant animal-focused internship, may meet this qualification.
Skills & Abilities: Communication: Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups. Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Problem Solving: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Specialized Safety: For certain species or dangerous animals, additional requirements may be necessary for safety.Certificates & Licenses: A valid Driver's License.Desired Qualifications: Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentPhysical Demands: Regularly required to stand and walk. Frequently required to reach with hands/arms, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Work Environment: Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. Frequently exposed to potentially hazardous, dangerous, or sick animals. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts. May involve exposure to serious accidents, injuries, or highly disagreeable conditions (such as handling raw sewage and other refuse). Noise level is usually moderate.

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