1

Animal Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100 - $125/hr

The Animal Program Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use ... Proficiency with electronic protocol management systems; familiarity with process improvement ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Program Manager information

See salary details

$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do animal program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal program manager?

Animal Program Managers are professionals who oversee the care, management, and welfare of animals within organizations such as research facilities, zoos, or animal shelters. They are responsible for developing and implementing programs related to animal health, enrichment, and regulatory compliance. Their duties often include supervising staff, coordinating animal care protocols, and ensuring adherence to ethical and legal standards. These managers play a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and ensuring the organization's goals are met.

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

To thrive as an Animal Program Manager, you need expertise in animal care and welfare, program management, and typically a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) are highly valued. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams, resolve issues, and work with stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring effective, ethical animal care and successful program outcomes.

What are the main challenges animal program managers face when balancing animal welfare with organizational goals?

Animal Program Managers often navigate the complex task of ensuring high standards of animal care while also meeting organizational objectives such as research, education, or conservation. Balancing budget constraints, regulatory compliance, and the diverse needs of animal species can be challenging. Additionally, the role requires effective communication and collaboration with veterinarians, caretakers, researchers, and administrative staff to implement best practices and adapt to evolving industry standards. Successful managers are proactive in problem-solving and continuous improvement to maintain both animal welfare and program effectiveness.

What is the difference between Animal Program Manager vs Animal Care Coordinator?

AspectAnimal Program ManagerAnimal Care Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, manages staff, develops policies, and ensures complianceProvides direct animal care, monitors animal health, and supports daily operations
CredentialsBachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in animal care preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with field visits, administrative tasks, and team managementAnimal shelters, clinics, or rescue facilities with hands-on animal handling

The Animal Program Manager focuses on overseeing programs, staff, and policies, while the Animal Care Coordinator handles direct animal care and daily operations. Both roles are essential in animal welfare organizations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Animal Program Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Program Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Program jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Program jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Program Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Animal Program Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Animal Program Compliance Specialist

On-site

Scripps Research Translational Institute
11 - 50 employees

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Animal Program Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program, responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive post-approval monitoring (PAM) program that ensures ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing animal research. This position serves as a subject matter expert on animal research compliance, providing consultation and guidance to investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on regulatory requirements and best practices.

Reporting to the Director of the IACUC Office, this role works collaboratively with the IACUC, the Department of Animal Resources, and the research community to promote a culture of compliance, animal welfare, and scientific integrity. The position plays an active role in shaping programmatic policy, delivering compliance education, and serving as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and principal investigators. The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, deep regulatory fluency, and the ability to build credible relationships across a research-intensive environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

  • Design, implement, and continuously improve the post-approval monitoring program, including systems for tracking monitoring activities, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up.
  • Conduct onsite laboratory compliance assessments and lead semiannual facility inspections; investigate non-compliance, adverse events, and animal welfare concerns and prepare findings and corrective action plans for IACUC review.
  • Advise investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC standards; represent the institution during regulatory inspections and accreditation visits.
  • Perform administrative and regulatory review of IACUC protocols and amendments across the lifecycle, including grant congruence, and maintain documentation supporting audits and institutional reporting.
  • Serve as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and PIs; collaborate with the Department of Animal Resources to deliver training and outreach, and mentor IACUC staff and committee members.
  • Contribute to program strategy, develop institutional policies and SOPs, and identify process improvements and new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, that strengthen compliance.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's degree in biology or another science field required.
  • 5–7 years of regulatory compliance administration and/or laboratory animal experience, with demonstrated expertise in post-approval monitoring or IACUC program management.
  • Well-versed in federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC International standards; able to provide authoritative guidance on regulatory interpretation and application.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to build credible working relationships with faculty, administration, and research staff.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills; able to manage multiple priorities, design program systems, and present data-driven recommendations to leadership.
  • Proficiency with electronic protocol management systems; familiarity with process improvement methodologies and emerging compliance technologies preferred.
  • CPIA, LATG, LAT, or ALAT certification preferred.
  • Familiarity with IACUC semiannual inspections, USDA inspections, and AAALAC accreditation processes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees must be able to lift and handle equipment or materials up to 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists, and hands. The role may involve use of personal protective equipment (PPE), exposure to biohazardous materials, extended stationary periods, traversing campus as needed, operation of standard office equipment, and exposure to varying temperatures.

COMPENSATION:

The expected salary range for this position is $105,900 to $117,000, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
  • Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
  • Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
  • Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

QualificationsSkillsBehaviors

:

Motivations

:

EducationExperienceLicenses & Certifications

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr