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

Entry Level Animal information

See Merced, CA salary details

$11

$17

$28

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Merced, CA is $17.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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. Obtain basic knowledge of animal care, safety, and handling, and consider earning certifications such as pet first aid to improve your qualifications.

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.

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, zoos, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal care or safety training, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a passion for animal welfare.

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.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Entry-level animal jobs include positions such as veterinary assistant, pet groomer, animal shelter worker, and pet care technician. These roles often require basic animal handling skills, patience, and sometimes certification or training in animal care or first aid.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal jobs in Merced, CA? For Entry Level Animal jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Sheriff's Deputy - Entry Level

Mariposa County, CA

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$5.7K - $6.9K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: $5,737.68 - $6,974.76 Monthly
Location : Mariposa, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 16-00977
Department: Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
Opening Date: 02/02/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Sheriff's Department has one (1) vacancy for a Sheriff's Deputy- Entry Level
Only online applications accepted.
DEFINITION
To perform general patrol and/or special law enforcement assignments in the protection of life and property; to enforce local, County, and State laws and regulations; and to perform a variety of law enforcement activities and operations associated with crime prevention, traffic enforcement, crime/accident investigation and reporting, and related areas. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class exercises responsibility for maintaining law and order in the community through the enforcement of established laws and regulations. Employees in this class are exposed to potentially life threatening situations which may be unpredictable in nature. Positions in this class may perform specialized law enforcement assignments in addition to their normal patrol functions. Such assignments include, but are not limited to, functioning as canine handler, search and rescue, and boating patrol officer.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Sheriff's Sergeant - Patrol.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patrols an assigned county beat for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of local, County, and State laws, regulations, and traffic codes.
Patrols assigned area in radio car or on foot.
Responds to calls for the protection of life and property.
Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of misdemeanors and felonies to include traffic accidents, burglaries, holdups, deaths, suicides, thefts and other law violations.
Performs physical searches of crime suspects and makes arrests of law violators.
Gathers, preserves, and analyzes facts and evidence and secures crime scenes.
Logs and secures evidence and stolen property.
Interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses and interrogates suspects.
Investigates suspicious persons and circumstances.
Testifies and presents evidence in court.
Performs traffic enforcement functions; directs traffic including regulation of vehicle flow during emergency or congested situations.
Issues citations and makes arrests for traffic violations.
Assists in booking suspects and violators into the county jail facility.
Performs coroner and bailiff duties as needed.
Answers complaints and resolves domestic disturbances, animal control complaints, and other ordinance violations.
Administers first aid in emergency cases.
Serves warrants, subpoenas, and civil papers.
Prepares reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.
Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies.
Provides direction, information, and medical aid to the general public as required.
Assists with crowd control, parade, and/or riot work.
May perform special law enforcement assignments in conjunction with the field canine operations, boating patrol operations, search and rescue, etc.
Cares for and maintains departmental equipment.
Assists in office and jail operations as necessary.
Performs other related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
POSSESSION OF:
A valid California driver's license. Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another state if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form.
One of the following two requirements:
1) Possession of a California POST Basic Certificate issued by the Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training
OR
2) Current enrollment in, or successful completion of, a California POST approved basic academy within the last two years. A copy of your valid POST Basic Certificate or a letter verifying your current enrollment in an academy must be attached to your application.
Note: Penal Code Section 832(e) requires that persons who complete a P.C. 832 Course, but: (1) do not become employed as a peace officer within three years of course completion; or (2) who have a three-year or longer break in service as a peace officer, must "requalify" prior to exercising peace officer powers.
Supplemental Information
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of: local, County, and State laws, ordinances, and statutes pertaining to law enforcement; the principles and practices of law enforcement work including patrol, crime prevention, investigation, and custody and identification; courtroom procedures and legal practices; and departmental rules and regulations related to patrol operations.
Ability to: read, interpret, and understand laws, rules and other written materials effectively; react quickly and calmly to emergency situations, isolate and analyze problem causes, and take appropriate action to resolve problems identified; cope with stressful situations firmly and tactfully; learn standard police radio procedures and codes; communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; observe, remember, recall detailed information, names, faces, and facts; and prepare accurate and detailed reports; meet the physical requirements and standards necessary for successful job performance; and establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
To view benefits please click here:
01
Possession of a valid California driver's license is required for this recruitment. Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another State if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form. Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
One of the requirements of this position is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Did you attach a copy of your valid Basic POST certificate to your application?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question