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Animal Rescue Jobs in Omaha, NE (NOW HIRING)

The Animal Hospital

Kennel Attendant

Gretna, NE · On-site

$15/hr

Kennel Attendant TENDER CARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, GRETNA, NE Position: The Kennel Attendant position is a key role for our kennel that provides daily care for our boarded animals and assist with kennel ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Technician

Omaha, NE

$23 - $26/hr

Veterinary Technician at VCA 80 Dodge Animal Hospital in Omaha, NE Schedule: Part-time opportunity About Our Hospital VCA 80 Dodge Animal Hospital is a 5-doctor practice providing high-quality ...

Phibro Animal Health Corporation

Aseptic Tech 1

Omaha, NE · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded, global organization with a rich history in animal health and nutrition as a manufacturer and marketer of ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Omaha, NE

Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Omaha, NE is $20.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.89 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 Omaha, NE? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Omaha, NE are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Omaha, NE? For Animal Rescue jobs in Omaha, NE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Omaha, NE look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Omaha, NE are:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Omaha, NE as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,884 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Interactive Animal Program - Animal Care Assistant

Interactive Animal Program - Animal Care Assistant

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha, NE • On-site

$15.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Interactive Animal Programs - Animal Care Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Up to 24 - 40 hours (3-5 days)/week

Pay Rate: $15.40/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. Seasonal employees may be considered for regular part-time employment at the conclusion of the season, subject to organizational needs and position availability.

Summary: 

We are seeking entry-level Animal Care Assistant to ensure safe animal/guest interactions, provide self-initiated guest interaction, and provide basic animal care in the following interactive animal areas at the Zoo: African Goat Kraal, Aquarium Touch Pool, Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, Children’s Adventure Trails Goat Hills, Giraffe Encounter, and Stingray Beach. The majority of time spent in this position is guest-facing, so it requires a high level of guest engagement. Ideal candidates must be proficient with initiating interactions with people, working around animals, be team-oriented, and have strong attention to detail. This position reports directly to the Wild Kingdom Pavilion Supervisor in the Interactive Animal Programs department. 

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to): 

  • Ensure all guests follow protocols for proper exhibit experience and safe animal interaction to be in compliance with AZA and USDA standards. 

  • Execute all assigned animal care duties, under the direction of relevant area animal care staff. This includes animal habitat cleaning, conducting animal observations, daily food preparation, providing environmental enrichment and basic animal training, general upkeep of facilities, and maintaining daily reports. 

  • Support the mission of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium by inspiring, educating, and engaging guests about the animals in the exhibits. 

  • Assist Zoo guests with questions or guidance to enhance their visit and leave a lasting, positive impression. 

  • Perform quality work without direct supervision.   

  • Exhibit good teamwork and communication skills both verbal and written within the home team and when working with other teams or departments. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Ability to learn relevant and factual information about a diverse group of animals. 

  • Ability to initiate positive and engaging conversations with Zoo guests. 

  • Must be comfortable working with a diverse population of all ages and abilities. 

  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude while balancing multiple priorities. 

  • Ability to function independently or with the supervisor to manage guest questions. Along with exhibiting good judgment in making decisions. 

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older. 

  • High school diploma or GED preferred. 

  • Experience working with animals preferred. 

  • Familiarity with positive reinforcement animal training preferred.  

Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: 

  • Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some evening programs. 

  • Ability to reach with arms; signal and hold with hands; climb or balance; stoop; kneel; crouch and/or crawl; talk and hear; stand and walk for entire length of shift; occasionally sit; push and pull frequently a minimum of 25 pounds, occasionally push 100 pounds (on wheels); frequently lift a minimum of 25 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds.

  • Work is performed mostly outdoors under all weather conditions. 

  • Working environments include exposure to salt water, fish, shellfish (shrimp), hay, and grass. 

DISCLAIMER 

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.  

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. 

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