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Animal Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Knoxville Zoo

Animal Nutrition Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Animal Collections Date Posted: 8/14/2026 Location: Zoo Knoxville Job Title: Nutrition Specialist Department: Animal Care Date Written: 8/22/2024 Reports To: Nutritional Services Supervisor Status ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

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$26

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Oak Ridge, TN is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 careers can I have 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 may involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What careers do you work with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, 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.
More about Animal jobs

What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Animal jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Animal job openings:

Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,858 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Animal Services Officer

YOUNG-WILLIAMS ANIMAL CENTER OF EAST TENNESSEE

Knoxville, TN

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:  The Young-Williams Animal Services Officer works to ensure that the Animal Services Department provides modern, humane and professional animal services to the residents of the City of Knoxville and Knox County as outlined in the service agreement. This role performs the administration and enforcement of ordinances and statutes related to the care and control of animals, as well as, ensures industry best practices in performing daily duties. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining positive and productive relationships with the shelter team, pet owners, community members and other relevant community agencies, all with the goal of making the Young-Williams Animal Center a regional and national leader in animal welfare. 

 ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

 Supervised by:       Animal Services Supervisor

 GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

 Performs specialized work for the County residents to resolve various issues related to animals and when necessary the enforcement of local and State ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals.

 The position is subject to the common risks of animal control enforcement and care. Work is performed in accordance with County and State laws. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Animal Services Supervisor and is evaluated through observation and discussions concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of performed duties. 

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operate with a high level of professionalism while instilling a high level of public confidence. Must be able to meet and deal with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
  • Receive and respond to requests for animal control service(s), including but not limited to aiding residents in the compliance of animal control regulations, capturing and confining of stray animals and attempting to locate and return animal to the owners prior to impoundment, rescuing injured and diseased animals and impounding, when necessary, dangerous animals.
  • Treat all animals humanely, properly and with compassion at all times
  • Provide community outreach and engagement with city and county residents to provide information on proper pet care and control including spay/neuter, welfare concerns and related laws
  • Maintain thorough records of various impounds, road activities, investigations, etc.
  • Issue citations violating local ordinances, and, in collaboration with a law enforcement liaison, conduct investigations violating state laws and statutes
  • Testify in court, when compliance efforts fail against owners who disregard or violate ordinances
  • Operate an organization vehicle in carrying out enforcement duties
  • Maintain all assigned equipment to ensure cleanliness and proper functioning
  • Learn current national best practices in the field of animal care and control 
  • Inform the Animal Services Supervisor of needed supplies
  • Collaborate with shelter team to enforce cleaning/disinfecting, intake, triage and other shelter protocols
  • Stay up to date on city, state and federal animal-related laws, including revisions/additions in order to ensure Department maintains compliance
  • Other duties as established

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

  • This position requires the ability to work any shift, including weekends and holiday (including limited notice response for emergencies and disaster response).

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Tact and courtesy in explaining proper animal care and animal control regulations to animal owners and the general public
  • Ability to remain pleasant and calm in stressful situations 
  • Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, relevant laws and ordinances related to animal welfare
  • Independent judgment and initiative in application of the law
  • Handling animals of all temperaments, species, breeds and sizes in a humane and safe manner
  • Ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and animals who may exhibit medical and/or other problems, including aggressive tendencies
  • Ability to use the equipment and physical means necessary for the purpose of capturing and caring for animals
  • Ability to record and maintain thorough and accurate records concerning daily activities, calls and investigations
  • Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
  • Work with minimal supervision and direction
  • A proven willingness to assist and help people care for their animals rather than approach all situations with a law enforcement-based approach
  • A compassionate, friendly, team-oriented personality
  • Commitment to uphold the Core Values of compassion, empathy, innovation, integrity, dedication and collaboration

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in a kennel, shelter or veterinary setting
  • Customer service and/or social work experience preferred
  • Ability to successfully complete in-house training program(s)
  • or an equivalent combination of education and experience 

 OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Complete course(s) related to basic animal control functions

 MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:    A successful candidate must be able to:

  • Maintain a polite, professional, and informative demeanor with staff members, volunteers, veterinarians, law enforcement officials, elected officials, attorneys, representatives from other agencies, and the general public
  • Communicate effectively and clearly
  • Handle exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratches
  • Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, two-way radios, hand tools, animal traps, etc.
  • Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Work in all-weather conditions
  • See close up, distance and have the ability to adjust focus and have normal depth and peripheral vision
  • Sustain a full 8-10-hour day of driving, walking, bending, and physical activity in the field
  • Enter data in a computer database system and maintain accurate records
  • Work alone with minimal supervision, identify issues that arise and are a potential liability the agency 
  • Resolve conflicts successfully

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