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Animal Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Can you detect a dying party before anyone else notices? We're looking for a Party Animal to serve as the Chief Vibes Officer of every gathering. Responsibilities Keep energy high and conversations ...

Associate's degree in animal science, Zoology, Veterinary Technology, Criminal Justice, Biology, or related field required; supplemented by three (3) years of experience in animal control with an ...

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See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

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How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Decatur, GA is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Careers Work With Animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

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

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What are 10 occupations?

Occupations related to animals include veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, pet groomer, wildlife biologist, animal control officer, veterinary technician, pet sitter, animal shelter worker, and conservation scientist. These roles often require specific skills, certifications, or degrees in animal care, biology, or related fields. They involve working in environments such as clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor habitats.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What careers can I do with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales managers, real estate brokers, and certain skilled trades like electricians or plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience, and may involve working long hours or in high-demand environments.

What jobs can you get with animals?

Jobs with animals include roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, pet groomer, wildlife rehabilitator, and veterinary technician. These positions often require relevant education, certifications, and experience working with animals in various environments like clinics, zoos, or shelters.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,746 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Animal Care Trainee (Vivarium) - Atlanta, GA

Animal Care Trainee (Vivarium) - Atlanta, GA

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 211 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.


The Division of Animal Resources at the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full-time Animal Care Trainee to join our dedicated Animal Care team to assist with husbandry and activities related to the daily operations of the rodent colony. Observing all established guidelines for proper care and welfare of the animals, the ideal candidate will be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, and compassion for both animals and people. If you are someone with lab animal experience (preferably with rodents) who is familiar with animal observations, husbandry, and cage wash duties, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

The Animal Care Trainee learns to perform routine duties associated with animal care in a research setting such as feeding, administering medication, maintaining sanitary conditions, observation, restraint and minor cage maintenance. The Animal Care Trainee ensures the cleanliness of the facility and the maintenance of adequate supplies of food and bedding materials, including PPE. The Animal Care Trainee will work together with other technicians according to a schedule prepared by the Associate Operations Manager and must be willing and able to rotate through all Emory DAR facilities. The Animal Care Trainee ensures the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services. This position reports directly to the Animal Care Supervisor.  This position is considered essential and requires some weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operates cage washers and ensures that equipment is in proper working order.
  • May assist in the collection of blood, urine and feces from animals for medical research.
  • Performs related responsibilities as required.
  • Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The ability to read and write and to lift up to 75 pounds.
  • Positions in this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Demonstrated outstanding working habits, including the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in an animal research environment requiring continuous contact with animals.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand established guidelines for humane care and welfare of laboratory animals as described by AAALAC.
  • Working knowledge of hygiene principles, safety protocols, and basic animal husbandry.
  • Communication skills, including the ability to write and understand English and to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Certifications issued by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
  • Experience working in a biosafety environment.
  • Demonstrated computer skills proficiency.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

  • Hours/Weekends/Holidays: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, alternating weekends and holidays.
  • This position has an indoor/outdoor work environment that may require working in inclement weather conditions.
  • This position also requires exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Assists with performing minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
  • Requires the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. as well as move/push heavy racks a short distance.
  • Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects. 

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.


Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.


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