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Humane Educator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marin Humane

Shelter Veterinarian

Novato, CA · On-site

$168K - $186K/yr

At Marin Humane , we don't just care for animals-we transform lives through exceptional care, humane education, and advocacy. If you're passionate about shelter medicine, collaborative teamwork, and ...

Marin Humane Society

Feline Behavior Associate

Novato, CA · On-site

$23.43 - $26.03/hr

Why Marin Humane? Our mission is to transform lives through exceptional animal care, humane education, and advocacy. We are guided by our core values of Dedication to Animals, Collaborative Spirit ...

Marin Humane Society

Shelter Veterinarian

Novato, CA · On-site

$168K - $186K/yr

At Marin Humane , we don't just care for animals-we transform lives through exceptional care, humane education, and advocacy. If you're passionate about shelter medicine, collaborative teamwork, and ...

Marin Humane

Customer Service Representative

Novato, CA · On-site

$25.90 - $28.77/hr

Marin Humane is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional animal care, humane education, and advocacy. Our values include Dedication to Animals, Collaborative ...

Humanepro

Lieutenant, Humane Law Enforcement

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85 - $106/hr

HumanePro's biweekly e-newsletter delivers the latest news, training, education opportunities and special offers to help you in your work with animals. San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Full-Time ...

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LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

LTD Global, LLC

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

LTD Global

Animal Control Officer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Position Overview Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Provide guidance and answer public inquiries on animal-related matters, including ...

Pasadena Humane

Animal Resource Center Manager

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

PASADENA HUMANE is a non-profit animal welfare organization looking for passionate professionals to ... We commit to best practice and professional development through continuous education. INTEGRITY: We ...

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All JobsHumane Educator JobsHumane Educator Jobs in California

Humane Educator information

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$9

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$40

How much do humane educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane educator in California is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane educator?

Humane educators are professionals who teach people—often children, but also adults—about compassion, respect, and responsibility toward animals, people, and the environment. They design and deliver programs, workshops, and curricula that promote empathy, ethical decision-making, and positive social change. Humane educators may work in schools, animal shelters, nonprofits, or community organizations, aiming to inspire individuals to make choices that improve the well-being of all living things. Their work often includes interactive lessons, advocacy, and public speaking to raise awareness about issues like animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and social justice.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a humane educator?

To thrive as a Humane Educator, you need a background in education, animal welfare, or a related field, often supported by a degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with educational technology, curriculum development tools, and animal care protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, public speaking, and empathy are vital soft skills for effectively engaging diverse audiences and fostering compassion. These skills and qualities are essential for inspiring positive attitudes towards animals and promoting responsible behavior in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by humane educators, and how can they be addressed?

Humane educators often encounter the challenge of engaging diverse audiences with varying levels of knowledge and interest in animal welfare and social justice topics. To address this, educators tailor their approaches to be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, using interactive activities and real-life stories to foster empathy and understanding. Additionally, they may work in environments where resources are limited, so creativity and collaboration with colleagues or local organizations are essential to maximize impact. Building strong relationships with schools, community groups, and shelters can also help overcome logistical hurdles and broaden outreach.

What is the difference between Humane Educator vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectHumane EducatorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClassroom, community outreach, educational programsAnimal shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, zoos, educational organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary clinics
Primary FocusEducating the public about animal welfare and responsible pet ownershipProviding direct care, feeding, and health monitoring of animals

While both roles involve working with animals, Humane Educators focus on public education and outreach, whereas Animal Care Specialists are primarily responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and interests.

What are popular job titles related to Humane Educator jobs in California?

For Humane Educator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Humane Educator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Educator jobs in California are:

Humane Educator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Educator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,017 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Humane Officer, Sergeant

San Diego, CA • On-site

San Diego Humane Society
Non-Profits • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about San Diego Humane Societyexternal

$32.21 - $39.46/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring full-time Sergeants for our Humane Law Enforcement team!
We are anticipating that this position may become available in the near future and are beginning the hiring process now to build a pipeline of qualified candidates. While the opening is contingent on a position becoming available in the near future, we are proactively reviewing applications and interviewing candidates to ensure we can move quickly if the role officially opens. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit your application at this time.
How you'll impact our mission:
At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion. Humane Officer Sergeants impact the lives of more than 40,000 animals each year by leading Officers and patrolling designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances, ensure humane treatment of animals, issue citations, investigate complaints involving animal neglect and/or cruelty, and educate the public regarding proper animal care.
This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you're passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we'd love to talk to you.
What's in it for you?
At SDHS, we're proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person - staff, volunteer, and guest - can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.
As an employee you'll enjoy:
  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • ...and so much more!

What you'll do:
  • Provide leadership to officers within their assigned campus, ensuring appropriate documentation and departmental procedures are followed for all cases
  • Be responsible for assisting with all aspects of selection, training, evaluating, and disciplining Humane Officers in cooperation with the Operations and Administrative Captain and Chief of HLE
  • Ability to perform all Officer duties and responsibilities including enforcement of animal-related ordinances in contracting jurisdictions as well as other contractual services
  • Humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine and/or transport domestic animals and wildlife using proper humane equipment, methods, and techniques
  • Investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws and all activities associated therewith
  • Take animals under protective custody as evidence in crimes
  • Issue Citations, prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants, prepare cases for filing criminal charges with City Attorney/District Attorney
  • Analyze situations and apply established procedures and good judgment to enforce animal related laws
  • Utilize tact, judgment and strategy in dealing with a wide variety of people, both friendly and hostile
  • Explain and demonstrate proper animal care to a diverse group of people in the public service arena

What we're looking for:
  • AA degree or equivalent experience required, preferably in Administration of Justice or related field of study.
  • Two (2) years of animal control, law enforcement or investigations experience required.
  • One (1) year of supervisor experience strongly preferred.
  • Training specified in subparagraph (D) and the basic training for a Level 2 Reserve Officer by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training or completed an approved police powers program (832 Penal Code) required.
  • Must also satisfy the requirements of Section 1029, 1030, and 1031 of the Government Code.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.

Location & Hours: Based at our San Diego Campus, with expected travel to all campuses and across San Diego County. This position works a 4/10 Alternative Work Schedule.
Pay: Starting range is between $32.21 - $39.46 per hour and is eligible for an hourly bilingual-Spanish premium.
The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time.
For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.
To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.

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