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Creative Animal Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Tech I

Boulder, CO · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

... creative work, and growing research enterprise. We are focused on creating global impact by ... Animal Health: * Evaluates the basic health status of animals and reports abnormalities to the ...

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Creative Animal information

See Colorado salary details

$18

$30

$42

How much do creative animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative animal in Colorado is $30.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.31 and $32.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

A creative animal professional can work as a zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, or pet behaviorist, often requiring relevant certifications or degrees. These roles involve caring for, training, or educating about animals and may require hands-on experience and knowledge of animal behavior. Other options include working in pet grooming, veterinary assistance, or animal shelter management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in creative animal care roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in creative animal care roles, such as animal enrichment coordinators or trainers, often encounter challenges like designing activities that are both safe and stimulating for a variety of species. Balancing animal welfare with creative enrichment requires a deep understanding of behavior and collaboration with veterinarians and animal keepers. Staying updated on new enrichment techniques and adapting to individual animal needs are also essential. Regular team meetings and continuous education help address these challenges, ensuring both animal well-being and professional growth.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A creative animal-related role that can pay around $4,000 weekly without a degree is high-level freelance animal trainer or consultant, especially for specialized or high-profile clients. Success in such roles often depends on experience, reputation, and skills in animal behavior, training, or entertainment, with some earning substantial income through private clients or projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Director, you need a strong background in visual design, branding, and concept development, often supported by a degree in design or a related field and a robust portfolio. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving skills set outstanding Creative Directors apart. These abilities are vital for guiding teams, delivering innovative campaigns, and ensuring cohesive brand messaging.

What are Creative Animals?

Creative Animals are professionals who use their imagination, innovation, and artistic skills to develop new ideas, concepts, and solutions in various industries. They often work in fields such as advertising, design, marketing, content creation, and the arts, contributing fresh perspectives and original work. Creative Animals thrive on thinking outside the box and are valued for their ability to solve problems with creativity and flair.

What is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal-related job is often a zoo director or senior veterinarian, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as wildlife conservation managers or marine mammal trainers can also command high salaries, especially with advanced certifications and experience.

What are some unique animal career paths?

A creative animal professional might work as an animal behaviorist, designing enrichment activities for zoos or shelters, or as an animal trainer for film and television. Other unique paths include wildlife rehabilitator, conservation photographer, or zoological illustrator, often requiring specialized skills, certifications, or knowledge of animal biology and habitats.

What is the difference between Creative Animal vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative AnimalGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsPortfolio, creative skills, sometimes a degree in art or designDegree in graphic design, visual arts, or related field; portfolio essential
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, media companies, creative studiosDesign firms, marketing departments, freelance
Industry UsageUsed in advertising, branding, media projectsUsed in branding, marketing, print and digital media

Creative Animal and Graphic Designer roles both require a strong portfolio and creative skills. Creative Animals often work in advertising and media environments, focusing on innovative concepts, while Graphic Designers typically handle visual branding and digital design projects. Both roles are essential in the creative industry, with overlapping skills but different focus areas.

Infographic showing various Creative Animal job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $63,969 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

$16.25 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

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


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Requisition Number:

73370

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

University Staff

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

26-Jul-2026

Date Posted:

10-Jul-2026
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Job Summary
The Office of Animal Resources invites applications for an Animal Care Technician I! This position supports research involving laboratory animals by providing animal care and husbandry services, monitoring animal health, and maintaining animal care facilities, in compliance with university and federal standards. The position also provides routine and specialized care for a variety of species of small laboratory animals which are used by scientists for research and education at the University of Colorado Boulder.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The Office of Animal Resources (OAR) is a service center within the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) responsible for providing high-quality animal care, veterinary care, and support for the research and teaching missions of the University of Colorado Boulder. The highly dedicated and experienced OAR staff are committed to the health and well-being of laboratory animals, student and investigator training, and technical service.

RIO is the central point for support and advocacy for CU Boulder's world-class scholarship, creative work, and growing research enterprise. We are focused on creating global impact by cultivating and supporting collaboration, transformation and leadership. At the heart of this focus are the contributions of a wide range of world-class experts, working together to accelerate ideas throughout the innovation lifecycle. We endeavor to embody CU Boulder's dedication to exemplifying excellence by creating a welcoming environment, enhancing the success of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our ability to share and engage with varied perspectives.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Animal Husbandry:
  • Changes and/or cleans soiled animal cages, feeding devices and watering devices.
  • Cleans/sanitizes at regular intervals direct and indirect animal contact surfaces by washing with appropriate detergents/disinfectants.
  • Collects soiled animal bedding and other wastes and transports to designated waste disposal sites (i.e. cage wash room or dumpster).
  • Procures animal feed and supplies from appropriate support areas and transports to required use site.
Animal Health:
  • Evaluates the basic health status of animals and reports abnormalities to the appropriate personnel.
  • Weighs, administers medications, breeds, records breeding status data, euthanizes, restrains, receives and transports laboratory animals as directed by supervisor or veterinarian.
Documentation:
  • Records daily animal care activities on room check sheets and enters work activities into database.
  • Contacts appropriate personnel regarding dead/sick animals, overcrowded cages, euthanasia requests and specific project requirements via e-mail or phone.
  • Scans cage cards to record animal census in the animal rooms.
  • Ensures that all appropriate documentation is completed for all rooms assigned to their area.
Room/Facility Maintenance:
  • Selects, prepares, dispenses and uses hazardous chemicals and disinfectants according to manufacturer's instructions in cleaning and sanitizing animal rooms, racks, cages and pens, and animal support areas.
  • Operates mechanical equipment to clean and sterilize cages such as autoclaves and cage washers.
  • Operates equipment such as floor buffers, high pressure washers, laundry equipment, and environmental monitoring equipment for cleaning/sanitizing purposes.
  • Cleans/sanitizes/disinfects animal holding rooms, procedure rooms, and support rooms.
  • Ensures that all rooms within their assigned area are following strict SOP guidelines.
What You Should Know
  • This is a fully on-site position on the CU Boulder campus. This position typically works weekdays, but will also need to work some holidays and weekends.
What We Can Offer
  • The annual hiring range for this full-time position is $39,500-$41,000.
Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements
Be dynamic. Be inspired. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • One year of experience caring for, feeding, or providing health care for animals in a veterinary laboratory, breeding or boarding facility.
  • College coursework in a field of study related to the work assignment may substitute year-for-year for the general experience.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
What You Will Need
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, customer service, critical thinking, written communication, verbal communication, organization, attention to detail, general office equipment, bookkeeping, problem solving, time management, computer use, and basic mathematical skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Experience working in an animal research facility.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience entering and manipulating data in a database.
  • Experience managing inventory.
  • Experience handling small rodents and animals.
  • Experience with dead animal carcasses.
  • Experience with the movement of freight.
  • Experience using a variety of cage wash equipment.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials: 

1. A current resume. 
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. 

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by July 26, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Essential Services

This position is designated "essential services." The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures. 


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