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Live In Animal Sanctuary Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

... live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ... Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ... Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ... Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chino, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ... Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ... Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Riverside, CA

$16 - $20.75/hr

Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ... Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ...

Animal Care Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales ... Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and ...

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Founded in the 1960s, Valley Animal Hospital has grown from a small walk-in clinic into a newly ... Access to a specialty surgeon for advanced and complex cases Why Live in Rialto, CA? Rialto offers ...

Veterinarian

Rialto, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Founded in the 1960s, Valley Animal Hospital has grown from a small walk-in clinic into a newly ... Access to a specialty surgeon for advanced and complex cases Why Live in Rialto, CA? Rialto offers ...

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Live In Animal Sanctuary information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$29

How much do live in animal sanctuary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in animal sanctuary in Riverside, CA is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in animal sanctuary worker?

A Live In Animal Sanctuary worker is someone who resides at an animal sanctuary and is responsible for the daily care and well-being of the animals living there. Their duties can include feeding, cleaning enclosures, administering medications, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with rescues or adoptions. Living on-site allows for around-the-clock care and immediate response to animal needs or emergencies. This role often requires a passion for animals, physical stamina, and a strong sense of responsibility. Some sanctuaries may also expect workers to help with education, outreach, or maintenance tasks.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for someone living and working at an animal sanctuary?

Daily responsibilities at a live-in animal sanctuary often include feeding and caring for the animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with veterinary care. You may also be involved in habitat maintenance, educational tours, or administrative tasks, depending on the sanctuary's size and needs. Collaboration with other staff and volunteers is common, and flexibility is essential as animal care needs can change unexpectedly. It's a physically demanding role that requires dedication and a genuine passion for animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in animal sanctuary caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live-In Animal Sanctuary Caretaker, you need experience in animal care, basic veterinary knowledge, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Compassion, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills help you manage animal welfare and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of the sanctuary environment.

What is the difference between Live In Animal Sanctuary vs Animal Caretaker?

AspectLive In Animal SanctuaryAnimal Caretaker
CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, certifications varySimilar credentials, often includes animal handling certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential setting, on-site living with animalsVaries; can be residential or daily shifts, often in shelters or farms
Employer & IndustryAnimal sanctuaries, rescue organizations

Live In Animal Sanctuary roles involve residing on-site to care for animals in a sanctuary setting, often with a focus on rehabilitation and long-term care. Animal Caretakers may work in shelters, farms, or rescue centers, providing daily care without necessarily living on-site. While both roles require animal handling skills and certifications, the key difference lies in the residential aspect and the specific environment.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Live In Animal Sanctuary jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Live In Animal Sanctuary job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Animal Sanctuary job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,677 per year, or $22 per hour.

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 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

484th of 846 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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