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Entry Level Animal Behavior Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

To qualify for Level 1: Entry level, new CVT grad, or up to one year of relevant work experience ... learn abnormal animal behavior 8. Knowledge of common computer programs and electronic medical ...

Entry Level Animal Behavior information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do entry level animal behavior jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal behavior in Madison, WI is $20.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal behaviorist?

An entry level animal behaviorist is a professional who studies the behavior of animals, often focusing on how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. Individuals in this role may work in research, animal shelters, zoos, or with veterinarians to observe, record, and analyze animal behavior. Entry level positions typically involve assisting senior behaviorists, collecting data, and sometimes helping with animal training or enrichment activities. Most entry level animal behaviorists have a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field. The role provides foundational experience for those interested in advanced study or specialized careers in animal behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal behaviorist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Behaviorist, you need a foundational understanding of animal behavior, biology, and psychology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data collection software, and animal care protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with both animals and their human caretakers. These skills ensure accurate behavior analysis, promote animal welfare, and facilitate successful collaboration within research or care teams.

What are some common challenges faced in an entry level animal behavior role, and how can they be managed?

Entry-level animal behavior professionals often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle animal cues, managing nervous or aggressive animals, and adapting to varied work environments like shelters, zoos, or research facilities. Building strong observation skills, maintaining patience, and consistently following safety protocols are essential for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with experienced colleagues and seeking mentorship can also help new team members develop effective handling techniques and gain confidence in their assessments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Behavior vs Entry Level Animal Care?

AspectEntry Level Animal BehaviorEntry Level Animal Care
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal behavior or psychology beneficialHigh school diploma; certifications in pet care or veterinary assisting helpful
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, zoos, animal training centersAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, zoos, animal training companiesAnimal shelters, pet care services, veterinary clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to animal behavior analysisLooking for entry-level animal care positions

Entry Level Animal Behavior focuses on understanding and analyzing animal actions, often requiring knowledge of psychology and behavior modification. Entry Level Animal Care involves hands-on animal handling, feeding, and basic health care. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but differ in focus and skill requirements.

How to get into entry level animal behavior?

To enter an entry-level animal behavior role, gaining a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, psychology, or a related field is often required. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering at animal shelters, or working with research projects can improve job prospects. Developing skills in observation, data collection, and understanding animal welfare is also beneficial.

What jobs can I get with an entry level animal behavior degree?

Entry level animal behavior degrees can qualify you for roles such as animal care technician, zoo assistant, or research assistant, where understanding animal behavior and basic observation skills are essential. These positions often involve working in shelters, zoos, or research facilities and may require certifications in animal handling or safety protocols.

What jobs can you get with entry level animal behavior?

Entry-level animal behavior roles include positions such as animal care technician, zoo assistant, or pet trainer, which often require basic knowledge of animal needs and behavior. These jobs typically involve working in shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics and may require certifications like pet first aid or animal handling training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Madison, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,027 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Veterinary Technician

Madison, WI • On-site


University of Wisconsin-Madison
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$22.30/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Veterinary Technician I
Job Summary:
Are you passionate about animal care and want to participate in cutting edge research and make a difference in animals lives? An exciting opportunity awaits you to work with and care for our monkeys. The Wisconsin National Primate Research Center is looking for a Veterinary Technician to provide clinical care to our marmoset and macaque monkeys. In this position, you will learn and/or strengthen your skills in suturing, performing minor surgical procedures, ultrasounds, and dental extractions. We offer an excellent benefits package with generous paid leave benefits and prioritize a healthy work-life balance. While previous experience working with nonhuman primates is not required (but is a plus!), all skill levels will be reviewed for consideration.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • VT I: Monitors animal health status and records, notifies veterinarian when status changes, and ensures care plans are completed and recorded in the medical record
  • VT II: Monitors animal health status and records, provides nursing care, notifies veterinarian when status changes, and records in the medical record
  • VT I/II: Tracks supply inventory levels and places replenishment orders
  • VT I: Prepares, completes, and documents basic technical animal care procedures, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity
  • VT II: Prepares, completes, monitors, and documents complex technical animal care procedures and work unit activities, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity
  • VT I: Assists with the execution of more complex animal care procedures and affiliated activities
  • VT I: Maintains organization of and updates records related to medical procedures and billing
  • VT II: Develops recordkeeping processes, maintains organization of and updates records related to medical procedures and billing
  • VT I: Completes routine laboratory tests and collects specimen according to established medical orders and care plans
  • VT II: Completes appropriate laboratory tests and collects specimens according to established medical orders and care plans
  • VT II: Assists in the facilitation of trainings for animal care staff and supervises student employees as needed
  • VT I/II: Documents and disseminates results to the appropriate entities
  • VT I/II: Serves as a point of contact for animal owners and stakeholders providing information and answering questions

Department: UWMSN | OVCR | WNPRC Veterinary Services
Compensation: Minimum starting at:
  • Veterinary Technician I: $20.15/hr
  • Veterinary Technician II: $22.30/hr

Required Qualifications:
Highly qualified candidates will have the following: a minimum of 1 year experience working as a technician in a veterinary office or research institution; independent, decisive, and accomplished with frequent demonstration of the fundamental knowledge of veterinary medicine, aseptic technique, wound management/healing, anesthesia, information management including spreadsheets, animal health records maintenance and excellent time management skills.
This position is posted at Vet Tech levels 1 and 2. Level is determined by qualifications based on type of prior veterinary tech experience.
To qualify for Level 1: Entry level, new CVT grad, or up to one year of relevant work experience.
To qualify for Level 2: Generally over 2 years of veterinary tech experience, may substitute years of experience for specialization.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge and Skills
1. Knowledge of standards for quality animal care and proper procedures associated with handling animals, preferably nonhuman primates.
2. Knowledge of and ability to maintain and operate equipment utilized in unit (e.g., anesthesia machines, monitoring devices, ultrasonic cleaner, autoclave, gas sterilization chambers, etc.).
3.Knowledge and ability to perform clinical triage & initial emergency intervention.
4. Knowledge, skill and ability to perform or assist with dental care; wound care and primary closure of minor lacerations.
5. Basic knowledge of anesthesia techniques and principles.
6. Knowledge of aseptic techniques and principles.
7. Knowledge of behavior and health requirements in one or more species and willingness to learn abnormal animal behavior
8. Knowledge of common computer programs and electronic medical records systems.
9. Strong oral and written communications skills required.
10. Strong interpersonal skills. This position requires a pleasant, conscientious, team player attitude.
11. Crisis Decision skill ability: It is critical that the successful applicant knows his/her own limitations and what he/she can or cannot do. This includes not only knowing the limitations of their skills but also what decisions or actions may only be done under the direction of a veterinarian (euthanasia, change of treatment, addition of treatments).
Education:
Preferred: Associate's Degree
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Please keep in mind, applicants need to articulate all required qualifications in their cover letter and/or resume. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
Additional Information:
  • Requires the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs independently, and physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks.
  • Position requires the ability to stand for up to 75 percent of the time.
  • Physical ability to lift, sit, stand, bend, reach, squat, twist and push to safely handle and care for the nonhuman primates.
  • Must be TB negative
  • Must be comfortable working around or directly with infectious diseases
  • Applicant will be required to provide proof of immunization for measles or have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.
  • Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate WNPRC vehicles.
  • Criminal background check is required.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. UW-Madison is not an E-Verify employer, and therefore, is not eligible to employ F1 STEM OPT Extension participants. If you are selected for this position, you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
The Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) is one of seven federally supported National Primate Research Centers and the only one in the Midwest. WNPRC's mission is to increase the understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC helps discover treatments, preventions and cures for human disease; generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems; facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources and training to scientists worldwide; and collects primate information and disseminates to the research community and to the public.
Based in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) of the University of Wisconsin- Madison (UW-Madison), the WNPRC is committed to diversity both as an end in itself, but also as a valuable means for eliminating health disparities through research.
Contact Information:
Kate Rouman: krouman@primate.wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005


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