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Animal Welfare Program Manager Jobs in California

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers

LTD GLOBAL, LLC

Be Seen First

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

About the Organization A private, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting ... Capability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia. * Ability ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

About the organization A nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion ... Capability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia. * Support ...

City of Antioch, CA

Animal Services Manager

Antioch, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

Animal Services is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and public awareness which results in ... The Animal Shelter also provides adoption, volunteer, and education programs. The City of Antioch ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

About the organization A nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion ... Capability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia. * Support ...

Stray Cat Alliance

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

An experienced animal welfare professional with demonstrable experience in program management and supervisory roles * A data-driven leader who knows how to read outcomes, spot trends, and make smart ...

Stray Cat Alliance

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

An experienced animal welfare professional with demonstrable experience in program management and supervisory roles * A data-driven leader who knows how to read outcomes, spot trends, and make smart ...

Stray Cat Alliance

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

An experienced animal welfare professional with demonstrable experience in program management and supervisory roles * A data-driven leader who knows how to read outcomes, spot trends, and make smart ...

City of Antioch

Animal Services Manager

Antioch, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

Animal Services is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and public awareness which results in ... The Animal Shelter also provides adoption, volunteer, and education programs. The City of Antioch ...

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Animal Welfare Program Manager information

What does an Animal Welfare Program Manager do?

An Animal Welfare Program Manager oversees and implements programs designed to ensure the humane treatment and well-being of animals in various settings, such as shelters, research facilities, or agricultural operations. Their responsibilities include developing animal care policies, monitoring compliance with animal welfare regulations, training staff, and conducting inspections or audits. They may also coordinate outreach and education initiatives to promote animal welfare standards within the community.

Are animal welfare program manager jobs in demand?

Animal welfare program manager jobs are in demand due to increasing public awareness of animal rights and the need for organizations to improve animal care standards. These roles often require strong project management skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and relevant certifications, with employment opportunities available in nonprofit organizations, shelters, and government agencies.

What are some common challenges Animal Welfare Program Managers face when implementing new animal care protocols?

Animal Welfare Program Managers often encounter challenges such as staff resistance to change, limited resources, and the need to balance animal care standards with operational constraints. Successfully implementing new protocols often requires effective communication, comprehensive staff training, and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance. Collaboration with veterinarians, animal caretakers, and regulatory agencies is essential to address concerns and adjust protocols as needed, ensuring the well-being of animals while meeting organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Welfare Program Manager?

To thrive as an Animal Welfare Program Manager, you need a solid background in animal science, welfare practices, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in animal care or advocacy. Familiarity with regulatory compliance systems, data management tools, and animal welfare auditing standards is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you excel in stakeholder engagement and team coordination. These skills ensure programs are effectively implemented, compliant with regulations, and deliver positive outcomes for animal well-being.

What is the difference between Animal Welfare Program Manager vs Animal Shelter Coordinator?

AspectAnimal Welfare Program ManagerAnimal Shelter Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience with shelter operations
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groupsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, or municipal shelters
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on program development, policy implementation, and advocacyHandles daily shelter operations, animal care, and adoption processes
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in animal welfare management and policyLearning about shelter operations and animal care roles

The Animal Welfare Program Manager typically oversees broader initiatives, policy development, and advocacy efforts within animal welfare organizations. In contrast, the Animal Shelter Coordinator focuses on daily shelter operations, animal care, and adoption processes. Both roles are vital in the animal welfare industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is animal welfare a stressful job?

Animal Welfare Program Managers often work in emotionally demanding environments due to exposure to animal suffering, euthanasia, and resource limitations. The role requires strong emotional resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations regularly.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs in California? For Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Animal Welfare Program Manager job openings:
Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Care Associate

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$22.60 - $27.60/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Santa Barbara Zoo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

