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Animal Rescue Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

NC · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Certification in Large Animal Rescue Certification in Bite Stick Certification in Pepper Spray ... Euthanasia Technician with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Division?

The agency works with animal rescue organizations both locally and nationally. Job Summary In this ... Technician, Kennel Attendant, or in a related area. Must be at least 21 years old and possess a ...

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... technicians and veterinarians. Dependability is required to meet the daily needs of our rescue ... Following animal flow charts to ensure animals receive medications as directed by a veterinarian.

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Animal Rescue Technician information

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How much do animal rescue technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue technician in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals include veterinary surgeons, zoo directors, and specialized researchers, with veterinarians often earning the highest salaries in the field. These roles typically require advanced degrees, licensing, and extensive experience, and may involve working in clinical, research, or management settings.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience caring for animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, handling techniques, and sometimes certification in pet first aid or animal care. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable experience and improve job prospects.

How do you become an animal technician?

To become an animal rescue technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience working with animals. Many employers prefer candidates with knowledge of animal care, handling, and basic medical procedures, and some may require certification or training in animal first aid or safety. On-the-job training is common, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Technician, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant animal care or rescue certifications. Familiarity with animal capture equipment, transport vehicles, and incident reporting systems is important for daily operations. Compassion, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help technicians manage stressful situations and interact with the public and fellow responders. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring animal safety, effective rescues, and positive community relations.

What are some common challenges Animal Rescue Technicians face during field operations?

Animal Rescue Technicians frequently encounter unpredictable situations, such as frightened or injured animals, hazardous environments, and emotionally charged interactions with pet owners or the public. Adapting quickly and maintaining composure is essential, as is using specialized equipment safely. Additionally, technicians must often work irregular hours and collaborate closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and fellow rescue staff to ensure the well-being of both animals and team members.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying roles in animal welfare are often senior management positions such as Director of Animal Programs or Executive Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of animal care and nonprofit management.

What are Animal Rescue Technicians?

Animal Rescue Technicians are professionals trained to rescue animals from dangerous or life-threatening situations, such as natural disasters, accidents, abuse, or abandonment. They assess the condition of animals, provide emergency care, and safely transport them to shelters or veterinary facilities. These technicians often work with animal shelters, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, and may also assist in educating the public about animal safety and welfare. The job requires compassion, physical stamina, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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

AspectAnimal Rescue TechnicianAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling and first aidHigh school diploma; basic animal care training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, rescue sites, outdoor environmentsIndoor shelter facilities, kennels, and adoption centers
Employer & IndustryAnimal rescue organizations, shelters, wildlife agenciesAnimal shelters, humane societies, municipal shelters
Common Search & ComparisonRescue operations, fieldwork, emergency responseAnimal care, adoption, shelter management

Animal Rescue Technicians primarily focus on rescuing animals from dangerous or outdoor environments, often requiring fieldwork and emergency response skills. In contrast, Animal Shelter Workers typically handle daily care, feeding, and adoption processes within shelter facilities. Both roles require animal handling certifications and work in animal-related organizations, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

More about Animal Rescue Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

$44K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Iredell County rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $44,053.82 - $56,388.91 Annually
Location : Iredell County, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 00590
Department: ANIMAL SERV & CONTROL
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/14/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Description
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION:
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION BEFORE IT CAN BE SAVED IN THE SYSTEM.
YOU MUST ANSWER ALL REQUIRED QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THIS APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH IREDELL COUNTY
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, performs public safety work in the enforcement of local ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals for the Animal Services & Control Department. Work involves capturing, confining, returning, and humanely euthanizing stray, diseased, vicious and nuisance animals; maintaining records pertaining to collection of animals and animal activity; and enforcing animal laws and ordinances. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in ensuring proper capture of animals. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with animal owners and the general public. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of animal control work. Reports to the Operations Supervisor.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responds to calls for service in assigned area of the County to ensure public compliance with state and county animal control laws; explains animal control laws to citizens and answers questions; notes violations of animal control laws and issues citations or warnings to citizens, and picks up or otherwise controls stray animals, as needed; captures and confines stray, diseased and bothersome animals, including domestic and wild animals, livestock and fowl; impounds animals and places them within the animal shelter according to size, sex, needs, and circumstances involved in pick-up; reports diseased or injured animals to shelter veterinarian; uses traps and/or firearms equipped with tranquilizing ammunition to subdue animals, as necessary.
Receives and investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect; completes extensive, detail oriented reports; appears in court and testifies, as needed; investigates animal bite cases and ensures that confinement of such animals is proper and complete according to public health law; prepares diagnostic specimens for testing by State labs.
Humanely euthanizes and disposes of animals, as appropriate.
Prepares a variety of reports, including animals collected and confined, animal bites, poultry and livestock damage caused by other animals, animals destroyed by department, etc.; maintains routine activity reports.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists shelter staff and local veterinarians in conducting periodic rabies vaccination clinics for the public; collects monthly vaccination reports from local veterinarians.
Picks-up and properly disposes of dead animals, as necessary.
Maintains County-owned vehicle.
Will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays on a rotating schedule, or as assigned.
Subject to emergency callback in the event of a disaster or other local emergency.
Performs other related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of animal behavior, handling techniques, and relevant state and local animal control laws.
Ability to use discretion and sound judgment in stressful situations.
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to interact tactfully and firmly with the public.
Basic recordkeeping and report-writing skills.
Ability to operate specialized equipment, including traps and tranquilizer firearms
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE "REQUIREMENTS":
Graduation from High School and six (6) month's work experience involving customer experience or contact with animals; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
ADDITIONAL "REQUIREMENTS":
Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Must achieve Certification as a Euthanasia Technician, Certification as a Rabies Vaccinator, become a Licensed Notary Public, and become Firearms qualified within six (6) months of employment. This position is designated as an authorized Motor Vehicle Operator for Iredell County and requires adherence to the Iredell County Vehicle Operations Policy. Completion of continuing education as required by the State of North Carolina involving techniques, laws, and procedures.
Must reside in, or within 15 minutes minimum drive time of Iredell County or must be willing to relocate into the designated area within four (4) months from hire date.
"PREFERRED" QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification in Large Animal Rescue
Certification in Bite Stick
Certification in Pepper Spray (OCAT)
NACA Animal Control Officer Certification
• Free Medical (wellness program compliance)
• Free Vision and Dental (low plan Employee only)
• 401(k)/457 (5% gross pay contributed by employer to 401(k)
• Vacation, Sick Leave
• Excellent Retirement Plan with Retiree Health Insurance Stipend
• Apprenticeship Opportunities Available
• On-Site Employee Wellness Clinic
• Employer Provided Life Insurance
• Up to $600.00 Annual Wellness Incentive
• $2,500 Sign on Bonus (full time employee)
• $500.00 Employee Referral Bonus (full time)
• $250.00 Employee Referral Bonus (part time)
01
What is the highest level of education completed?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Not Applicable

02
Are you capable within six (6) months of being hired to become a Certified Euthanasia Technician with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Division?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have at least six (6) months of animal handling experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you available to work a rotating schedule including week days, weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Please list any and all experience you have in Animal Control:
06
I understand in order to be qualified for this position, the description of my work experience must clearly reflect the required education and experience as well as the posted knowledge, skills and abilities for this position. I have included all of this information within my application. (If you haven't completed the application requirements, please return to your application to finish it before submitting your application.) Resumes and/or cover letters may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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