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Humane Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marin Humane Society

Dog Training Instructor

Novato, CA · On-site

$24.78 - $27.52/hr

If so, Marin Humane may have the perfect opportunity for you! As a Dog Training Instructor , you'll play a vital role in transforming lives by teaching dogs and their people the skills they need to ...

Marin Humane Society

Dog Behavior Consultant

Novato, CA · On-site

$24.78 - $27.52/hr

Are you committed to humane, science-based behavior modification and making a lasting difference in the lives of animals and their families? Join Marin Humane as a Dog Behavior Consultant and help ...

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$26

How much do humane jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane in California is $18.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Humane jobs?

Humane jobs are roles within organizations that focus on promoting the welfare and ethical treatment of humans, animals, or the environment. These jobs can be found in non-profits, government agencies, animal shelters, advocacy groups, and social services. People in humane jobs work to improve quality of life, protect rights, and foster compassion through direct care, education, policy work, or community outreach. Positions may include animal welfare workers, social workers, humane educators, and policy advocates. The goal of humane jobs is to create a more just and compassionate world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Humane Educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Humane Educator, you need a background in education, animal welfare, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree or teaching certification. Familiarity with educational tools, curriculum design software, and animal care protocols is typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and public speaking skills help engage audiences and foster compassionate attitudes. These abilities are crucial for effectively promoting humane values and inspiring positive change in communities.

What is the difference between Humane vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectHumaneAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in animal careHigh school diploma, certifications in animal handling
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue facilities
Industry UsageOrganizations focused on humane treatment and rescueFacilities housing and caring for animals awaiting adoption
Common Search/ComparisonHumane vs Animal Shelter Worker

Humane workers typically focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for animals, often working with organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily care, feeding, and cleaning in shelters. While both roles involve caring for animals, Humane workers often engage in broader advocacy and rescue efforts, whereas Shelter Workers focus on the immediate care and management of shelter animals.

What are some common challenges faced by Humane Educators when working with diverse communities?

Humane Educators often encounter challenges such as addressing varying cultural perceptions of animals, adapting teaching methods to different age groups, and overcoming language barriers. Building trust and fostering open dialogue within diverse communities require strong communication and cultural sensitivity skills. Additionally, educators may need to tailor their curriculum to resonate with local values and ensure inclusivity, all while promoting empathy and responsible behavior toward people, animals, and the environment.
What are popular job titles related to Humane jobs in California? For Humane jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Humane jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Humane jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Humane jobs? Cities in California with the most Humane job openings:
Humane jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,558 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Administrative Captain, Humane Law Enforcement

Administrative Captain, Humane Law Enforcement

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

San Diego Humane Society rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Full-Time Administrative Captain for our Humane Law Enforcement team!
How you'll impact our mission:
At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people. In this role, you'll be support our mission by working as a strategic partner to the Chief and Operations Captain to lead the San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement Department. It serves as the department's administrative, compliance and training leader, ensuring operational excellence across all campuses through comprehensive oversight of compliance, training, professional development, and employee engagement functions.
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:
  • Serve as the primary administrative leader for the department, handling big-picture oversight of personnel matters, policy implementation, and compliance oversight.
  • May serve as Acting Chief when required or as Incident Commander for SDHS participation in emergency situations/disasters.
  • Work with Pack Leaders from HLE, Sheltering, and Administration, and other areas to plan, direct, organize, implement and evaluate processes, services, activities and procedures on an ongoing basis.
  • Serve as the department's Training Coordinator and Academy Assistant Director, ensuring SDHS maintains the premier Humane Law Enforcement training program in California.
  • Oversee all post-training phase continuing education and ensure all required positions, including Humane Law Enforcement Officers (HLEO) and Animal Protection Officers (APO).
  • Research, schedule, coordinate, and track all continuing education requirements for the entire department, maintaining accurate and current training records.
  • Evaluate training opportunities, solicit input from personnel and supervisors for recommended programs, and oversee all logistics for attendance of selected personnel.
  • Serve as a mentor to Sergeants and Lieutenants in the management of campus teams, providing guidance on employee motivation and performance management.
  • Serve as the department's Compliance Officer, ensuring adherence to all State and Local Laws governing Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement operations.
  • Work with the Administrative Lieutenant to ensure all resolutions and County Clerk regulations for HLEOs are current and properly maintained.
  • Uphold the administrative hearing process, working with hearing officers as necessary.
  • Support the Chief in implementing and leading a continuous quality improvement process, focusing on systems/process improvement. Utilize data to identify strengths and opportunities. Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on department operations.
  • Work with the VP of Community Engagement and other staff members to promote active and broad participation from HLE staff.
  • Work closely with the Senior Director, Government Relations to support municipal animal field services and animal services contracts.
  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with other animal welfare organizations (e.g., San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition members), local municipal government officials, law enforcement agencies, District Attorney's offices, court officials and municipal representatives.
  • Perform duties of Humane Officer and Investigator, as needed.

What we're looking for:
  • Bachelors degree in Administration of Justice, Animal Science, Public Administration, Human Resources, or related field with seven (7) years of full-time progressively responsible related experience in law enforcement, investigations, or animal control organizations, with three (3) years supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of related experience and education required.
  • Experience in training coordination, academy operations, or professional development programs highly desirable.
  • Must successfully complete Peace Officer Standards and Training and CA state-approved humane academy and satisfy the requirements of Section 1029, 1030, and 1031 of the Government Code within one year of employment. In accordance with departmental standards and California law, an active CA Penal Code 832 certification is mandatory for this position. Must have an active CA Penal Code 832 certification upon hire, or successfully obtain certification after employment by completing the course and passing all tests within one enrollment in an approved PC832 course.
  • Must pass a full P.O.S.T. background check, medical examination, psychological screening, drug screening, LiveScan and all background requirements by the State of California.
  • 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. This position works 40 hours per week. Must be able to work weekends and evenings, as required.
Pay: Starting range is between $92,429 - $120,158 per year.
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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