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Entry Level Animal Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Entry Level Animal information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$11

$17

$29

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Encinitas, CA is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal?

An Entry Level Animal job typically involves working with animals in roles that require little to no prior experience. These jobs may include positions such as animal care technician, kennel assistant, or veterinary assistant. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic care. Many positions provide on-the-job training, making them a great starting point for those interested in animal-related careers.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level animal care technician?

Entry Level Animal Care Technicians are typically responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting more experienced staff with treatments or medication. You may also be expected to keep detailed logs of animal behavior, report any health concerns, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Most roles require collaboration with veterinarians, animal handlers, and other technicians. This hands-on work provides a solid foundation in animal husbandry and offers a gateway to more advanced positions within the animal care or veterinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care Technician, you need a basic understanding of animal handling, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care protocols, record-keeping systems, and, in some settings, certification in animal care or laboratory safety, can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you stand out when interacting with animals and supporting team members. These skills are critical for ensuring animals' well-being, maintaining safety standards, and working effectively as part of a care team.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals as an entry-level animal worker, gain experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Developing skills in animal handling, basic care, and safety procedures, along with obtaining relevant certifications like pet first aid, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require patience, physical stamina, and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

How to start a career with animals?

To start a career as an entry-level animal worker, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal first aid or handling courses, and develop skills in animal care, patience, and communication. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in working with animals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Encinitas, CA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal jobs in Encinitas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,249 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Zoological Specialist (Associate - Senior) | Full-Time SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!
What you get to do:
We have Animal Trainer positions in a variety of levels. All of them offer you the chance to provide care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals. Provide for proper nutrition, appropriate and sanitary living conditions, and constant care for our park animals. These positions safely fulfill duties in animal/guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research.

  • Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team.
  • Maintain all animal records and equipment.
  • Ensure working environment follows established guidelines and safety procedures.
  • Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability.
  • Support education and general public shows in order to develop speaking skills and stage presence.
  • Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries.
  • Help prepare educational aspects of shows.
  • Serve as secondary animal person and safety spotter when needed.
  • Act as primary trainer when approved and as directed by leadership.
  • Work with animals on basic behavior and behavioral modification techniques under supervision.
  • Perform primary roles as assigned by area leadership.
  • Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.
  • Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed.
  • Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.
  • Lead education and general public shows, and guest interaction programs.
  • Be proficient in application of behavioral modification techniques used across the organization. This includes developing and implementing new behavior; training naïve animals with minimum supervision; training behavior to completion without supervision; proactively maintaining conditioned behavior; and forming relationships with animals.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What it takes to succeed:
  • SCUBA certified and can pass a dive physical.
  • Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.
  • Marine mammal experience preferred.
  • Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for the animals and conservation with our guests. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations.
  • Work a flexible schedule/hour based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to read, write and speak English
Work Conditions:
  • Work indoors and in outside weather conditions (i.e., direct sunlight, wet and/or humid)
  • Able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Able to work in an environment with moderate noise levels.
  • Must be able to manage time wisely and set priorities effectively.
  • Able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.
As a 365 day/year operation, candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year-round operating needs. This may include working opening, mid-day, closing shifts, weekends and holidays.
Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership. Experience required for each level is detailed below:
  • Associate: Entry level position
  • Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2080 hours) professional zoological experience
  • Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5200 hours) professional zoological experience
  • Senior 1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience
Compensation: 20.50-30.00 per hour, contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility
The perks of the position:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.