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Animal Trainer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Aquarium

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Trainer, Animal Training - Mammals & Birds Department: Zoological Operations Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-time Employee Type: TSN - Team Spec FT Nexe Direct Report: Associate Curator, Animal ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Willingness to participate in cross training with other departments. * Other tasks as assigned. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential ...

Cobb County, GA

Animal Services Officer I

Marietta, GA · On-site

$17.86/hr

Cobb County Animal Services Department, GA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 05017 Department ... Fitness Centers Multiple fitness centers with both strength and aerobic training equipment ...

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How much do animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal trainer in Georgia is $13.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $12.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal trainer do?

An Animal Trainer works with animals to teach them specific behaviors, improve obedience, or prepare them for performance, service, or companionship. They use positive reinforcement, conditioning, and training techniques to help animals respond to commands. Trainers may work with pets, service animals, marine mammals, or animals used in entertainment. Their responsibilities often include assessing animal behavior, developing training plans, and ensuring the animals' well-being.

What does a typical day look like for an animal trainer?

A typical day for an Animal Trainer involves conducting training sessions with animals, assessing their progress, and developing customized training plans based on each animal's needs and temperament. Trainers often spend time demonstrating techniques to animal owners or other staff members, as well as recording progress and addressing behavioral issues. Work may take place in a variety of settings including homes, animal shelters, zoos, or training facilities, and schedules can include weekends or evenings. Collaborating with veterinarians, keepers, or animal behaviorists is common, ensuring each animal receives comprehensive care and training support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal trainer, and why are they important?

Animal Trainers need a solid understanding of animal behavior, patience, and physical stamina, often supported by relevant courses or hands-on experience with specific species. They commonly use tools like leashes, clickers, training gear, and may benefit from certifications such as Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or animal handling courses. Strong observation skills, clear communication, and compassion are vital soft skills, especially when interacting with animals, owners, or other handlers. These qualities ensure the safety and well-being of animals, support effective training outcomes, and help build trust with clients and colleagues.

How do you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience working with animals, and knowledge of animal behavior. Many trainers gain skills through internships, volunteering, or working with animals in shelters or zoos, and some pursue certifications from professional organizations to enhance credibility.

How much do you make as an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals they work with. Salaries can be higher for those with specialized skills, certifications, or working in entertainment or marine parks.
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Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Trainer job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,603 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Georgia Aquarium
Museums and Historical Sites • 201 - 500 employees

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Georgia Aquariumexternal

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Title:Trainer, Animal Training - Mammals & Birds
Department: Zoological Operations
Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-time
Employee Type: TSN - Team Spec FT Nexe
Direct Report:Associate Curator, Animal Training-Mammals & Birds
Position Summary:
This position is responsible for the daily care and behavioral conditioning of Georgia Aquarium's Mammal & Bird collection. The primary objectives and responsibilities are to play a primary role in the execution of daily presentations, guest interactions, and other programs as applicable. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to diet preparation, environmental enrichment, facility/habitat maintenance, record keeping and animal observation/monitoring. Executes daily routine operations in accordance with section's standard operating procedures.
Responsibilities:
  1. Executes daily care and behavioral conditioning of Mammals & Birds.
  2. Under direction of Senior Trainers and management team, Trains Mammal & Bird collection in accordance with Georgia Aquarium's animal training protocols. Actively participates in the progression of animal training goals and standards. Develops behavior to facilitate presentations/performances, public programs, animal management and care.
  3. Assists Senior Trainers and management team with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and Aquarium public relations.
  4. Ensures the daily health, care and welfare of the Mammal & Bird collection.
  5. Maintains a superior level of professionalism, engagement, stage presence, and appeal while performing primary/key roles in daily presentations, guest interactions, and other programs as applicable.
  6. Performs the execution of complex behaviors as integral part of Georgia Aquarium's Mammal & Bird programs and presentations.
  7. Interact with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner.
  8. Executes comprehensive Mammal & Bird environmental enrichment program. Develop novel environmental enrichment devices and activities.
  9. Follows established standard operating procedures for animal care, food preparation, and cleaning up, including proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment.
  10. Assists in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of cleanliness/sanitation, diet preparation, record keeping, animal observation, and general maintenance.
  11. Maintains records management systems for animal inventory, care, training, and enrichment.
  12. Inputs data and information into records management systems for animal inventory, care, training, and enrichment.
  13. Executes underwater maintenance and cleaning of habitats.
  14. Maintains SCUBA certification. Functions as a diver, dive tender, standby diver (TSBD), and designated person in charge (DPIC) during underwater activities carried out by Georgia Aquarium.
  15. Follows dive safety guidelines established by the dive safety officer.
  16. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
  17. Complies with all Georgia Aquarium policies, procedures, and programs.
  18. As needed, interact on behalf of the Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, general public, etc.
  19. Assists with the developmental goals of interns and volunteers.

Qualifications:
  1. Four-year degree in biology or related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion GAI.
  2. Minimum two years of aquatic animal husbandry and training working with marine mammals / birds, experience in an AZA/AMMPA accredited institution, or equivalent, with a proven track record of team oriented and professional performance.
  3. Knowledge of contemporary animal training techniques.
  4. Working knowledge of life support operation and water quality control for maintaining marine mammals.
  5. Strong team skills.
  6. Strong oral and written communication skills.
  7. Valid State of Georgia driver's license, or the ability to obtain one.
  8. Valid passport, or the ability to obtain one.
  9. Proficiency with Personal Computer (P.C.) hardware and contemporary software including Microsoft Office Products.
  10. SCUBA certification.
  11. Ability to pass departmental swim test, which includes, but is not limited to minimum requirements for treading water, breath holding, free diving and endurance.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 100 feet. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. An employee must also have the ability to travel by car, boat, and air as needed, conduct field work in the collection and research of animals, and maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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