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Senior Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Chief Animal Officer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Provide executive oversight of animal care, welfare, behavior, veterinary services, and nutrition programs * Serve as a member of the Senior Executive Team, contributing to organizational strategy ...

Iredell County, NC

Animal Services Volunteer

NC · On-site

All volunteers are trained by senior volunteers/animal care staff/other staff in all positions they ... Animal behavior is unpredictable and the information that Iredell County Animal Services has in ...

ASPCA

$20 - $25/hr

This role observes, supports, and reports any behavioral or medical concerns to the proper point of ... What You'll Do Animal Care and Handlers report directly to the Senior Manager, National Responder ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Senior Director of Operations Location: 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336 Summary ... Advanced knowledge of animal behavior, habits, and husbandry. * Advanced animal handling skills for ...

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Senior Animal Behavior information

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How much do senior animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior animal behavior in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Animal Behaviorist do?

A Senior Animal Behaviorist studies animal behavior to understand how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. They may work in research, zoos, animal shelters, or as consultants, developing programs to modify problematic behaviors or improve animal welfare. In a senior role, they often lead teams, design experiments, and provide expert advice on animal training and enrichment. Their work helps improve animal care and supports conservation efforts. Senior Animal Behaviorists typically have advanced degrees and extensive experience in animal behavior science.

What is the difference between Senior Animal Behavior vs Animal Behaviorist?

AspectSenior Animal BehaviorAnimal Behaviorist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), certifications in animal behaviorTypically a degree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, animal shelters, zoos, private consultingAnimal shelters, zoos, research facilities, private practice
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, specialized consulting firmsAnimal care facilities, zoos, private clients
Common Search & ComparisonSenior Animal Behavior vs Animal Behaviorist

Senior Animal Behavior professionals often have advanced education and oversee complex projects, while Animal Behaviorists focus on applying behavioral science to improve animal welfare and training. Both roles require a strong understanding of animal behavior, but Senior Animal Behavior roles typically involve leadership and research responsibilities, whereas Animal Behaviorists are more client-facing and hands-on.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Animal Behaviorist, you need advanced knowledge of animal behavior science, a relevant degree (such as in animal behavior, zoology, or psychology), and substantial hands-on experience with animal assessment and training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and certifications like CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) or ACAAB are often required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with both animals and humans set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are vital for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues, developing effective intervention plans, and ensuring the well-being of animals in various settings.

What are some common challenges Senior Animal Behaviorists face when working with animals in shelters or rescue environments?

Senior Animal Behaviorists in shelters often encounter animals with complex behavioral issues stemming from stress, trauma, or lack of socialization. Addressing these challenges requires patience, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with veterinary staff and caretakers to develop individualized behavior modification plans. Additionally, balancing the needs of multiple animals and limited resources can be demanding, but it offers valuable experience in prioritizing care and advocating for animal welfare. Effective communication with adopters and staff is also crucial to ensure successful long-term outcomes for the animals.
What cities are hiring for Senior Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Senior Animal Behavior job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Animal Behavior jobs include:
Senior Animal Behavior jobs near you

Chief Animal Officer

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Department: Animal Programs
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $180,000 - $200,000

Position Summary

The Chief Animal Officer provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the Animal Programs division at the San Francisco Zoo. This role oversees animal care, health, welfare, and conservation initiatives, including direct supervision of Curators and the Executive Vice President of Animal Health and Welfare.

Responsible for ensuring excellence in animal management, the Chief Animal Officer leads efforts in husbandry, training, enrichment, veterinary care, nutrition, and habitat design and maintenance.

As a member of the Senior Executive Team, this position plays a key role in shaping organizational strategy, policy, and long-term planning. The Chief Animal Officer collaborates closely with internal departments, the Board of Directors, regulatory agencies, and external partners to advance the Zoo's mission and ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and guest engagement.

Core Expectations
  • Demonstrate commitment to the Zoo's mission, vision, and values
  • Perform all duties in a professional, service-oriented manner
  • Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
  • Adhere to all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards
  • Support a workplace free from discrimination and harassment
  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Strategy
  • Provide executive oversight of animal care, welfare, behavior, veterinary services, and nutrition programs
  • Serve as a member of the Senior Executive Team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and policy development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop senior animal care staff, including recruitment, performance management, and succession planning
  • Drive continuous improvement in animal welfare and institutional standards
Animal Care & Welfare
  • Ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, health, enrichment, and behavioral management
  • Oversee implementation and evaluation of preventative medicine and nutrition programs
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation systems and use data to inform decision-making
  • Ensure all animal areas and support facilities meet or exceed AZA, USDA, and other regulatory standards
  • Lead animal welfare response efforts and crisis management when necessary
Operations & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and permitting requirements (e.g., USDA, USFWS, California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
  • Oversee development and implementation of SOPs, safety protocols, and emergency response plans
  • Monitor updates to AZA accreditation standards and ensure organizational compliance
  • Foster a culture of safety across all animal programs and facilities
Planning & Project Management
  • Lead development and execution of animal collection and management plans aligned with conservation and organizational goals
  • Participate in master planning, exhibit design, and capital improvement projects
  • Oversee maintenance and development of animal habitats, hospital facilities, and nutrition areas
  • Manage departmental budgets, including operating, labor, and capital expenditures
Collaboration & External Relations
  • Partner with internal departments to support guest experience, education, donor engagement, and revenue initiatives
  • Serve as a key spokesperson on animal care and welfare for media and public communications
  • Collaborate with conservation organizations, research institutions, and industry partners
  • Represent the Zoo in professional associations and conservation initiatives (e.g., AZA programs such as TAGs, SSPs, SAFE)
Programs & Engagement
  • Support animal-related programming, including tours, special events, and VIP experiences
  • Facilitate participation in research related to animal welfare, behavior, breeding, and conservation
  • Contribute to publications, presentations, and professional forums
Additional Responsibilities
  • Maintain knowledge of husbandry, handling, and transport requirements across taxa
  • Make informed decisions impacting animals, exhibits, and facilities
  • Interact professionally with guests, staff, and stakeholders
  • Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to execute all essential duties effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Core Competencies
  • Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Ability to set vision, drive results, and lead organizational change
  • Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of animal care, welfare, and zoological operations
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences
  • Collaboration: Builds effective partnerships internally and externally
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making: Uses data and judgment to make sound, timely decisions
  • Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic, evolving environments
  • Accountability & Integrity: Demonstrates professionalism, ethical behavior, and ownership
  • Operational Excellence: Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills
  • Guest Focus: Supports initiatives that enhance visitor experience while prioritizing animal welfare
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field required (advanced degree preferred)
  • Equivalent combination of education and extensive experience may be considered
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in an AZA-accredited or equivalent zoological institution
  • Demonstrated success in team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational management
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods
  • Ability to climb, balance, bend, and perform physically demanding tasks
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 80 pounds occasionally
  • Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient for operational tasks
  • Ability to work in varied environmental conditions (outdoors, temperature extremes, noise)
  • Must maintain required health clearances, including tuberculosis testing and rabies vaccination
Work Environment
  • Combination of indoor and outdoor work environments
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and environmental factors
  • Potential exposure to animals, zoonotic diseases, and minor physical hazards
Additional Requirements
  • Frequent interaction with the public, donors, and stakeholders requiring strong interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Represents the organization with professionalism and credibility at all times

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