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Animal Rescue Organizations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position. Option 2: Thirty (30) semester or ...

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Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... organization provides vital programs that save lives and create a more humane community . Position Summary The Dispatcher plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of Animal Rescue ...

Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... the organization provides vital programs that save lives and create a more humane community Position Summary The Dispatcher plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of Animal Rescue ...

Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... organization provides vital programs that save lives and create a more humane community . Position Summary The Dispatcher plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of Animal Rescue ...

Veterinarian- Orange County CA

Tustin, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... local rescue organizations, including Lab Rescue, Shar-Pei Rescue, and Southpaws. Our Schedule ... Animal Hospital. What's in it for you:

Associate Veterinarian

Irvine, CA

$175K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

... animal practice in Irvine, California. This full-time opportunity offers a collaborative team ... rescue organizations and a diverse, rewarding caseload If interested, call at (972) 928-2369 or ...

... rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The organization operates as a safe place for stray, injured, and neglected animals, striving to reunite pets with ...

Robin's Nest Rescue is a nonprofit sanctuary where rescued animals and people heal together through ... Interest in nonprofit work, animal welfare, or mental health programming * Strong organizational ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Rescue Organizations information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal rescue organizations, and why are they important?

To thrive in animal rescue organizations, you need knowledge of animal care, handling, and welfare, often supported by experience or education in veterinary science or animal behavior. Familiarity with animal management software, basic medical equipment, and, in some cases, certifications in animal first aid or shelter operations is beneficial. Compassion, resilience, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for managing the emotional and physical demands of the role. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of animals, support effective team collaboration, and foster positive outcomes in high-stress rescue environments.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Organizations vs Animal Shelter Workers?

AspectAnimal Rescue OrganizationsAnimal Shelter Workers
CredentialsVaries; often volunteer-based, some certifications in animal careTypically require animal care certifications or training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, rescue missions, temporary facilitiesAnimal shelters, kennels, indoor facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, charitiesMunicipal or private shelters
Common Search/ComparisonRescue efforts, field rescuesAnimal care, shelter operations

Animal Rescue Organizations focus on rescuing animals from dangerous situations or neglect, often working in the field and relying on volunteers. Animal Shelter Workers primarily operate within shelters, caring for animals awaiting adoption. Both roles require animal care knowledge but differ in work environment and scope.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in animal rescue organizations, and how can they be effectively managed?

Employees in animal rescue organizations often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with neglected or abused animals and making difficult decisions regarding their care. Additionally, they may face high workloads during emergency situations or intake surges. To manage these challenges, organizations typically provide training on animal handling, stress management resources, and foster a supportive team environment. Building strong communication skills and practicing self-care are also essential for maintaining resilience in this rewarding but demanding field.

What are animal rescue organizations?

Animal rescue organizations are groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. They often rescue animals from situations of neglect, abuse, abandonment, or overcrowded shelters. These organizations provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services to help animals find safe, loving permanent homes. Many also promote animal welfare education and work to prevent cruelty through advocacy and community outreach.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in California?

For Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Organizations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Rescue Organizations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Rescue Organizations job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Organizations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job -THIS IS A SPECIAL DISTRICTS POSITION- The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is recruiting for an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the District's Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in and around animal enclosures, and maintaining a high level of Animal Care Standards. This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA (approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino, CA).

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.

We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves. The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County, owns the zoo, the facilities and the animals.

County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and administration. The zoo is located within the 3rd District of San Bernardino County. The Park District oversees the operation of the zoo, and the Curator oversees the day to day activities of the zoo.

The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit https://bigbearzoo.org/ CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam. Availability: Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather conditions such as ice and snow

Please indicate availability for Big Bear on Agency Wide Question #2. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel: Travel within the County may be required.

A valid California Driver License and proof of automobile liability insurance must be provided at time of hire and maintained throughout employment. Working Conditions: Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying mountain weather conditions, drive in all weather conditions, lift and/or carry heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend over, crawl, and perform other physical activities in the performance of job duties for this position. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future.

Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet ONE (1) of the following options: Option I: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling, observation, training, or management of animals. Qualifying experience may include work in a: Zoo or aquarium.

Wildlife rehabilitation center. Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic.

Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position.

Option 2: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife biology, wildlife management, veterinary technology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related field. Desired Qualifications Animal Keeper experience and training with exotic animals is preferred. Coursework in wildlife rehabilitation/husbandry and a current Veterinary Technician license is highly desirable.

Selection Process Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications will be accepted until further notice; recruitment may close at any time once sufficient applications are received. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process


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