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Associate Animator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Beauty Manager

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$16.49/hr

Supports the execution of the monthly animation - You Walk the floor with your team and other ... All associates are eligible for an associate discount on JCPenney merchandise. For paid holidays ...

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Associate Animator information

See Arizona salary details

$9

$36

$65

How much do associate animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate animator in Arizona is $36.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $59.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate animator?

An associate animator is an entry-level or junior position in animation teams, responsible for assisting senior animators with creating and refining animated content. They typically use animation software such as Adobe Animate or Maya and may need a relevant degree or portfolio to qualify. The role often involves collaboration, learning industry standards, and developing technical skills.

How to get an animation job with no experience?

To get an associate animator position with no experience, focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases your skills in animation software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom. Completing relevant courses or certifications, creating personal projects, and gaining familiarity with industry-standard tools can improve your chances; internships or volunteering can also provide valuable experience and connections.

Are animators in demand right now?

Animator positions are generally in demand due to the growth of digital media, film, gaming, and advertising industries. Skilled animators proficient in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and with a strong portfolio, have good employment prospects. However, demand can vary by region and industry trends.

What can you do with an associate's degree in animation?

An associate's degree in animation prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as junior animator, production assistant, or graphic designer in creative studios or media companies. It provides foundational skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects or Maya and may lead to further specialization or advancement with additional experience or education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Associate Animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, artistic design, and a relevant degree or certification in animation, graphic design, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, or Blender is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and open communication skills make candidates stand out in collaborative production environments. These skills are vital for meeting project goals, delivering high-quality animations, and contributing effectively to creative teams.

What is an Associate Animator job?

An Associate Animator is an entry-level role in animation, responsible for creating and refining animations for games, films, or other media. They work under senior animators to develop character movements, environment animations, and special effects. Their tasks may include keyframing, rigging, and refining motion to ensure smooth and realistic animations. Strong proficiency in animation software like Maya, Blender, or After Effects is typically required. This role serves as a foundation for advancing to higher-level animation positions.

What does a typical day look like for an Associate Animator?

A typical day for an Associate Animator involves collaborating closely with senior animators, designers, and project managers to create and refine animation assets according to project requirements. You may spend time blocking out animation sequences, participating in team reviews, and revising your work based on feedback. Daily tasks often include working in software like Maya or After Effects, attending team meetings to discuss progress, and tracking deliverables to meet production deadlines. This role provides a valuable opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gradually take on more complex animation assignments as your skills grow.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Animator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Associate Animator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Associate Animator job openings:

Senior Manager, Digital Creative (Associate Creative Director)

PetSmart Careers Apply

Phoenix, AZ • Hybrid

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the Team

Marketing brings our brand to life through deep expertise and an authentic love for pets. The team is dedicated to delivering personalized experiences for our consumers, supported by best-in-class, data-driven marketing capabilities.

The work spans key areas including Loyalty, Customer Analytics & Research, Brand Experience & Creative, and Omni-Channel Marketing. Each team member brings a unique perspective, working together to create meaningful and engaging experiences for both pets and pet parents.

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote "flex day" (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

PetSmart is building a modern, high-performing in-house creative organization-one that owns outcomes, moves fast, and leverages innovation to scale impact. As Senior Manager Digital Creative, you are a proactive creative leader who blends strong creative judgment, operational discipline, and an AI-forward mindset to deliver exceptional digital work.

As Senior Manager, Digital Creative, you serve as a senior creative leader with significant scope, influence, and ownership. In many organizations, this level of responsibility aligns to an Associate Creative Director; at PetSmart, we've intentionally structured the Senior Manager role to lead with both creative authority and operational accountability.

This role is for someone who thinks ahead, takes ownership, communicates with confidence, and is constantly exploring smarter, faster, more effective ways to create-without compromising quality.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and deliver digital creative across web, app, email, animation, and select special projects, from concept through deployment
  • Own creative quality, consistency, and on-time delivery across all assigned work
  • Set clear direction, anticipate risks, and proactively solve problems before they slow the work
  • Develop and deliver strategic creative solutions that meet business objectives while adhering to brand standards, budgets, and timelines
  • Balance hands-on design with people leadership, coaching, and mentorship
  • Lead, mentor, and allocate work for a team of 2-5 creatives, supporting growth, quality, and delivery
  • Partner closely with Creative, Marketing, eCommerce, and Creative Operations teams
  • Translate briefs and business goals into compelling, on-brand creative solutions
  • Present work with clarity and confidence to peers, senior leaders, and executive stakeholders
  • Champion AI-enabled tools, animation, and new technologies to improve efficiency, scale output, and evolve creative execution.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, optimize processes, and help the team work smarter and faster. Don't wait to be told, go ahead and make it happen.
  • Stay ahead of digital, UX, animation, and creative trends-continuously raising the bar
  • Provide art direction for photo and video production as needed, guiding external and internal partners through shoot and post-production
  • Act as a trusted creative and brand expert and Creative Director proxy when needed-leading reviews, presentations, and partner discussions

Who You Are

  • A proactive, solution-oriented leader who takes full ownership and follows through
  • Highly articulate communicator who can clearly explain creative strategy and sell ideas at all levels
  • Incredibly organized, calm under pressure, and effective in a (very) fast-paced environment
  • A strong creative storyteller with excellent judgment and attention to detail
  • AI-obsessed and efficiency-minded, always experimenting with new tools, workflows, and ways of working
  • Collaborative, confident, and trusted by partners and peers
  • Comfortable giving clear, actionable feedback and pushing the team to evolve
  • Possess a high level of expectations for yourself and for your team
  • Passionate about digital craft, retail, the customer, innovation, and continuous improvement
  • A pet lover who brings heart, energy, and pride to the PetSmart brand

Skills & Experience

  • 8+ years of creative experience (in-house preferred or agency), including 4+ years leading teams
  • Proven success as a Creative Senior Manager, Associate Creative Director
  • Strong portfolio showcasing high-impact digital and animated work
  • Expert in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and presentation software; strong knowledge of AI-enabled creative tools and workflows
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills
  • Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving ability
  • Demonstrated interest in growing into a Creative Director role. You're willing to put in the hard work
Additional Job Considerations
  • This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
  • Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
  • On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About the Culture

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. 

We're more than a workplace, we're Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what's right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We'd still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

  • Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
  • On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
  • "Top Dog" gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
  • "Sit & Stay" Cafe serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
  • "Lil Paws" NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
  • Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
  • Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.

Employment Type: OTHER