SUMMARY:
The Animal Care Associate assists the Director of Animal Care with administrative tasks and duties to support the department's operational needs, as assigned, and provides support to the Registrar as needed.
Full Time, Non-Exempt - Monday through Friday - $22.60 - $27.60 DOE
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Department Support Functions:
  • Assists with managing the Animal Care budget; organizing and coding invoices & receipts, maintaining a spreadsheet of the department budget, preparing budget reports, managing purchasing accounts, and submitting reimbursement requests
  • Assists with the preparation and submission of the department credit card monthly statements
  • Performs administrative duties associated with management of the department, including, but not limited to:
    • clerical duties such as organizing and maintaining files
    • photocopy/scan/fax
    • maintaining and updating the staff roster, as assigned
  • Performs data entry as assigned
  • Assists with coordinating meetings, special events, and visiting consultants
  • Prepares reports and documents as assigned
  • Assists with department purchasing of supplies and equipment as needed
  • Assists with researching habitat design and sourcing equipment and supplies for habitats as needed
  • Assists with supporting or coordinating departmental travel
  • Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as
    Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers
  • Assists with supporting the Enriching Experiences Program through data management and liaising with
    Zoological Managers
  • Assists the Registrar with registrar-related duties when needed such as, but not limited to, animal transfer
    logistics and paperwork, maintaining animal records, animal regulatory inspections and inspection
    reports, and permit
  • Assist the Registrar by serving as the primary driver and staff member responsible for the safe, secure, and
    compliant transport of animals between facilities and to/from airports
  • Knowledge of IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal regulations
  • Assists the Registrar with training staff on digital platforms and database use such as, but not limited to
    ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suite
  • Assist with management of digital platforms and databases for the Animal Care Department such as, but not
    limited to ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suite
  • Assists with special projects as assigned
  • Liaises with other departments on assigned administrative and budgetary tasks
  • Liaises with other departments about animal care operations as assigned
  • Assists the department with coordination of volunteer logistics as needed
  • Assists with onboarding of new staff within the department; paperwork, keys, radio, uniforms, etc.
  • Tracks keeper talks and animal experiences (encounters, BTS, camp, tours, etc.) as needed
  • Takes minutes at the weekly Animal Management Meeting and other meetings as needed
  • Attends monthly AC&H department meeting
  • Takes minutes at the quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meeting
  • Attends monthly all-employee meetings when scheduled on days of work
  • Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
  • Applies and exemplifies "Green" (Sustainable) practices whenever possible

Animal Care Keeper Support:
  • Assists with animal care duties when needed and as assigned
  • Assists with animal emergencies as needed in a support role under the direction of the Director of Animal
    Care, Zoological Managers, or Vice President of Animal Care & Health
  • Assists with keeper talks and animal experiences as needed

SECONDARY DUTIES:
  • Attends Monthly All Employee meetings
  • Attends bi-monthly department meetings
  • Attends Animal Management meetings
  • Attends quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meeting
  • Promotes a collaborative relationship across the whole AC&H department
  • Develops positive and collaborative working relationships with other Zoo departments to achieve
    and advance the department and Zoo-wide goals
  • Other duties as assigned to support the operations and management of the Animal Care & Health
    department

Guest Relations:
  • Greets every guest with a smile
  • Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
  • Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
  • Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping the
    work area clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
  • Associates with guests to share information and assist
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations
    procedures
  • Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code
  • Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading the employee
    communications and attending meetings
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo's Core Values, and the
    Employee Pledge

POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Experience working in animal care at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, or equivalent facility
    desirable

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
  • A valid driver's license with a good driving record is desirable

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Windows programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) and generating reports from database information
  • Knowledge of animal record-keeping software (ZIMS)
  • General knowledge of animal taxonomy, animal husbandry
  • Basic knowledge of animal welfare and wildlife laws and regulations specific to exhibition, breeding,
    and domestic and international transport would be beneficial
  • Basic knowledge of population management principles and AZA animal programs would be
    beneficial
  • Excellent organizational skills, resourceful, and good time management practices
  • Ability to follow oral and written direction
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Ability to work effectively in a shared, open-space office with many interruptions
  • Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion
  • Ability to develop productive and professional relationships at work
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and
    our guests

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
  • Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
  • Must be able to participate in operational practices, including the ability to lift 20 lbs., climb stairs,
    manipulate tools, stand/walk for up to two continuous hours
  • Involves working in a shared, open-space office environment, as well as out-of-doors in all weather
    conditions
  • Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:
  • Personal computer and software (Word, Filemaker Pro, Excel, and Outlook)
  • Two-way radio
  • Standard office equipment: telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
  • Hand tools

NOTE: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and to act as a role model in the
adherence to policies. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
involved in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this job.
Compensation: $22.60 - $27.60 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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