ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Urban Animal

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

$250/hr

Urban Animal's Worker-Owners use governance to help shape what their jobs look like and how care is delivered. COME JOIN US IN DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Founded in 2012, Urban Animal pioneered a ...

City of Amarillo Texas

ANIMAL CARE WORKER

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$15.30/hr

Performs animal intake, claiming and adoption activities as assigned. * Provides humane sheltering ... Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with other City ...

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

... working with dogs, cats, and other animals in a hands-on environment. · Ability to follow written ... animal care, cleanliness, safety, and client service. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS · Must be able to ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Foster a positive and collaborative working environment for staff, encouraging teamwork, communication, and a shared commitment to animal welfare. * Maintain inventory and report supplies and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsAnimal Worker Jobs

Animal Worker information

See salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do animal worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal worker in the United States is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal worker?

Animal workers are professionals who care for, monitor, and manage the well-being of animals in various settings such as shelters, zoos, farms, veterinary clinics, and research facilities. Their duties may include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, and assisting with medical treatments. Animal workers often play a crucial role in ensuring animals are healthy, safe, and treated humanely, and may also help with training or socializing animals depending on the environment.

What are some common challenges animal workers face when caring for different species in a facility?

Animal Workers often encounter challenges such as adapting care routines to meet the specific needs of various species, managing animal stress during handling or medical procedures, and ensuring all animals receive appropriate nutrition and enrichment. Working with multiple species may require quickly learning new protocols and being attentive to their unique behaviors. Collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other team members is key to maintaining high standards of animal welfare and overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as an Animal Worker, you need foundational knowledge of animal care, behavior, and welfare, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, basic medical tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and attention to detail are soft skills that distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, safe work environments, and effective collaboration with colleagues and clients.

What is the difference between Animal Worker vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal WorkerAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; some may require certification or veterinary assistant training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, farms, zoos, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in animal shelters, farms, zoosPrimarily in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, cleaning, basic animal careAssisting veterinarians, administering medications, monitoring animals

Animal Workers and Animal Care Technicians both work with animals in various settings. While Animal Workers focus on basic care and maintenance, Animal Care Technicians often have more specialized roles, including assisting veterinarians. The roles overlap in work environment and required credentials, but differ in responsibilities and level of technical skill.

How do I start to work with animal workers?

To work as an animal worker, gaining relevant experience through volunteering or internships at animal shelters or farms is helpful. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and certifications in animal care or handling can improve job prospects. Strong communication skills, physical stamina, and a genuine interest in animal welfare are also important.
More about Animal Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Worker job openings:

What states have the most Animal Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Worker jobs?

For Animal Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,613 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

SR RESEARCH ANIMAL WORKER

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

Rutgers University
Education Programs Administration • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Rutgers Universityexternal

$45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform daily care of livestock animals used in research, teaching, and outreach on the Cook Campus agricultural animal farm.

  • Guide and instruct student workers in the performance of their duties.

  • Assist in caring for all animal species on the NJAES Farm and become proficient in ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis and artificial insemination of cattle.

Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
SR RESEARCH ANIMAL WORKER
Job Category
AFSCME Local 888
Department
Animal Care
Overview
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.
For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Sr Research Animal Worker for the Animal Care Program, Department of Animal Science.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
  • Performs diversified duties to support the operation of the Animal Care Program with the daily care of livestock animals used in research, teaching and outreach on the Cook Campus agricultural animal farm.
  • Guides and instructs student workers in the performance of their duties.

FLSA
Nonexempt
Grade
16
Salary Details
Minimum Salary
45958.880
Mid Range Salary
54066.420
Maximum Salary
62358.530
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Position Status
Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
40.00
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description
AFSCME - Local 888
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Farm Workers
Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
PERS
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • High school education or equivalent, plus one year of related animal handling experience. An equivalent combination of experience and/or related college-level course work may be substituted for the above experience.

Certifications/Licenses
  • A valid driver's license would be required for this position.
  • Must have or be willing to obtain certification in the application of pesticides.
  • Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
  • AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Certification if assigned to the Poultry and Small Animal Research Unit.
  • Intradepartmental transfer to Poultry and Small Animal Research Unit would require AALAS certification at Assistant Technician level within one year.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in animal husbandry or associated field.
  • Knowledge and experience working with agricultural animals.
  • Certification at the Technician level.

Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions
  • Ability to work weekends.
  • Ability to perform experimental procedures.
  • This position will primarily be involved with caring for all animal species on the NJAES Farm.
  • The Sr Research Animal Worker will be required to become proficient in the use of ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis in livestock.
  • Proficient in artificial insemination of cattle.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.
  • The Sr Research Animal Worker will be required to work outdoors, including during inclement weather.
  • The Sr Research Animal Worker will be required to assist in snow removal when necessary.
  • Ability to operate University vehicles, skid steer loaders, tractors and farm implements and equipment such as mowers, weed whackers, and steam cleaners.
  • Safe Driving Record.

Posting Details
Posting Number
26ST1672
Posting Open Date
08/27/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 09/04/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.
Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

What Rutgers University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply