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Animal Rescue Jobs in Lake Stevens, WA (NOW HIRING)

The UW animal care program is accredited by AAALAC International and provides services to over 400 principal investigators. DCM faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and residents conduct basic and ...

About the Role The Animal Care Technician (ACT) is responsible for the coordination, movement, and maintenance of facility equipment and supplies. Participate in sanitation through the central cage ...

Animal Technician I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30 - $28.48/hr

Conduct laboratory animal care and associated support duties under close supervision according to standards set forth by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) to maintain ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Lake Stevens, WA salary details

$10

$23

$30

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Lake Stevens, WA is $23.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

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

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Lake Stevens, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Lake Stevens, WA are:
What cities near Lake Stevens, WA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Lake Stevens, WA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Technician 1 (Multiple Opportunities)

Animal Technician 1 (Multiple Opportunities)

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description
Position Description:
The Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is one of 12 basic science departments in the School of Medicine. The mission of the department is to advance knowledge and improve the health and welfare of humans and animals through excellent service support, biomedical research, and teaching. DCM is the central laboratory animal medicine resource at the University of Washington, supporting over 114,000 assignable square feet of animal facilities with an average daily census in excess of 100,000 animals across multiple species (e.g., rodents, rabbits, swine, and zebrafish). The department employs over 175 individuals who provide a comprehensive range of animal husbandry, veterinary, and laboratory services across numerous vivaria. The UW animal care program is accredited by AAALAC International and provides services to over 400 principal investigators. DCM faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and residents conduct basic and clinical research on a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, comparative aspects of infectious disease, aging, cancer biology and genetics.
DCM has an outstanding opportunity for a full time Animal Technician 1 position. These individuals will perform full cagewash room duties, animal care in rooms, and custodial care for animals and animal facilities.
JOB DUTIES:
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures, Working Guidelines, and related documents for cage wash room duties, animal care and housing in the rooms and in the facilities
  • Perform and document daily animal health checks to assess animal behavior and well-being. Identify and report animal illness or abnormalities as directed.
  • Perform routine husbandry including routine cage changes and housing; providing appropriate feed, water and environmental enrichment; weaning or separating animals; handling, restraining, weighing, and determining the sex of all common laboratory animals; and determining daily animal census.
  • Provide food and water (including specialized food and water) to animals according to instructions. Document food and water administration as well as animal food and water consumption. Report deviations as instructed.
  • Prepare clean animal cages and enclosures for a wide variety of animals according to requirements.
  • Clean and/or sanitize animal use areas including walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and food preparation rooms.
  • Perform general custodial duties within the vivarium (e.g., sweep and mop hallways, transport waste materials).
  • Maintain separation of animals of different health or experimental statuses; observe precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
  • May provide animal husbandry duties in biocontainment (e.g., ABSL2, ABSL2+ rooms) or bioexclusion (e.g., isolation, quarantine, Helicobacter spp-free rooms) areas.
  • Monitor and record room environmental parameters; report deviations as instructed.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate written and electronic records and logs.
  • Dispose of animal carcasses in accordance with facility, state and federal requirements.
  • Operate machinery as directed (e.g., change stations, floor scrubbers, animal racks).
  • Maintain equipment (e.g., ventilated caging racks, laminar flow stations, biological safety cabinets) and premises in accordance with specified standards.
  • Monitor inventory levels and stock and maintain supplies. Initiate supply and equipment orders.
  • Maintain appropriate communications with research personnel.
  • Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and continuing education; communicate animal care issues to research personnel, supervisors, and co-workers.
  • Assist with the delivery of animals to the facility and the transportation of animals within the facility.
  • Assist with basic cagewash duties (e.g., operate autoclaves, rack washers, and tunnel washers), as needed.
  • May occasionally operate departmental vehicles (car and box truck).
  • Perform related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Physical ability to do required work; ability to read, write, and communicate orally in English.
  • Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Desired:
  • High school diploma
  • Physical ability to do required work
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively with others in written and spoken form
  • Ability to take direction
  • Ability to maintain records and to ensure accurate data collection
  • Ability to learn to operate equipment such as autoclaves and tunnel or rack washers
  • Basic computer skills to include sending and receiving emails, word processing (e.g., Word), and internet navigation
  • Ability to learn to successfully complete time reporting using an online database
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational and professional backgrounds (e.g., Animal Technicians, Veterinarians, Research Technicians, Principal Investigators).
  • Must have a current Washington driver's license
  • Must be comfortable working in biohazard facilities
  • Experience working with animals
  • Experience working in a research facility
  • An aptitude for machine and motor operations
  • Experience operating a box truck and a small car (Prius)
  • Hold a valid Washington State driver's license that has not been suspended or revoked for the past three years for any reason
  • Ability to successfully complete University driver education and training

Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds
  • Must be willing and able to work with a wide variety of animals
  • Work schedule will be Friday - Tuesday, 7:00am - 3:30pm; future work week schedules and facility assignments may change to meet the needs of the department
  • Some weekend and holiday work will be required.
  • Must be able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check
  • May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.
  • The employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures.
  • Punctuality and regular attendance are critical components of this position.
  • This is an essential position and the employee will be expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and UW suspended operations.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$45,288.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$50,916.00 annual
Other Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.