ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

City of Auburn

Animal Control Officer

Auburn, WA

$77K - $92K/yr

Managing animal bite cases to ensure proper public health notifications are made and requirements are followed. Mediating and helping resolve conflicts between parties involving animal issues ...

Pasado's Safe Haven

Farmed Animal Care Manager

Monroe, WA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

The Farmed Animal Care Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily care, health, safety, and well-being of all farmed animal residents at the sanctuary. This position develops and maintains high ...

Pasado's Safe Haven

Farmed Animal Care Manager

Monroe, WA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

The Farmed Animal Care Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily care, health, safety, and well-being of all farmed animal residents at the sanctuary. This position develops and maintains high ...

City of Auburn, WA

Animal Control Officer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$77K - $92K/yr

Managing animal bite cases to ensure proper public health notifications are made and requirements are followed. * Mediating and helping resolve conflicts between parties involving animal issues ...

Seattle Humane

Animal Care Associate I

Bellevue, WA

$22.66/hr

Animal Care Associates are flexible and respond to a variety of tasks while managing multiple priorities daily. A high degree of independent judgment is required. Formal policies and procedures are ...

Altasciences

Animal Care Tech

Everett, WA · On-site

$19.80 - $26/hr

About the Role The Animal Care Technician (ACT) is responsible for the coordination, movement, and ... Capable of managing multiple conflicting priorities. * Must be self-directed, motivated, and have a ...

Fred Hutch

Animal Technician III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$24.50 - $34.88/hr

The Technician III position reports directly to the Animal Husbandry Manager. This position is under supervision with no responsibility for supervision others. Incumbent is expected to acquire skills ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Manager JobsAnimal Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

Animal Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$67.7K

$132K

How much do animal manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal manager in Seattle, WA is $67,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $78,000.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Manager jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Manager jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Manager jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Animal Manager jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Animal Manager job openings:

Animal Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,741 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Senior Director of Animal Care

Seattle, WA • On-site

Woodland Park Zoo
Museums and Historical Sites • 201 - 500 employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Woodland Park Zooexternal

$185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

SALARY & FLSA: $142,604.80 - $228,155.20 is our designated annual salary range for this FLSA exempt role.
The $142,604.80 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $185,380.00 midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.
OPENING DATE: 08/20/2026
CLOSING DATE: 09/14/2026
JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time
UNION: Non-Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: On Grounds
DEPARTMENT: Animal Management
HOW DO YOU ZOO?
More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what's at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, "To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives." Apply today and show us how you zoo.
WHO YOU ARE
As our new Senior Director of Animal Care, we know you will be successful in this role because you are a:
  • Team Leader: You have strong leadership skills and a proven track record of exceptional talent management, engagement, and motivation of a diverse team of managers.
  • Excellent Communicator: Your strong communication skills, both verbal and written, make you the perfect spokesperson for the zoo when addressing media inquiries and participating in national committees and programs related to animal management.
  • Advocate: You can develop and implement policies and practices that prioritize the physical and psychological well-being of animals.
  • Innovator: You lead continuous improvement practices through partnerships, technology solutions, and ethical population management strategies.
  • Successful Accreditation Story: You have experience in ensuring compliance with all animal-related regulations, accreditations, and certifications such as AZA, American Humane, and USDA licensure.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage and motivate the Animal Care leadership team to lead the dedicated team in providing world-class care for our diverse animal residents.
  • Strategically focus on Animal Care programs and partnerships aligned with the zoo's mission and long-range plan.
  • Set an example as a visible, transparent, and accessible leader, reflecting the zoo's culture and values.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff members.
  • Develop and lead a high-performing team by setting expectations and providing regular feedback.
  • Establish performance metrics and goals for the team, which includes conducting performance evaluations and provide guidance for improvement.
  • Develop strategic plans for animal management, health, and welfare, including measurable indicators of performance.
  • Coordinate conservation work with AZA programs, emphasizing ethical population management beyond Species Survival Plans.
  • Lead innovation through partnerships and technology solutions for animal welfare, health care, and population sustainability.
  • Support animal plans for construction and remodeling, ensuring proper care, welfare, and population management.
  • Represent the zoo at national and international professional organizations, actively participating and leading AZA programs.
  • Collaborate with operational leaders for revenue-generating animal experiences, emphasizing DEAI goals.
  • Design, track, and manage multiple projects, including construction, with a focus on deadlines and measurable outcomes.
  • Develop and maintain an impartial Animal Management and Welfare Concern Process for addressing concerns.
  • Ensure compliance with animal-related regulations, including AZA accreditation, American Humane certification, and USDA licensure.
  • Manage budgets for Animal Management, Health, and Welfare, handling expenses and revenues.
  • Engage in fundraising with the Development Department to advance the zoo's mission.
  • Stay informed about scientific developments, and foster research.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's (B.A. or B.S) degree in a liberal arts or life sciences related field from an accredited educational institution and ten (10) or more years of experience in zoo animal care including animal health, welfare, or population sustainability programs.
  • Demonstrated success in building partnerships with other zoos, animal providers, government agencies, local communities, academic partners and others to develop and implement animal management initiatives.
  • Ability to inspire, motivate, and marshal resources throughout entire organization to advance animal care and welfare goals.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • A valid Washington State driver's license (or the ability to obtain one).
  • Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Working knowledge of additional languages beyond English.
  • Knowledge of and experience with project tracking practices and software.
  • Research experience and a publication record in related fields.
  • Experience reviewing and managing complex grants.
  • Graduate degree in biology, zoology, geography, conservation sciences or related fields, (PhD, DVM or Masters).
  • Currently authorized to work in the US or meets the criteria for an O-1 Visa sponsorship.

BENEFITS
The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
  • 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
  • Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
  • 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
  • Free staff parking
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Given the small industry, the selection process will ensure candidate information is kept confidential.
Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.
This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.
Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.
Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Woodland Park Zoo employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply