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Entry Level Animal Enrichment Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Services Officer I

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$55K - $77K/yr

... entry level work with the Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) enforcing animal and pest ... Provide daily care, enrichment, and training to impounded animals. * Provide routine janitorial ...

On Call Zoologist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position, on-call position in animal care, following ... Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas and items to be ...

... entry level work with the Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) enforcing animal and pest ... Provide daily care, enrichment, and training to impounded animals. * Provide routine janitorial ...

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Entry Level Animal Enrichment information

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal enrichment in the United States is $20.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal enrichment job?

Entry level animal enrichment jobs involve providing stimulating activities, environments, and objects to animals in settings such as zoos, shelters, or research facilities. The goal is to promote the animals’ physical and mental well-being by encouraging natural behaviors and preventing boredom or stress. Tasks may include preparing enrichment items, observing animal responses, and assisting with daily animal care. These positions often serve as a starting point for careers in animal care or zookeeping.

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

To thrive in Entry Level Animal Enrichment, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, observation skills, and often a high school diploma or coursework in animal science. Familiarity with enrichment tools, safe handling equipment, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong soft skills include creativity, patience, and effective communication to design engaging activities and work with both animals and team members. These abilities are crucial for promoting animal well-being, safety, and effective enrichment programs in animal care settings.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level animal enrichment staff, and how can they be managed?

Entry-level animal enrichment staff often encounter challenges such as understanding the unique behavioral needs of different species, adapting enrichment activities to individual animals, and working within the guidelines set by veterinarians and supervisors. It's important to be observant, creative, and willing to learn from more experienced team members. Open communication with animal care staff and regularly reviewing animal responses to enrichment activities can help ensure the well-being of the animals while allowing you to grow in your role.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Animal Enrichment jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Animal Enrichment job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Enrichment jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Enrichment jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Enrichment jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Enrichment jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Enrichment job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,675 per year, or $20 per hour.

Animal Services Officer I

City of St. Paul

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$55K - $77K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Animal Services Officer I

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stpaul/jobs/newprint/5433525)

Apply

Animal Services Officer I

Salary

$55,307.20 - $77,084.80 Annually

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26-02054O

Department

Department of Safety & Inspections

Opening Date

08/06/2026

Closing Date

8/25/2026 11:59 PM Central

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

About the Position

The City of Saint Paul Department of Safety & Inspections is hiring an Animal Services Officer I to perform entry level work with the Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) enforcing animal and pest control ordinances.

Here's what you can expect to do:

  • Provide dispatch services to field-based Animal Services Officers.

  • Prepare routine documents, forms, and reports related to inspections, investigations, compliance, and research.

  • Provide daily care, enrichment, and training to impounded animals.

  • Provide routine janitorial services at the animal shelter.

  • Assist with vaccination and other veterinary procedures.

  • Assists other staff with recurring duties at the SPAS.

For more information and essential functions, see our job description (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stpaul/classspecs/1386904?keywords=animal%20ser&pagetype=classSpecifications) .

Information Specific to this Position:

The Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) is located in the heart of beautiful Como Park at 1285 Jessamine Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN, but will be moving to a new animal shelter located at 1115 Beulah Ln in Summer of 2026.

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits (https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/human-resources/2026-summary-benefits-document-afscme-clerical.pdf) , including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Position Requirements

One year of experience handling animals working in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic setting, or equivalent setting.

Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out of state driver's license.

Must possess or obtain a basic Animal Control Officer certification within one year of hire.

Must obtain and maintain authorization from the SPAC veterinarian of record to euthanize animals within twelve months of appointment.

How to Apply

  • Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.

  • Upload or submit the following document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)

  • A resume

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide (https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/human-resources/jobs/how-apply) .

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Learn more about our Hiring Process

Assessment: Qualifications Rating

The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered.

Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, credit check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment.

Human Resources Contact information:

Danni Smith at 651-266-6566

Email: danni.smith@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information. (https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/human-resources/jobs/how-apply)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.

Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:

City Paid Benefits

  • Health Insurance

  • Vacation/Holidays

  • Sick Leave

  • Life Insurance

  • Subsidized Metro Bus Pass

  • Deferred Compensation

  • Retirement Program

Optional Benefits

  • Dental

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Disability Insurance

  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

  • Long Term Care Insurance

For a detailed overview, visit General Benefits (https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/human-resources/employee-retiree-benefits/general-benefits-overview) .

01

The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.

  • Yes

02

Do you possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license?

  • Yes

  • No

03

Do you possess at least one year of professional experience handling animals working in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic setting, or equivalent setting? (1 year of experience = 2080 hours = 40 hours a week) Your application must show experience that supports your answer.

  • Yes

  • No

04

Do you possess, or have you ever possessed an Animal Control Officer Certification?

  • Yes

  • No

05

In which of the following areas of animal care do you have professional experience? (Check all that apply)

  • Conducting intake exams

  • Evaluating animal health and behavior

  • Providing daily care and enrichment to a variety of animal species

  • Triaging animals & administering medications

  • Collecting and preparing biological specimens

  • Assisting with or capturing and impounding animals

  • None of the above

06

In which of the following areas of enforcement do you have professional experience? (Check all that apply)

  • Responding to complaints

  • Enforcing ordinances

  • Issuing citations

  • Assisting with or conducting inspections

  • Assisting with or conducting investigations

  • None of the above

07

In which of the following clerical areas do you have professional experience? (Check all that apply)

  • Tracking and maintaining records

  • Drafting and producing documents

  • Reviewing applications and permits

  • Money handling

  • Using animal control/sheltering related software, Microsoft Office

  • None of the above

08

RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)

  • City of Saint Paul website

  • City of Saint Paul employee

  • City of Saint Paul job interest card

  • City of Saint Paul walk-in

  • City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter

  • City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications

  • Friend or family member

  • League of Minnesota Cities website

  • Governmentjobs.com website

  • LinkedIn

  • Facebook

  • X (formerly known as Twitter)

  • Indeed.com website

  • ZipRecruiter

  • Pollen website

  • MinnesotaWorks.net

  • College or University

  • Community organization

  • Job fair

  • Professional association

  • Saint Paul Elevate Session

  • People of Color Career Fair

  • Other

09

RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).

10

I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.

  • Yes

  • No

Required Question

Employer

City of Saint Paul

Address

25 West Fourth Street, Suite 200 City Hall Annex Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102

Phone

651-266-6500

Website

http://www.stpaul.gov/jobs

Apply

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