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Animal Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Health Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Animal Health Technician is responsible for providing veterinary technical, clinical, and laboratory support for the health care of NZP's non-domestic ...

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and dog walking services . Daily Responsibilities * Enter client homes to provide pet care visits * Walk ...

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and dog walking services . Daily Responsibilities * Enter client homes to provide pet care visits * Walk ...

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and dog walking services . Daily Responsibilities * Enter client homes to provide pet care visits * Walk ...

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and dog walking services . Daily Responsibilities * Enter client homes to provide pet care visits * Walk ...

Passionately Pets is seeking an animal care specialist in Shirlington (22206) for pet sitting and dog walking services . Daily Responsibilities * Enter client homes to provide pet care visits * Walk ...

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Animal information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$10

$21

$29

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Springfield, VA is $21.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.11 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in Springfield, VA?

For Animal jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,732 per year, or $22 per hour.

Animal Health Technician

Smithsonian

Washington, DC • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Department of Wildlife Health Sciences (WHS) at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Animal Health Technician is responsible for providing veterinary technical, clinical, and laboratory support for the health care of NZP's non-domestic animal collection, ensuring effective hospital operations and medical program delivery.
In this position, you will:
  • Provide technical support to veterinarians and consultants in areas such as animal anesthesia, treatment, surgery, dentistry, radiology, and preventative medicine.
  • Monitor hospital equipment and notifies the appropriate departments for servicing when necessary.
  • Assist veterinary staff with taking and developing radiographs for diagnostic purposes, collecting blood, urine, or fecal samples, preparing blood smears, performing diagnostic tests, and completing clinical pathology forms.
  • Assist in maintenance of medical and surgical records.
  • Manage inventory and supplies by following standard operating procedures for ordering, purchasing, and restocking
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work:
  • As a laborer, manager, or owner of a livestock ranch or farm involving direct work with livestock.
  • With livestock in a feed lot.
  • As a Livestock Market Inspector.
  • As an Animal Welfare Inspector.
  • As an assistant to a veterinarian who works with livestock.

In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-XX level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing veterinary technical support in delivering healthcare to a range of non-domestic animals and provide clinical laboratory support through record maintenance and equipment management.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Or
Education: To qualify at the GS-09 grade level based on education, applicants must successfully complete 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the work of the position.
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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