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Animal Training Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Aquarium

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA · On-site

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 ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, 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 ...

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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal training in Georgia is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal training?

Animal training involves teaching animals specific behaviors or responses to commands using various techniques, such as positive reinforcement, repetition, and consistency. Trainers work with a variety of animals including dogs, horses, marine mammals, and even exotic species, depending on the setting. The goal of animal training can range from basic obedience and companionship to specialized tasks like service work, performance, or assisting with research. Professional animal trainers need patience, a deep understanding of animal behavior, and strong communication skills. Training methods should always prioritize the animal's welfare and well-being.

What are animal training jobs?

Animal training jobs include a wide variety of positions, a few examples being dog trainers, horse trainers, agility instructors, or jobs training guide dogs and other service animals. In any of these careers, your duties and responsibilities may include teaching animals to behave and follow cues or signals for performances or completing a task for their owner. You may also teach the animals how to familiarize themselves with human voices and commands and monitor the animals’ health and mood. While many of the skills required for these jobs carry over from one to the other, they are very different careers with different qualifications.

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

To thrive as an Animal Trainer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and often a background in biology, zoology, or psychology. Familiarity with training tools, positive reinforcement methods, and sometimes certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are beneficial. Patience, strong observation skills, and clear communication are important soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with owners. These skills ensure effective training outcomes, safety, and positive relationships between animals and humans.

What are some common challenges animal trainers face when working with new animals, and how are they typically addressed?

Animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust, overcoming fear or anxiety in animals, and addressing behavioral issues. These challenges are typically managed through consistent positive reinforcement, patience, and gradual acclimation to new environments or routines. Trainers also collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and owners to develop tailored training plans that prioritize the animal’s well-being and learning pace. Ongoing communication and observation are key to successfully addressing and adapting to each animal’s unique needs.

What is the difference between Animal Training vs Animal Behavior Specialist?

AspectAnimal TrainingAnimal Behavior Specialist
CredentialsCertifications in training techniques, animal handlingAdvanced degrees in animal behavior, certifications in behavior analysis
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, pet training centers, aquariumsResearch facilities, veterinary clinics, animal behavior consulting
Employer & IndustryZoos, pet industry, entertainmentAcademic, research, veterinary, consulting

Animal Training focuses on teaching animals specific behaviors through conditioning, often for entertainment, obedience, or safety. Animal Behavior Specialists analyze and modify complex animal behaviors, often requiring advanced education. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Training emphasizes practical skill development, whereas Animal Behavior Specialists focus on understanding and treating behavioral issues.

How do you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, individuals typically gain experience by volunteering or working with animals, and may pursue relevant education such as a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Certification from professional organizations and developing skills in animal behavior, patience, and communication are also important for career advancement.

How much do you make as an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals trained. Salaries can be higher for those working with specialized or exotic animals, and certifications or advanced skills may lead to increased pay.

What are the career paths for animal training?

Career paths for animal training include roles such as professional animal trainer, behaviorist, or trainer for specific animals like dogs, horses, or marine mammals. Opportunities exist in zoos, aquariums, pet training centers, and research facilities, often requiring certifications and hands-on experience. Advancement can lead to specialized training, management positions, or consulting roles in animal behavior and welfare.
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Infographic showing various Animal Training job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,134 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Georgia Aquarium rating

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

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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