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Humane Educator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Evidence Analyst

Norfolk, VA Β· On-site

$19.30 - $24.58/hr

... public education materials. This "behind-the-scenes" work plays a major role in PETA's work ... Experience in court reporting, criminal law practice, police or humane investigative work, or ...

Evidence Analyst

Norfolk, VA Β· On-site

$19.30 - $24.58/hr

... public education materials. This "behind-the-scenes" work plays a major role in PETA's work ... Experience in court reporting, criminal law practice, police or humane investigative work, or ...

Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for ... Some level of post-secondary education strongly preferred. Benefits All full-time university staff ...

... the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) require periodic travel for in-person team gatherings ... Professional experience in higher education, academic administration, nonprofit programming, or a ...

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Humane Educator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$22

$40

How much do humane educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane educator in Virginia is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane educator?

Humane educators are professionals who teach peopleβ€”often children, but also adultsβ€”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 Virginia?

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

Infographic showing various Humane Educator job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,228 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Animal Care Technician - Cattery

Virginia Beach, VA β€’ On-site

$15.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Virginia Beach SPCA (VBSPCA) is a longstanding nonprofit organization that provides essential pet services to the Hampton Roads community. Through animal sheltering and adoptions, low cost veterinary services, and humane education, we strive to create a more humane and responsible community by eliminating animal suffering while increasing human compassion.

Our talented team of Shelter professionals includes Shelter Leadership, Animal Care Technicians, and Customer Service Representatives, each providing critical skills to ensure that we can meet the growing public demand of our services. We assist families in a variety of ways that include: adoption, pet surrender, pet counseling, city licensing, Pet Pantry, and access to affordable pet supplies. All animals in the VBSPCA’s care receive the highest level of veterinary care by our dedicated team of Veterinary professionals through the VBSPCA Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic.

As an Animal Care Technician in the Cattery you will be an essential team member in creating a humane and enriching experience for our shelter animals. You will work closely with other team members in the Cattery to ensure our feline and small animal populations are afforded the Five Freedoms: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst; Freedom from Discomfort; Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease; Freedom to Express Normal Behavior; and Freedom from Fear and Distress. You play a critical role in every animal’s daily life by providing compassionate care, creating meaningful connections between animals and potential adopters, and furthering the VBSPCA’s Mission.

The VBSPCA Shelter is an extremely active facility and we strive to offer quality customer care. If you enjoy being around animals, if you have great customer service skills, if you are organized, and if you enjoy an active environment, we encourage you to apply. The VBSPCA is a great place to work and we are centered around a mission of eliminating animal suffering and increasing human compassion.

Part -Time positions have the potential of being scheduled up to 29 hours a week.

Pay Rate: $15.25 an hour

The VBSPCA Shelter is staffed every day of the week from 8am to 6pm.


This position is expected to be scheduled three (3) 8-hour work days.