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Animal Rescue Coordinator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue Coordinator information

See Utah salary details

$8

$21

$34

How much do animal rescue coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue coordinator in Utah is $21.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $23.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAnimal Rescue CoordinatorAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling and rescueHigh school diploma; basic animal care training
Work EnvironmentField rescues, shelters, community eventsAnimal shelters, kennels, adoption centers
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, shelters, NGOsAnimal shelters, municipal facilities
Primary FocusRescuing, assessing, and coordinating animal careFeeding, cleaning, and caring for animals in shelter

Animal Rescue Coordinators focus on rescuing animals from emergencies and coordinating their care, often working in the field. Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily care and maintenance within shelters. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ in scope and work environment.

What does an animal rescue coordinator do?

An Animal Rescue Coordinator is responsible for organizing and overseeing the rescue, transport, and care of animals in need, such as those abandoned, injured, or affected by disasters. They work closely with animal shelters, veterinary staff, volunteers, and sometimes law enforcement to ensure animals receive proper treatment and are placed in safe environments. Their duties often include coordinating rescue operations, managing foster programs, maintaining records, and educating the public about animal welfare. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a passion for helping animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal rescue coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Coordinator, you need knowledge of animal welfare, strong organizational skills, and usually experience or education in animal care or a related field. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, basic first aid for animals, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or rescue operations are typical requirements. Compassion, crisis management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating rescues and interacting with the public and partner organizations. These abilities ensure smooth rescue operations, animal safety, and successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders in often urgent situations.

What are some common challenges animal rescue coordinators face when managing multiple rescue cases simultaneously?

Animal Rescue Coordinators often juggle several rescue cases at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing urgent cases, coordinating with various agencies, and managing limited resources like transport and foster homes. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential to ensure that each animal receives timely care and that all stakeholders are kept informed. Additionally, coordinators must stay adaptable, as emergencies can arise unexpectedly and require quick decision-making to achieve the best outcomes for the animals.

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

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Utah are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs in Utah?

For Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings:

Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,120 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Dive Programs Manager

The Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position: Dive Programs Manager

Reports To: Vice President of Zoological Operations

Compensation: Starting at $70,000/year

Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Position Summary:

The Dive Programs Manager leads all aspects of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s diving program, overseeing safety, training, and operations for both staff and volunteer divers. This position ensures compliance with institutional, AZA, and OSHA Commercial Diving standards while maintaining the highest levels of diver safety and program integrity. The Dive Programs Manager is responsible for administrative oversight, equipment program supervision, diver training, and management of certifications.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for overseeing and maintaining all Aquarium dive operations in compliance with institutional protocols and regulatory standards, including but not limited to: OSHA, ADPA, and AZA.
  • Lead all trainings and oversee certification maintenance for staff and volunteers divers, including first aid, CPR, AED, and emergency oxygen.
  • Supervise and support ancillary dive staff, including the staff divers and dive technicians.
  • Ensure safe operation of and routine preventative maintenance of all dive and dive-related equipment and infrastructure.
  • Supervise Volunteer Dive program, with support from the Volunteer Coordinator, driving recruitment, providing trainings, and overseeing scheduling.
  • Design and enact emergency procedures and safety drills, ensuring compliance with AZA standard 11.7.4.
  • Manage administrative responsibilities including recordkeeping, purchasing, and budget management.
  • Support interdepartmental collaboration for dive-related animal care, exhibits, and infrastructure projects.


Experience and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum five (5) years of professional diving experience in a zoo or aquarium setting, with at least 2 years serving in a Dive Safety Officer or equivalent role.
  • Valid SCUBA instructor certification from a nationally recognized agency, with the ability to teach open-water, advanced open water, rescue diver, first aid/CPR/AED, and oxygen provider classes – DAN or Rescue X preferred.
  • Experience with open-circuit, surface supply, full face mask, dry suit diving, and operations of wired and wireless underwater coms.
  • Experience with Rapid Extrication Backboard preferred.
  • Preferred experience using volunteer coordination software such as Volgistics.


Critical Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and administrative skills, including volunteer and staff management.
  • Extensive knowledge of diving standards, physiology, and emergency procedures.
  • In-depth experience with OSHA commercial diving, ADPA, AAUS, and aquarium Scientific Exemption standards.
  • Experience with compressor systems, surface-supplied air, and dive gear maintenance oversight.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and dive record-keeping software.
  • Ability to mentor, train, and develop dive team members in a collaborative and safety-oriented environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including technical writing and SOP development.
  • Experience with assessing diver skills.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Instructor-level certification from a nationally recognized agency required.
  • AAUS Scientific Diver certification preferred.
  • Valid Utah Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within three months of hire.
  • Current First Aid/CPR/Oxygen Administration Instructor certification – DAN or Rescue X preferred.


Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Work includes both administrative and in-water duties in varying conditions. Requires lifting of up to 70 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in cold or confined spaces. Must be available for weekends, holidays, and emergency response support.



The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.