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Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary Jobs in Riverside, CA

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic. Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal ...

Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do entry level farm animal sanctuary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level farm animal sanctuary in Riverside, CA is $18.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level farm animal sanctuary job?

Entry level farm animal sanctuary jobs are positions designed for individuals with little to no prior experience working with farm animals or in sanctuary settings. These roles often include tasks such as cleaning animal living spaces, feeding animals, assisting with basic animal care, and helping with general maintenance around the sanctuary. Entry level employees may also participate in educational outreach or tour activities, depending on the sanctuary's needs. These jobs provide valuable hands-on experience and are a great way to start a career in animal care, rescue, or advocacy.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary worker, you need basic animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and a genuine passion for animal welfare, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, cleaning tools, and basic record-keeping systems is commonly required. Reliable teamwork, strong observation skills, and compassion are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of animals, maintain sanctuary operations, and foster a positive environment for both animals and staff.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level farm animal sanctuary workers, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level workers at farm animal sanctuaries often face challenges such as adjusting to physically demanding tasks, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and managing the emotional impact of caring for rescued animals. It's important to be prepared for early mornings, routine cleaning, feeding, and health checks for the animals. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with more experienced staff are essential, as much of the work is collaborative. Developing resilience and a willingness to learn new animal care techniques will help you succeed and grow in this rewarding role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary vs Entry Level Animal Care Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Farm Animal SanctuaryEntry Level Animal Care Assistant
CertificationsNone typically required, animal handling experience preferredBasic animal care certifications (e.g., pet first aid) often preferred
Work EnvironmentFarm, sanctuary setting with outdoor and barn workVeterinary clinics, shelters, or pet stores, mostly indoor and outdoor
Industry UsageNonprofit, conservation, and animal rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet care facilities

While both roles involve caring for animals, Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary focuses on farm and rescued farm animals in a sanctuary setting, often outdoors. Entry Level Animal Care Assistant typically works in veterinary or shelter environments, providing basic care and support. The roles share some certifications and skills but differ mainly in setting and specific responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Farm Animal Sanctuary jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Farm Animal Sanctuary jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Farm Animal Sanctuary job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,758 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job -THIS IS A SPECIAL DISTRICTS POSITION- The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is recruiting for an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the District's Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in and around animal enclosures, and maintaining a high level of Animal Care Standards. This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA (approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino, CA).

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.

We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves. The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County, owns the zoo, the facilities and the animals.

County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and administration. The zoo is located within the 3rd District of San Bernardino County. The Park District oversees the operation of the zoo, and the Curator oversees the day to day activities of the zoo.

The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit https://bigbearzoo.org/ CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam. Availability: Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather conditions such as ice and snow

Please indicate availability for Big Bear on Agency Wide Question #2. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel: Travel within the County may be required.

A valid California Driver License and proof of automobile liability insurance must be provided at time of hire and maintained throughout employment. Working Conditions: Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying mountain weather conditions, drive in all weather conditions, lift and/or carry heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend over, crawl, and perform other physical activities in the performance of job duties for this position. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future.

Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet ONE (1) of the following options: Option I: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling, observation, training, or management of animals. Qualifying experience may include work in a: Zoo or aquarium.

Wildlife rehabilitation center. Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic.

Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position.

Option 2: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife biology, wildlife management, veterinary technology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related field. Desired Qualifications Animal Keeper experience and training with exotic animals is preferred. Coursework in wildlife rehabilitation/husbandry and a current Veterinary Technician license is highly desirable.

Selection Process Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications will be accepted until further notice; recruitment may close at any time once sufficient applications are received. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process


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