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Senior Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butte County

Senior Animal Control Officer

Oroville, CA · On-site

Animal Control Officer This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026 ... Behavior and handling of livestock, and common domestic or wild animals. * Methods and equipment ...

City of McKinney

Animal Services Officer

Mckinney, TX

$42.07K - $61K/yr

If Hired as Animal Service Officer #9540 $42,068.15 - $61,000.24/Annually If Hired as Senior Animal ... KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS Ability to embrace and embody the City's core values of ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Curator, Mammals

Monterey, CA · On-site

Advise senior Animal Care management with budget planning, management, and oversight for ... Expert-level understanding of animal behavior and captive husbandry principals * Expert-level ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

Keithville, LA

Report unusual behavior or injuries. Transport food, bedding, or supplies from storage areas to ... senior animal care staff. Does not normally supervise anyone but may serve as group leader. May ...

Pimacounty

Animal Care Technician I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.24/hr

Performs cleaning and sanitizing of animal enclosures, monitors animal behavior, and assists with basic medical care under the supervision of senior staff. Contributes to a safe and healthy ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

LA · On-site

Report unusual behavior or injuries. • Transport food, bedding, or supplies from storage areas to ... or senior animal care staff. • Does not normally supervise anyone but may serve as group leader ...

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 ...

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Senior Animal Behavior information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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

Animal Welfare Intern

Lincoln Park Zoological Society

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org. 

General Summary

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Animal Welfare Science Program is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic intern to support data collection efforts at the zoo.  This internship will involve conducting behavior observations of Asian small-clawed otters as part of a multi-institutional research study being led by Lincoln Park Zoo and supported by a grant from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  The intern will primarily be reviewing video recordings of otters recorded at zoos and aquariums around the USA to score animal behavior data. In addition, the intern will assist with in-person behavior observations at Lincoln Park Zoo using the ZooMonitor app and support data analysis.

This paid internship position is scheduled to start September 1st and will be 4.5 months in duration.  The position will be in-person only and part-time (20 hours per week, weekdays only). Remote work and weekend availability cannot be accommodated for this internship.

Essential Job Function

  • Conduct computer-based animal behavior observations from pre-recorded videos
  • Assist with in-person animal behavior observations using the ZooMonitor app
  • Review training materials and pass inter-observer reliability tests
  • Create basic, summary data visualizations
  • Regularly communicate progress with the Primary Investigator

Learning Objectives

  • Learn scientific methods for observing animal behavior
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of Asian small-clawed otter behavior
  • Become proficient using software tools (e.g., ZooMonitor app) to record behavior
  • Develop skills in analyzing animal behavior data

Additional Responsibilities

  • May assist with other on-grounds behavior research
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Possess strong detail-oriented and critical-thinking skills
  • Possess strong computer, organizational (project management), and communication skills (written and spoken)
  • Ability to work independently, including managing time and prioritizing tasks efficiently
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Previous experience with animal behavior research is preferred

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but will consider currently enrolled Junior or Senior-level students
  • Preferred major in Biology, Animal Behavior, Psychology, Zoology or other related field

Our Commitment

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.  For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

  • Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
  • Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
  • Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
  • Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
  • A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $17.00/hr

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