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Entry Level Animal Behavior Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Team Member

Fuquay Varina, NC ยท On-site

$10 - $13/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Fuquay Varina, NC ยท On-site

$10 - $13/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Wake Forest, NC ยท On-site

$10.25 - $13.50/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Knightdale, NC ยท On-site

$10.75 - $14.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Knightdale, NC ยท On-site

$10.75 - $14.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Wake Forest, NC ยท On-site

$10.25 - $13.50/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Team Member

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Entry Level Animal Behavior information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$19

$25

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal behavior in Raleigh, NC is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings:
Animal Care Specialist - SPCA Wake (Full-Time)

Animal Care Specialist - SPCA Wake (Full-Time)

SPCA of Wake County

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: $21.00hr

Animal Care Specialist
If you have a passion for working with animals and enjoy seeing goals met through daily scheduled activities, the Animal Care Specialist may be the most rewarding career journey of your life.


Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 per hour with scheduled salary increases at anniversary of hire date


Who We Are Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Wake County (SPCA Wake)
Founded in 1967 in Raleigh, NC, SPCA Wake is a progressive and innovative private, non-profit animal welfare and sheltering organization. Our organizational core values are the foundation of a positive work culture that values employees just as much as our mission. We are committed to creating a better future for pets and people and we work hard to achieve our goals and offer a rewarding workplace. SPCA Wake provides competitive pay and excellent benefits (see below). Working at SPCA Wake is about more than just a paycheck, its about making a difference every day in the lives of pets and people.

With locations in Raleigh and Garner, SPCA Wake rescues, heals and adopts more than 4,000 pets annually and provides assistance to more than 30,000 families and individuals each year. We never place a time limit on how long cats, dogs and other pets stay at our shelter. Our vision is to create a humane community for pets and people. If you are looking to make an impact and to save lives, SPCA Wake is the perfect place for you.


Our Core Values:
1- Hell, Yeah!
2- Be Kind
3- Do What You Say
4- Forward Focused
5- Loose & Wiggly
6- Drop the Mic


Position Overview
As an Animal Care Specialist you (and your teammates) are responsible for the daily care and enrichment for shelter animals who are just entering our care or are waiting to be adopted. You will work with a dynamic assortment of volunteers and customers. The Animal Care Specialist improves the quality of life for homeless pets at SPCA Wake with training, feeding, exercise and socialization. The job is so much more than cleaning kennels, although there is a fair amount of that, to be honest. We practice fear-free animal handling at all times. Training is provided. While this is a front-line position, we dont consider it an entry level position, as it takes some time to build the skills needed to excel for the betterment of the animals. One more thing -- you must be comfortable kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead and lifting, carrying, and pulling up to 50 lbs.


You might be a born Animal Care Specialist if:
Youre equally comfortable talking to pets or people you can communicate with either!
You consider yourself to be a bit of a time management freak you love nothing more than thinking about the most effective way to get your work done.
Youre the first to notice when one of your, or your familys, pets isnt acting right and do something about it.
Youve never considered yourself only a dog person or a cat person; youd snuggle up to any critter that would let you.


Required:

Must love animals and care about people

Previous professional animal handling experience

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including Saturdays and Sundays, some holidays

Valid drivers license (some animal transport van driving required)

A high school diploma or equivalent

Must be comfortable kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead and lifting, carrying, and pulling up to 50 lbs.

Previous customer service experience

Previous animal handling experience


Benefits:

  • Medical and Dental: Employer pays 90% of employee coverage (full-time)
  • Insurance includes wellness, dental, vision, life, mental health care, prescriptions, emergency & urgent care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy
  • Telemedicine options, 24/7 access to virtual health & wellness care and virtual behavioral health care

PAID TIME OFF

  • All part-time and full-time staff receive paid time off.
  • Paid Holidays - 9 paid holidays per year (full-time)
  • Vacation Time - 10 paid vacation days per year (full-time) with scheduled increases at milestone anniversaries of hire date
  • Sick Time - 6.5 paid sick days per year (full-time)

FINANCIAL

  • Healthcare: Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k Plan
  • Coastal Federal Credit Union Membership
  • 20% discount on pet adoptions and in SPCA Wake retail store

OTHER

  • Bereavement time off
  • Federal & State Leave of Absence options

Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls or emails, please well have our people call your people!