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Animal Rescue Jobs in Manhattan, KS (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Animal Care Technician position is an opportunity for motivated, driven individuals to showcase their ability to multitask and work as a team. The Animal Care Technician adds value through the ...

Animal Care Technician

Manhattan, KS

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Animal Care Technician adds value through the following responsibilities: * Clean and perform daily chores repeatedly under the direction of senior staff and veterinarians. * Collect research ...

Animal Care Technician

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Animal Care Technician adds value through the following responsibilities: * Clean and perform daily chores repeatedly under the direction of senior staff and veterinarians. * Collect research ...

PT-Kennel Technician

Junction City, KS · On-site

$15.90 - $21.20/hr

Junction City Animal Shelter Job Type: Part-Time Job Number: 202400009 Department: Police ... Two (2) years hands-on experience working in a shelter, rescue or other closely related facility ...

Kennel Technician

Junction City, KS · On-site

$15.90 - $21.20/hr

Junction City Animal Shelter Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202400068 Department: Police ... Two (2) years hands-on experience working in a shelter, rescue or other closely related facility ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Manhattan, KS salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Manhattan, KS is $18.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $22.12 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 and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

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.

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 often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Manhattan, KS? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Manhattan, KS are:
What cities near Manhattan, KS are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Manhattan, KS with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Manhattan, KS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,766 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

$55K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description Position Summary Under general administrative direction, the Animal Shelter Director manages, plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the City's animal shelter and related animal services functions. The Animal Shelter Director oversees shelter operations, personnel, animal care standards, regulatory compliance, recordkeeping, public service, budgeting, community partnerships, and operational planning to support humane, lawful, safe, and effective service delivery Examples of Duties Essential Functions Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates daily shelter operations, including intake, housing, sanitation, feeding, enrichment, medical coordination, reunification, adoption, transfer, redemption, quarantine, and disposition activities. Develops, implements, updates, and enforces shelter procedures, protocols, safety practices, sanitation standards, and service expectations.

Supervises assigned employees and program participants. Assigns work, develops schedules, provides training, evaluates performance, addresses misconduct and performance deficiencies, and participates in hiring, disciplines, and other personnel actions in coordination with Human Resources and City policy. Ensures proper care, handling, control, identification, and documentation of animals received, housed, transferred, redeemed, adopted, fostered, quarantined, or otherwise processed through the shelter.

Maintains shelter records, reports, databases, and documentation necessary for operational management, legal compliance, and public accountability. Monitors compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and City policies relevant to shelter operations, animal welfare, records retention, workplace safety, and public service. Prepares budget recommendations, monitors approved expenditures, and manages purchasing, supplies, inventory, contracts, and other resources.

Coordinates with law enforcement, code enforcement, emergency management, public health, veterinarians, rescue organizations, foster providers, volunteers, and other partners regarding shelter operations and animal welfare issues. May appear in court as required for animal-related court cases. Responds to escalated customer concerns, complaints, inquiries, and sensitive situations involving citizens, staff, animals, and partner agencies.

Assists with emergency preparedness, disease prevention and response, disaster operations, and continuity planning affecting shelter functions. Prepares written correspondence, reports, recommendations, and other materials for supervisors, City leadership, boards, or external agencies as required. Represents the City and shelter operations in meetings, training activities, public education efforts, and community engagement opportunities as assigned.

Performs other duties within the scope of the classification as assigned. Typical Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree in animal science, public administration, business administration, veterinary technology, or a closely related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in animal shelter, animal control, animal welfare operations, or a related field. Two (2) years of supervisory or lead responsibility. Licenses and Certifications Valid Driver's License.

Obtain and maintain certification for euthanasia of animals. Any additional certifications that may be required by Kansas law or City assignment. Supplemental Information Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

Work is performed in both office and non-office settings, including animal shelter, kennel, storage, vehicle, and outdoor environments. Duties regularly require verbal communication using the English language, reading and reviewing records, operating standard office and shelter-related equipment, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing short ladders or stairs, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. The position may involve exposure to animal dander, odors, waste, disinfectants, cleaning chemicals, noise, inclement weather, slippery surfaces, bites, scratches, animal-related injuries, zoonotic disease risk, and other environmental conditions commonly associated with animal shelter operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation The City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation may be available in the application process, during employment for performing the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on City operations.

Requests for accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at hr@junctioncity-ks.gov. Disclaimer This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications

The City reserves the right to revise this position description at any time to meet operational needs.