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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Foster Team Lead

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$19/hr

Foster and Rescue Manager Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 Summary: LifeLine ... Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by working with the Volunteer Coordinator to ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

$45K/yr

Procuring potential canines from various sources (i.e., public and private shelters, rescue groups ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

$45K/yr

Procuring potential canines from various sources (i.e., public and private shelters, rescue groups ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience ...

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Animal Rescue Volunteer information

What is an animal rescue volunteer?

Animal rescue volunteers are individuals who dedicate their time and effort to help save, care for, and rehabilitate animals in need. They often work with shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife rehabilitation centers to assist with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, socializing animals, transporting them, and sometimes assisting with adoption events. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of animals and supporting the organizations’ missions. Their efforts help give animals a second chance at finding loving, permanent homes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal rescue volunteer?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Volunteer, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and a genuine passion for animal welfare, though formal qualifications are often not required. Familiarity with animal shelter management systems, intake protocols, and sometimes animal first aid training can be helpful. Strong communication, teamwork, and emotional resilience are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of animals, effective collaboration with staff, and providing compassionate care during often stressful situations.

What challenges do animal rescue volunteers face and how can they be managed?

Animal rescue volunteers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for injured or neglected animals and witnessing difficult cases of abuse or abandonment. Managing these challenges involves practicing self-care, seeking support from fellow volunteers or supervisors, and focusing on the positive impact of your efforts. Team collaboration and regular training can also help volunteers handle stressful scenarios more effectively and ensure the well-being of both the animals and themselves.

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

AspectAnimal Rescue VolunteerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; some experience or training preferredHigh school diploma; training provided on-site
Work EnvironmentOutdoor rescue sites, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily care
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, rescue organizationsAnimal shelters, humane societies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue Volunteers primarily assist in outdoor rescue efforts and emergency situations, often with minimal formal credentials. Animal Shelter Workers typically work within shelter facilities, providing daily care and support, often with basic training. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ mainly in work environment and scope of responsibilities.

Can I volunteer at a local dog shelter?

Animal rescue volunteers can often assist at local dog shelters by helping with animal care, cleaning, and socialization. Most shelters require volunteers to complete an application and training, and some may have age or time commitment requirements.

How do you become an animal rescue volunteer?

To become an animal rescue volunteer, you typically need to contact local shelters or rescue organizations to learn about their volunteer programs. Most require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, complete an application, and attend an orientation or training session. Volunteers may assist with animal care, adoption events, or administrative tasks, and some organizations may require background checks or specific skills.

What skills do you need to volunteer as an animal rescue volunteer?

Animal rescue volunteers need strong compassion, patience, and the ability to handle animals safely. Basic knowledge of animal behavior, good communication skills, and physical stamina are also important. Some roles may require training or certifications in animal care or first aid.

Where can I volunteer to work with animals near me?

Animal rescue volunteers can find opportunities at local shelters, humane societies, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. These organizations often seek volunteers for tasks such as caring for animals, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with adoption events, and may require basic training or orientation before starting.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Georgia?

For Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:

Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Rehabilitation Technician II or I

Jekyll Island, GA

Jekyll Island Authority
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Jekyll Island Authorityexternal

