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Day Shift Animal Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Day Shift Animal information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do day shift animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for day shift animal in Reston, VA is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a day shift animal care worker do?

A Day Shift Animal Care Worker is responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in facilities such as shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics, or zoos during daytime hours. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, administering medications as directed, and providing enrichment activities. They may also interact with the public, assist with adoptions, and keep detailed records about the animals. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to handle animals safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a day shift animal caretaker?

To thrive as a Day Shift Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic animal care practices, and often a high school diploma or relevant animal care certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning equipment, and sometimes first aid for animals is typically required. Strong attention to detail, compassion, and the ability to communicate effectively with team members are valuable soft skills. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, efficient operations, and safety for both animals and staff.

What does a typical day look like for someone working as a day shift animal caretaker at a shelter or veterinary facility?

A day shift animal caretaker typically starts their day with feeding and providing fresh water to all animals in their care, followed by cleaning enclosures or kennels. Throughout the day, they monitor the animals' health, administer any necessary medications, and assist with basic grooming. Caretakers also spend time socializing animals, recording observations, and communicating with veterinarians or adoption staff as needed. The role is hands-on, physically active, and requires close collaboration with other caretakers and facility staff to ensure a safe, healthy environment for the animals.

What is the difference between Day Shift Animal vs Night Shift Animal?

AspectDay Shift AnimalNight Shift Animal
Work HoursTypically 8 AM - 4 PMTypically 8 PM - 4 AM
Work EnvironmentDaytime activity, busier with visitorsNighttime activity, quieter, less crowded
Required CredentialsBasic animal handling certification, experienceSame as Day Shift Animal, often with additional night safety protocols
Employer & IndustryZoological parks, animal shelters, pet careSame as Day Shift Animal

Both Day Shift Animal and Night Shift Animal roles involve caring for animals, but they differ mainly in work hours and environment. Day Shift Animal jobs are performed during daytime hours with busier settings, while Night Shift Animal roles focus on overnight care with quieter surroundings. The required credentials are similar, making the choice dependent on your preferred work schedule.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Day Shift Animal jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Day Shift Animal job openings:

Day Shift Animal jobs near you

Animal Husbandry Technician II

Fladger Associates

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:

  • Excellent employment opportunity for an Animal Husbandry Technician II in the Gaithersburg, MD area.
  • Provide extra support to the team to do cage wash, general cleaning, and prep work for the facility.
  • Candidates must be comfortable with performing cage wash duties on a regular basis.
  • Observe appropriate safety and study requirements by reading, understanding and following Standard Operating Procedures (LAR Guideliness), and study protocols.
  • Observe appropriate safety and health practices including personal protective equipment and barrier requirements.
  • Remove animal waste from cages and prepare cages and associated caging equipment (bottles, feeders, lids) for washing.
  • Operate cage/rack washer and maintain cage washer operation logs.
  • Prepare clean cages with bedding.
  • Prepare cleaning chemicals
  • Operate autoclave and sterilize animal caging equipment and materials. Maintain sterilization logs.
  • Maintain the animal facility in a clean and orderly condition. Remove regular trash and biohazard waste.
  • Operate and adjust animal watering system. Monitor facility water quality.
  • Receive, quarantine and remove animals as required.
  • Change cages using appropriate techniques
  • Perform daily health/mortality checks. Evaluate health status of animals. Communicate concerns with Lead RATs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the LAR Supervisor or Manager
  • Work independently to perform daily tasks
  • Shift: Day Shift; 8 hours plus lunch break
Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • ALAT certification preferred
  • At least 2 years of experience working in a laboratory animal research setting or AA degree in biological sciences plus 1 years of experience
  • Ability to lift objects frequently in performing daily work activities
  • Ability to pull or push objects on a regular basis
  • Ability to carry objects on a regular basis in the arms or on the shoulders
  • Ability to grasp objects utilizing the fingers (fine motor manipulation)
  • Ability to reach for objects above the head or below the waist.
  • Ability to stoop of crouch by bending at the waist or by bending the legs
  • Ability to withstand exposure to high temperature levels that may results in some body discomfort.
  • Knowledge and use of protective equipment and safety procedures related to the possible exposure to dusts, viruses, tissues, chemicals, fumes, vapors, and mists that could potentially affect the health of the employee
  • Knowledge of normal animal behavior for mouse, rat and hamster species
  • Knowledge of USDA, OLAW and AAALAC requirements
  • Knowledge of hazardous and infectious material handling
  • Basic computer skills - Microsoft Office, Outlook
  • Complete knowledge of sanitation and sterilization processes.
  • Use of specialized equipment such as rack washer, autoclave, floor cleaner.
  • Ability to humanely handle all species of laboratory animals.
  • Ability to distinguish unhealthy animals from healthy animals.
  • Ability to learn new technical skills.

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