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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Provo, UT (NOW HIRING)

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

See Provo, UT salary details

$7

$18

$31

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in Provo, UT is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Provo, UT?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Provo, UT are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Provo, UT?

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

What cities near Provo, UT are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs?

Cities near Provo, UT with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Provo, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, and 69% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,653 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Dive Programs Manager

The Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 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.