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Animal Welfare Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Handling Specialist

Tar Heel, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

... manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and ... Assurance (TQA) program, as needed.Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of ...

Animal Handling Specialist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

... manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and ... program, as needed. * Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of facilities and ...

Animal Handling Specialist

Tar Heel, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

... manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and ... program, as needed. * Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of facilities and ...

Animal Handling Specialist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

... manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and ... Assurance (TQA) program, as needed.Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of ...

Macon Bibb Animal Welfare Shelter, GA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 202500168 Department: Sheriff ... Maintain written and computerized reports of any calls handled and submit to Assistant Manager for ...

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Animal Welfare Program Manager information

See salary details

$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do animal welfare program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal welfare program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs? Cities with the most Animal Welfare Program Manager job openings:
What states have the most Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Welfare Program Manager jobs are:
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Program Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 77% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Animal Handling Specialist

Smithfield Foods

Tar Heel, NC • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet.

With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING: The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As an Animal Handling Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare at the plant level. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to lead training initiatives for all livestock handlers, oversee daily animal care, and manage comprehensive animal welfare audits. You'll serve as a crucial link between the plant and regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance with government livestock handling standards and addressing any noncompliance reports.

Additionally, you'll represent the plant during audits and tours, championing animal welfare practices and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records. If you're passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a meaningful impact, this role offers both purpose and professional growth.WHAT YOU'LL DO: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

May perform other duties as assigned. Animal Handling & Transportation: Monitors trucks for proper transportation equipment, unloading practices, timeliness of arrival, and animal wait times. Monitors pigs' for signs of sensibility and appropriate rest time, correct use of approved handling tools, proper handling procedures throughout the facility, and handling during extreme weather conditions.Animal Welfare Oversight: Organizes and leads animal welfare response team committee meetings and actions.

Serves as plant lead on all audit and tour groups involving animal welfare. Prepares documentation needed during animal welfare audits and presents it to the auditor. Conducts daily plant and transportation audits, and reviews audit results with Smithfield's management.Training & Education: Trains all current and new hires who handle livestock on Smithfield's livestock handling, euthanization, and humane handling policies.

Attends company and industry events and training sessions to enhance knowledge, grow professional relationships, and represent the company on animal welfare topics.Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations: Maintains positive relationships with government officials, addresses issues or concerns, and drafts responses to noncompliance reports. Trains Smithfield employees, producers, and transporters on the National Pork Board's Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) program, as needed.Facility Maintenance & Operations: Monitors condition of facilities and assists with scheduling maintenance as needed. Assists with daily tasks involved in receiving animals and maintaining operational efficiency and accuracy.WHAT WE'RE SEEKING: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.Bachelor's degree; preferred.Prior Animal Handling Instruction, preferred.PAACO certified auditor, preferred.Trucker Quality Assurance (TQA) Instructor Certification, preferred.Working knowledge of livestock handling tools.Working knowledge and experience with captive bolt gun.OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).Excellent verbal and written communication skills with management, producers, USDA and others as needed.Ability to multi-task, prioritize daily work assignments and manage time wisely.Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequently required to move and/or lift 50 pounds and occasionally required to move and/or lift more than 100 pounds.Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Relocation Package Available No EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.