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Rehabilitation Technician I or II
Department/Division: Georgia Sea Turtle Center / Amenities
Status: Regular, Full-time Employee
Pay: $18.75 - $21.25 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to: Rehabilitation Program Manager
Benefits: Full benefits eligible including health insurance, flex benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, parking amp; amenity pass, and discounts.
Retirement: Georgia State Employee Retirement System - GSEPS (Pension + matching 401k)
Closing date: Open until filled
**Note: This position is subject to closing once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. A resume and cover letter must be submitted with the application. Incomplete applications or applications received without an accompanying resume and cover letter will not be considered.
Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.
Job Summary:
Under general direction and well-defined objectives and guidelines, the Rehabilitation Technician I or II provides “hands-on” leadership through knowledge of the disciplines of husbandry care and life support systems with a strong understanding of sea turtle rehabilitation. The Rehabilitation Technician I or II is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the pavilion, including training of staff, including interns and volunteers, the duties of animal husbandry, water quality, and life support systems, animal observation, overseeing and maintaining assigned areas (i.e., commissary and pavilion), and ensuring that all records are up to date and complete. Responsibilities include planning and daily/weekly objective settings related to all aspects of animal husbandry care for the GSTC patients/animal residents.
Description:
  • Oversee volunteers and interns working within assigned areas (Pavilion and Commissary).
  • Participates enthusiastically in a solid program of daily husbandry and clinical care for all animals maintained by the GTSC.
  • Participates in the daily GSTC operations, including animal rescue response, veterinary care, technical aspects of applied and basic scientific research, and educational tours.
  • Responsibilities include feeding and caring for all animals under the GSTC’s care, medicating animals and maintaining quarantine protocols as directed, cleaning and maintaining exhibits, tanks, life support systems, and husbandry record keeping.
  • Understanding basic husbandry principles, including record keeping, life-support systems, water quality parameters, disease recognition, nutrition, and exhibit maintenance.
  • Overseeing animal stranding protocol and records for the GSTC and interfacing with the Department of Natural Resources.
  • Responsible for diet formulation and feeding schedules of the animals under the GSTC’s care.
  • Responsible for maintaining and safely operating the GTSC rehabilitation pavilion and exhibit Life Support Systems (LSS).
  • Responsible for specific facilities (e.g., Food Preparation Commissary, Pavilion) as assigned by the Rehabilitation Manager.
  • Participate in veterinary procedures, including necropsies, and accept euthanasia when necessary.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair life support system-related problems.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime, and be on-call for emergencies.
  • Performs “on-call” duties for rescue response, essential medical treatments, and animal health emergencies 24hr/day, 1-2 days/week, and when necessary.
  • Participates in public outreach and educational programming, including special tours, public and private education programs, and daily visitor interactions/educational interpretation. Ensures all appropriate GSTC animal medical records follow Georgia State Veterinary Medical Association rules and guidelines.
  • Ensures effective communication with all GSTC staff, the general visiting public, educational groups, researchers, and other agencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Applicants who do not meet Rehabilitation Technician II qualifications may be considered for Rehabilitation I; position requirements are listed below. Pay ranges are as follows: Rehabilitation Technician I $18.75-$20.25 (DOQ), Rehabilitation Technician II $20.25-$21.25 (DOQ).
Rehabilitation Technician II Qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field (Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation, etc.) is required.
  • Minimum of three years of experience in an American Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) accredited institution.
  • Certified AALSO Life Support Operator.
  • In addition to education and certification, may consider any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform job responsibilities.
  • Experience in aquarium Life Support Systems design, installation, and maintenance is required.
  • Experience in aquatic animal husbandry care is required.
  • Possess advanced knowledge of PVC plumbing and basic hand and power tools.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
Rehabilitation Technician I Qualifications:
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field (Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation, etc.) is preferred.
  • Experience in an American Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) accredited institution is preferred.
  • Requires a minimum of two years of experience working with exotic animals; prefers work experience in the zoo, aquarium, or rehabilitation field.
  • In addition to education, may consider any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform job responsibilities.
  • Experience in aquarium Life Support Systems design, installation, and maintenance preferred.
  • Experience in aquatic animal husbandry care is preferred.
  • Possess some knowledge of PVC plumbing and basic hand and power tools.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
  • Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
  • More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent reaching, lifting and repetitive use of wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Between 25 and 50% of the day will be spent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and pulling.
  • Less than 25% of the day will be spent climbing, standing, sitting, walking, and feeling.
  • Sensory abilities required include vision, hearing and touching with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, talking, and hearing.
  • Must have visual clarity to determine accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Work will be performed both inside and outside. Work is subject to extreme cold and extreme heat and high humidity. Work includes exposure to vibrations, hazards, infectious diseases, and required to wear a respirator.
  • Noise level is considered normal to loud, may require shouting.
This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job. Still, it is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned occasionally.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. The applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4024 for verification if the email confirmation is not received. However, we cannot provide information on application status after receipt due to the volume of applicants accepted. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4024.
All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required including credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.
Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island is a Drug-Free workplace.

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