Entry Level Animal Behavior Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I (ACT I)

Job Title: Animal Care Technician I
Department: Animal Care
Reports To: Manager of Animal Care
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Arlington, VA

POSITION SUMMARY

Animal Care Technician I (ACT I) provides foundational daily care for shelter animals, maintains high standards of cleanliness, supports low-stress and Fear Free handling practices, and assists with basic medical and behavioral tasks under supervision. This is the entry-level position within the Animal Care career path and serves as the foundation for advancement to ACT II and ACT III roles.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care

• Provide daily feeding, watering, enrichment, and basic grooming for shelter animals.
• Conduct routine animal welfare checks and promptly report concerns related to health, behavior, or overall wellbeing.
• Participate in stress and disease reduction efforts through Fear Free, purposeful, and compassionate handling practices.
• Support low-stress handling and stress-reduction techniques in daily animal care routines.
• Assist with basic medical tasks (e.g., topical medications, vaccine preparation) under supervision.
• Assist with animal intake by safely handling animals and accurately recording observations.
• Follow and support behavior modification protocols by understanding basic behavior plans, observing animal behavior in kennel settings, and implementing assigned steps as directed by senior staff or Behavior team members.

Facility Care

• Clean and disinfect kennels, habitats, and shared areas in accordance with established disease-control and sanitation protocols.
• Operate laundry, dishwashing, and sanitation equipment.
• Maintain supply rooms and restock food, litter, and cleaning products as needed.
• Report equipment or facility issues requiring repair or replacement.

People Care

• Provide courteous, professional support to volunteers, adopters, fosters, and staff.
• Work collaboratively with Animal Care Volunteers, recognizing their contributions and supporting their work in accordance with AWLA guidelines.
• Assist the Adoption team by facilitating meet-and-greets when needed to support positive and safe adoption experiences.
• Model positive, respectful interactions consistent with AWLAs Compassionate Culture.

Administrative & Record Support

• Assist with maintaining accurate animal records and observations in shelter databases, as directed.
• Enter intake observations, daily notes, and care-related updates in accordance with established protocols.
• Follow documentation and recordkeeping standards to support Animal Care, Veterinary, and Adoption teams.

Other Duties

• Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to AWLA policies, procedures, safety protocols, and code of conduct.
• Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Take immediate action to report safety concerns that could put staff, volunteers, animals, or the organization at risk.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• General knowledge of animal behavior and animal care.
• Ability to safely handle cats, dogs, small companion animals, wildlife, and rabies vector species.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work on feet for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Comfort working around bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, injured or ill animals, and euthanasia-related activities.
• Willingness to complete required training and obtain euthanasia certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination upon employment.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate databases and review records.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional in stressful, sensitive, or emotionally challenging situations.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings with a schedule that may change as needed.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Fluency in English required.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Working with animals requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of standing or walking. Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary to operate common equipment such as computers, telephones, and other tools used in daily tasks.

Employees should be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. This role may involve assisting with the restraint of animals, including those that are distressed or aggressive, and may involve potential hazards such as bites or scratches.

Physical strength and stamina are essential for managing animals on leash while performing other tasks, such as opening doors or moving equipment. The ability to lift and move animals or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. is required. This role involves active, physical work throughout the day.

Clear vision and hearing are necessary for effective communication with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are critical due to frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Comfort working with a wide range of animalsincluding dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlifeis essential.

This position also requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to navigate both the rewarding and challenging aspects of animal welfare work. Employees must remain composed, compassionate, and focused in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Upon hire, employees are required to receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis and a tetanus vaccination.

BENEFITS

This position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. AWLA also offers a salary bonus for proficiency in Arabic, Mandarin, Sign Language, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Employees receive additional benefits including free pet adoptions, free pet vaccines, and other pet-related benefits.