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Animal Rescue Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Events Intern to support our Events team. This unpaid internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit event planning ...

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How much do animal rescue animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue animal rescue in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, first aid, and handling techniques, often supported by experience or certifications in animal care. Familiarity with animal control equipment, shelter management software, and state/local animal welfare regulations is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are crucial for working with both animals and distressed individuals. These skills enable effective rescue operations, ensure animal welfare, and facilitate positive community relations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Rescue Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsFirst aid, animal handling, rescue certificationsAnimal care, shelter management certifications
Work EnvironmentField rescues, outdoor environments, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily animal care
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, NGOs, emergency servicesMunicipal shelters, private animal shelters
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency animal careAnimal care, shelter work, adoption services

Animal Rescue Animal Rescue focuses on rescuing animals from emergencies and outdoor environments, often requiring specialized certifications and fieldwork. Animal Shelter Worker typically involves caring for animals within shelter facilities, with a focus on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue workers and how can they be managed?

Animal rescue workers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as working with abused or neglected animals and making difficult decisions regarding animal welfare. The fast-paced environment can require flexibility and quick problem-solving skills, especially during emergencies or large-scale rescues. Building strong communication with team members, maintaining self-care routines, and seeking support from peers are important strategies for managing stress and staying effective in the role. Collaboration with veterinarians, shelters, and law enforcement is also key to ensuring the best outcomes for animals.

What are animal rescue workers?

Animal rescue workers are professionals or volunteers who help save animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations. They may respond to emergencies, rehabilitate injured or sick animals, and work to find them safe, permanent homes. Their roles can involve collaborating with shelters, veterinary staff, law enforcement, and the public to ensure animal welfare. Animal rescue workers are often passionate about animal rights and may specialize in rescuing specific types of animals, such as pets, wildlife, or farm animals.
More about Animal Rescue Animal Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rescue Animal Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rescue Animal Rescue job openings:
What states have the most Animal Rescue Animal Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rescue Animal Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Animal Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Animal Rescue jobs are:
Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Animal Rescue League of Iowa rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

704th of 710 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Volunteer Coordinator

Help create meaningful volunteer experiences that support animals and our community.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a passionate, organized, and people-focused Volunteer Coordinator to support the recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention of volunteers who help make our mission possible. Volunteers are at the heart of the ARL’s work. From caring for animals and supporting adopters to assisting at events, helping with community programs, and participating in programs like TheraPets, volunteers play a vital role in advancing animal welfare. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating programs, communicating with diverse groups of people, and supporting a mission-driven organization.

Schedule
  • 24 - 30 hours per week
  • Friday and Saturday availability required
  • One additional flexible weekday shift
About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do
  • Support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, communication, and recognition.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for volunteers and community partners.
  • Help volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and prepared to be successful in their roles.
  • Maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, and reporting through Volgistics.
  • Collaborate with departments across the ARL to identify volunteer needs and opportunities.
  • Support volunteer engagement, retention, appreciation, and communication efforts.
  • Coordinate volunteer involvement in the ARL’s TheraPets program and communicate with participating community partners.
  • Assist with Humane Education programming, volunteer inquiries, newsletters, and other volunteer-related projects.
What We’re Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • At least two years of experience in volunteer coordination, customer service, community engagement, program coordination, or a related field preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, education, or a related field preferred, but not required.
  • Strong organization, communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfort working with volunteers, staff, community partners, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required.
Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees at the ARL are part of a mission-focused culture where their work directly supports animals, volunteers, and the community. Benefits and employee offerings may include:

  • Veterinary benefits
  • Opportunities for learning, connection, and meaningful community impact
  • 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in an active animal shelter and community program environment and may require sitting, standing, walking, event support, and occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions. The role may involve exposure to animals, animal dander, animal waste, odors, moderate noise, contagious animal diseases, and the possibility of bites or scratches while following established safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As a Volunteer Coordinator, your work helps create meaningful experiences for volunteers while supporting the animals, programs, and community partnerships that make the ARL’s mission possible.

If you are organized, people-focused, and excited to help volunteers make a difference, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.



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