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Government Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithfield Foods

Animal Handling Specialist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

As an Animal Handling Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of ... Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations: Maintains positive relationships with government ...

Smithfield Foods

Animal Handling Specialist

Tar Heel, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

As an Animal Handling Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of ... Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations: Maintains positive relationships with government ...

Smithfield Foods

Animal Handling Specialist

Tar Heel, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

As an Animal Handling Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of ... Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations: Maintains positive relationships with government ...

Smithfield Foods

Animal Handling Specialist

Tar Heel, NC · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

As an Animal Handling Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of ... Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations: Maintains positive relationships with government ...

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All JobsGovernment Animal Jobs

Government Animal information

See salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do government animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for government animal in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Government Animal Control Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Animal Control Officer, you typically need knowledge of animal behavior, local animal control laws, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring specialized certifications. Familiarity with animal capture equipment, incident reporting systems, and animal transport vehicles is crucial. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations help officers interact effectively with the public and animals. These skills and qualities ensure the humane treatment of animals, public safety, and compliance with regulations.

What are government animal jobs?

Government animal jobs refer to positions within government agencies or departments that involve working with animals. These roles can include animal control officers, wildlife biologists, veterinarians, animal health inspectors, and park rangers, among others. Employees in these positions may be responsible for enforcing animal-related laws, caring for animals, conducting research, or protecting wildlife and their habitats. Government animal jobs can be found at the local, state, or federal level. These roles play a crucial part in ensuring animal welfare, public safety, and environmental conservation.

What is a Government Animal job?

A Government Animal job typically involves working with animals in a government capacity, such as wildlife protection, animal control, or agricultural inspection. These roles may be found in federal, state, or local agencies and often focus on public safety, conservation, or regulatory enforcement. Responsibilities can include monitoring animal populations, enforcing laws related to animal welfare, or responding to animal-related incidents.

What is the difference between Government Animal vs Government Veterinarian?

AspectGovernment AnimalGovernment Veterinarian
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training in animal careVeterinary degree (DVM or VMD); state licensure
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, farms, wildlife facilitiesGovernment clinics, research labs, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal control agencies, wildlife servicesPublic health departments, veterinary services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for animal care roles in governmentMore specialized, requiring veterinary credentials

While both roles involve working with animals in government settings, a Government Animal typically refers to personnel involved in animal care or control without requiring veterinary degrees. In contrast, a Government Veterinarian is a licensed veterinarian responsible for animal health, disease control, and regulatory duties. The key differences lie in required credentials, scope of work, and level of specialization.

What are some common challenges faced by animal control officers working in government roles?

Animal control officers employed by government agencies often face challenges such as handling aggressive or frightened animals, navigating emotionally charged interactions with the public, and responding to calls after hours or in difficult weather conditions. Additionally, officers must stay current on local ordinances and regulations to ensure compliance and public safety. The role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills, as officers frequently collaborate with law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal shelters.
More about Government Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Animal jobs? Cities with the most Government Animal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Animal jobs? The most popular types of Government Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Government Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Animal jobs are:
Government Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Animal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Animal Caretaker

Animal Caretaker

The Mcconnell Group, Inc

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD • On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position: Animal Caretaker Job Type: Full-Time Work Setting: Onsite Research Environment Timing: Immediate / Open until Filled
Position Summary
The McConnell Group, www.themccgroup.com , a health science company, is seeking an experienced Animal Caretaker to support a research environment, delivering high-quality care for laboratory animals. The Animal Caretaker performs all animal husbandry-related duties necessary to support laboratory animal research programs. This position is responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, sanitation, and proper care of research animals through the execution of routine and specialized husbandry procedures. The Animal Caretaker must possess a thorough understanding of animal care practices, facility operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare standards while working in a fast-paced research environment.
Required Screenings:
Candidate MUST pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, and social media screening.
Schedule:
Variable hours to include weekends, holidays, and emergencies as requested.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in laboratory animal facilities and support areas where employees may be exposed to animal allergens, noise, humidity, disinfectants, cleaning agents, and varying environmental conditions. Employees must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety and biosecurity requirements.
Position Responsibilities:
Animal Husbandry and Care
  • Perform routine animal husbandry activities, including feeding, watering, cage changing, sanitation, and daily health observations.
  • Provide handling, restraint, and care for all applicable species, including rodents, rabbits, swine, nonhuman primates, and fish.
  • Conduct comprehensive and detailed observations of animal health and behavior.
  • Monitor environmental conditions and maintain accurate records of animal health and room conditions.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary animal housing and support areas.
  • Uphold all institutional, federal, and regulatory requirements related to laboratory animal care and welfare.

Animal Receipt and Processing
  • Receive incoming animals and perform proper handling, unpacking, and placement into appropriate housing systems.
  • Apply permanent identification methods accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
  • Transport animals safely to designated housing rooms and research areas.

Equipment and Facility Operations
  • Understand and operate facility equipment and systems, including:
  • Ventilated cage systems
  • Automatic watering systems
  • Cage wash equipment and chemical supply systems
  • Bulk bedding storage and dispensing systems
  • Biosafety cabinets and BSL-2 hoods
  • Perform cage wash operations when required, including the operation of automated cage washing equipment and associated support systems.
  • Follow all site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Documentation and Communication
  • Complete and maintain required documentation, including:
  • Animal health records
  • Room logs
  • Facility operational records
  • Regulatory documentation
  • Assess signs of pain, distress, illness, or abnormal behavior in rodents, rabbits, swine, and nonhuman primates.
  • Communicate observations accurately and promptly to veterinarians and technical staff through verbal, written, telephone, or electronic communications.
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement
  • Work effectively within a team environment.
  • Demonstrate initiative and contribute ideas for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the research mission.

Requirements
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Valid, unrestricted motor vehicle driver's license required.
  • Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and transport equipment and supplies between facilities and buildings.
  • Certified at the AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level or higher, or able to obtain ALAT certification within twelve (12) months of contract start date.
  • Computer proficiency and strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
  • Ability to understand and operate sophisticated animal care equipment and facility systems.
  • Ability to learn and apply complex animal care policies and procedures.
  • Must pass a government background investigation (NAC), employment physical, and drug/alcohol screening.
  • Must be able to work in compliance with all biosafety, occupational health, and animal welfare require

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of laboratory animal care experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of fifty (50) pounds over extended periods.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, and pull equipment throughout the workday.
  • Possess the physical stamina required to work on feet for extended periods in environments that may be noisy and have elevated temperature and humidity levels.
  • No physical or health restrictions that would prevent working with rodents, rabbits, swine, nonhuman primates, or fish.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Benefits: The McConnell Group offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time employees.
The McConnell Group Recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including termination, layoff, recall, transfer, and leaves of absence.
As required by law, The McConnell Group participates in E-Verify, a service of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify the identity and employment eligibility of persons hired to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
Applications can be submitted electronically or by submitting a paper resume to:
The McConnell Group, Attention: Human Resources 1 Research Court, Suite 450, Landover MD 20850.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description/posting shall constitute an offer or promise of employment.
Salary Description
$23 - $27 hourly

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