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Animal Rescue Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... Adhering to operational policies and procedures (cleanliness, animal care, safety and security ...

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Animal Rescue information

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$9

$20

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Waukee, IA is $20.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animals through volunteering or working at shelters, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or rescue techniques, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Waukee, IA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Waukee, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,988 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Veterinary Technician I - Large AnimalJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor's degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and Registered, licensed, or certified as a veterinary technician within one year of the start date.Job Description:

Are you passionate about animal health and ready to build hands on experience in a large animal hospital setting? The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is seeking Veterinary Technicians to join our Large Animal Hospital.

We are hiring for multiple roles across ICU and Food Animal services, supporting 24 hour patient care in a collaborative academic teaching environment.

Current Openings:

  • Equine ICU
  • Food Animal

Why Join Our Team:

  • Work in a leading veterinary teaching hospital.
  • Gain hands on experience with complex and high acuity cases.
  • Learn from board certified specialists and experienced clinicians.
  • Contribute to training future veterinarians.
  • Build advanced technical and clinical skills.

Position Details:

  • On call requirement: Yes, including weekends and holidays, typically 3 to 5 shifts per month supporting equine and food animal ICU and surgical care.
  • Work environment: On site, hands on clinical setting within the Large Animal Hospital.
  • Residency requirement: Must live within a reasonable distance to meet on call expectations.
  • Ability to work with and safely handle large animals in a physically active clinical environment.

These roles support high quality patient care while contributing to the teaching mission of the hospital.

What You Will Do:

  • Perform advanced technical procedures and assist in surgical, medical, and diagnostic care for large animal species under faculty and clinician direction.
  • Provide patient care including monitoring vitals, administering medications, and supporting recovery for hospitalized and critical patients.
  • Assist with ICU cases and ongoing treatment plans to ensure continuity of care.
  • Demonstrate and teach proper restraint techniques, diagnostic procedures, and clinical skills to veterinary students and house officers.
  • Collaborate daily with clinicians, residents, interns, and students to coordinate patient care and hospital operations.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot medical equipment, manage inventory, and ensure clean, organized, and safe workspaces.

Work Environment:

These roles support different areas within the Large Animal Hospital:

  • Equine ICU roles focus on intensive care and monitoring of hospitalized equine patients.
  • Food Animal roles involve working with a wider variety of species and a higher volume of patients in a fast paced clinical setting.

About the Department:

The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is home to a leading Large Animal Hospital that supports clinical care, teaching, and research across equine and food animal medicine. The hospital provides comprehensive services for a wide range of large animal species and plays a key role in training veterinary students, interns, and residents.

Team members work closely with board certified specialists, house officers, and students in a hands on clinical environment, contributing to both patient care and the educational mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience placing catheters in large animal patients.
  • Experience administering medications via IV, IM, SQ, or oral routes.
  • Experience monitoring anesthesia or assisting with surgical procedures.
  • Experience collecting and processing diagnostic samples including blood, urine, and fecal samples.
  • Experience with large animal handling and restraint techniques (equine and or food animal species)


Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

  • Life insurance and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellbeing program

  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:7601aOriginal Posting Date:July 7, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19578

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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