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Director Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary Dependent on Qualifications Dept: Animal Services ---FLSA Status: Exempt General Definition of Work Performs complex work planning, managing, directing, coordinating and supervising the animal ...

Animal Services Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

The Director will manage and promote animal care and welfare services, including shelter and field operations, public health and regulatory compliance, budget and administration, daily operations ...

The Director will manage and promote animal care and welfare services, including shelter and field operations, public health and regulatory compliance, budget and administration, daily operations ...

The Shelter Care Program is responsible for the direct animal care for all nine species of animal accepted for admission at Seattle Humane. This includes an astounding array of dogs, cats, rabbits ...

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Director Animal information

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$18K

$83.7K

$172K

How much do director animal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for director animal in the United States is $83,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Director Animal, you typically need a background in animal science, veterinary medicine, or a related field, along with substantial management experience. Familiarity with regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, budgeting software, and facility management systems is important. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you navigate team dynamics and stakeholder relationships. These abilities are essential to ensure the health and well-being of animals while efficiently overseeing operations and strategic initiatives.

What are the common responsibilities of a Director Animal on a daily basis?

Directors of Animal programs oversee animal care facilities, set operational policies, manage staff, and ensure all practices comply with local, state, and federal regulations. On a typical day, you may review animal health and welfare reports, coordinate with veterinarians and caretakers, develop or update protocols, and liaise with external partners or regulatory agencies. You'll also address any facility concerns, oversee staff training, and monitor budgets and resource allocation. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role that requires balancing strategic leadership with direct engagement in animal care operations.

What is the highest paying job for animals?

The highest paying jobs related to animals typically involve specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, zoological directors, or animal research scientists, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience in animal care, research, or management.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying roles in animal welfare are often executive positions such as Director of Animal Programs or Chief Animal Welfare Officer, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of animal care and welfare policies.

What is a Director Animal job?

A Director of Animal job typically involves overseeing the care, welfare, and management of animals within an organization, such as a zoo, animal shelter, or research facility. This role includes developing policies, ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, managing staff, and coordinating animal care programs. Directors may also be responsible for budgeting, fundraising, and community outreach efforts. Strong leadership, veterinary knowledge, and experience in animal management are often required for this position.

How much does the CEO of Humane World for Animals earn?

The CEO of Humane World for Animals typically earns a salary that varies based on the organization's size and funding, with industry averages ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 annually. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and stock options depending on the organization's structure and location.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying job in animal care is typically a Veterinary Specialist or Veterinary Surgeon, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These roles require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they work in clinical or research settings to diagnose and treat complex animal health issues.
More about Director Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Animal jobs? Cities with the most Director Animal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs? The most popular types of Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Director Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Animal jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Animal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,683 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Assistant Director, Animal Care

Assistant Director, Animal Care

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Florida State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
Laboratory Animal Resources within the Office of Research seeks to fill the Assistant Director of Animal Care position.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for providing direction for the daily operation of the animal care and husbandry program. Provides strategic oversight for all LAR-maintained facilities. Relieves the LAR Director of a wide variety of internal duties and on-the-ground decision making. Supervises the functions and activities of LAR direct animal care staff. Ensures that animal care staff follow established operating procedures. Schedules, assigns and re-assigns work to ensure efficient utilization of manpower, equipment and facilities. Determines needs and makes recommendations for staffing and new/replacement equipment and/or services. Coordinates hiring, orienting, training, assessing, disciplinary action and termination procedures for LAR direct animal care staff. Communicate with faculty and investigators to determine project requirements for animal resources, housing, and care. Complete and coordinate complex projects and reports, which may require significant contact with other departments and outside organizations. Participates in and provides input for planning, design and commissioning of renovations and new spaces. Develops changes to operational policies for LAR animal care and husbandry programs.
This position preforms rounds in animal facilities to ensure maintenance of required sanitation standards and conformance to AAALAC, USDA, Guide, IACUC and department policies and guidelines; observes and reports noticeable deficiencies. Provides detailed written inspection reports of all the animal facilities routinely to the LAR Director. Participates in department and IACUC inspections, AAALAC site visits and other regulatory visits. Ensures that equipment and facilities are maintained in operational condition. Ensures that equipment or facility issues are reported in a timely fashion and follows through to ensure the problems are resolved. Serves as departmental property manager. Responsible for information and inventory management, and coordinating supply orders while remaining within budgetary constraints.
This position provides technical expertise and instruction in animal use and experimentation. Will Assist with colony health surveillance monitoring program as needed. Will serve as acting supervisor of cage wash personnel in absence of Cage Wash and Ancillary Services Supervisor. Oversees integrated pest management program. Attends regional or national meetings periodically to remain current with industry standards and to promote teamwork and growth in LAR. Participates in emergency response planning and contingency planning for animal facilities. Rotates after hours, weekend, and holiday coverage with Cage Wash and Ancillary Services Supervisor. Perform other duties as assigned related to operation of animal facilities and animal care program.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and four years experience in a related science or research services field or a Masters and two years experience in a related science or research services field. Must hold a current LATG Certification issued by AALAS.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing personnel and operations within an academic laboratory animal care program
  • American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) certification
  • Master's degree in laboratory animal science, veterinary science, biological science, business administration, public administration, or a related field
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with investigators, animal care staff, veterinary staff, and institutional partners

Contact Info
Cassidy Cooksey at rsch-workforce@fsu.edu
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses .
Anticipated Salary Range
The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000 - $140,000.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculato r to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .
Applicants must submit a cover letter outlining their qualifications, leadership experience, and leadership philosophy. The letter should include a discussion of how the applicant would balance the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance while supporting and facilitating the research and teaching missions of the University. Applicants must provide a minimum of three professional references familiar with their work performance and leadership abilities, including each reference's relationship to the applicant, email address, and telephone number. Applicants that do not submit all required materials will not be considered.
This position participates in a rotation of after hours, weekend, and holiday on-call with other LAR supervisory personnel.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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About Florida State University

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One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tallahassee, FL, US

Year founded

1851