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Wild Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ... Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator. * Maintain ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL

$20.96/hr

Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ... Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator. * Maintain ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Duties : Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be ... One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required. A ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper Part Time

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Duties : Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be ... One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required. A ...

Wild Animal Inc - MO

Park Services

Strafford, MO

$17 - $17.50/hr

At Wild Animal Inc - MO, located in Strafford, MO, we're passionate about creating a clean ... Benefits & Perks We believe in taking care of our team, and we're proud to offer: - Sick Pay ...

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Wild Animal Care information

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$10

$18

$26

How much do wild animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for wild animal care in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wild animal care professional?

To thrive as a Wild Animal Care professional, you need knowledge of animal behavior, biology, and husbandry, often supported by a degree in zoology, wildlife biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes certifications like wildlife rehabilitation permits are typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are crucial for maintaining animal health, safety, and coordinated care in diverse and sometimes unpredictable environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in wild animal care?

Professionals in wild animal care often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable animal behavior, handling animals with specialized medical or dietary needs, and working in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions. The role requires strong observational skills to detect health or behavioral issues early and adaptability when responding to emergencies or changes in animal populations. Teamwork is essential, as wild animal care staff regularly collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and other caretakers to ensure the well-being and rehabilitation of the animals.

What is wild animal care?

Wild Animal Care involves the rescue, rehabilitation, and management of wild animals, often with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats. Professionals in this field care for injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife, providing medical treatment, nutrition, and enrichment. They may work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, sanctuaries, or in the field, sometimes collaborating with veterinarians and conservationists. Their work helps promote animal welfare and contributes to conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Wild Animal Care vs Zookeeper?

AspectWild Animal CareZookeeper
Required CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, wildlife rehabilitation permitsAnimal husbandry certifications, zookeeper training programs
Work EnvironmentWildlife rescue centers, rehabilitation facilities, outdoor settingsZoological parks, aquariums, zoos
Employer & IndustryWildlife conservation organizations, rehabilitation centersZoological institutions, aquariums, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonWild Animal Care vs Zookeeper

Wild Animal Care professionals focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wild animals, often working in outdoor or specialized wildlife settings. Zookeepers primarily care for animals within zoological parks or aquariums, focusing on daily husbandry and enrichment. While both roles involve animal handling and require related certifications, Wild Animal Care emphasizes conservation and rehabilitation, whereas Zookeepers focus on exhibit maintenance and visitor education.

More about Wild Animal Care jobs

What job categories do people searching Wild Animal Care jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wild Animal Care jobs are:

Infographic showing various Wild Animal Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Vet Technician/Animal Care

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

Springfield, CO • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Vet Tech/Animal Care
Location: The Wild Animal Refuge
Status: Full-Time - Entry-Level Salary
Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000 (DOE)
Want to work for an organization with a positive mission, team environment, great pay, and benefits? Then, we are seeking you!
If you have you have a strong work ethic, a passion to do good, and excellent customer service skills, then apply now for our Vet Tech/Animal Care position today.
The Wild Animal Refuge- is a place where motivated individuals can immerse themselves into a dedicated community, working side by side to provide a safe-haven for rescued animals to live out the rest of their lives with dignity and respect. We are so much more than a workplace. We are a team committed to service, to bettering our communities, and the world. We are always seeking new opportunities and developing solutions that allow us to maintain the highest level of care for the animals we rescue, as well as educate the public about the plight of captive born and bred animals worldwide. EVERYTHING we do is for the animals.
If being able to make a real and tangible difference in this world fuels your spirit - as does giving to others for the right reasons - then you are not alone. Our team members openly and gladly devote their lives to a singular cause that is hands-on, challenging, innovative, taxing and pushes limits. They are the best of the best!
Primary Functions/Overview of Job Tasks:
  • Ability to perform routine vet tech procedures on animals including medication administration
  • Ability to maintain clear and accurate records
  • Able to stay on task and work energetically for the entire shift, sometimes exceeding 9 hours per day
  • Care and maintenance of all medical equipment and any other tools that are essential to daily operations
  • Animal care with ranch hand work while ensuring that the animals are fed with proper diet and restrictions
  • Document any changes of a animals condition and vital signs appropriately in medical records and notify of any unusual medical or behavioral problems
  • Communication skills must be practiced to ensure the overall safety of the Organization
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required/Other:
  • Must have a valid Driver's License
  • Able to lift 75lbs or more
  • Able to stand for long periods of time
  • Able to work as a team

Preferred:
  • Vet Technician Certifications (Or, near completion: Veterinarian Technician License)
  • Large Carnivore Experience preferred but not required
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field
  • Career Course Materials Obtained

Personal Characteristics:
  • Self-motivated, productive, and results-oriented
  • Keeping an organized and tidy workspace
  • Flexible, ability to adapt to change and shifting priorities and to work simultaneously on a variety of complex projects
  • Teamwork orientated with ability to work independently
  • Patient, a good listener, and a heart for animals
  • Desire to learn, grow, and be coached
  • Contribute to a positive culture

As you can see, we are looking for people who possess strong foundational skills with an attitude to succeed. It's incredibly important for each auditioned to know in their heart they are truly ready to become part of something bigger than themselves and actually possess all of the core ingredients required.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding service opportunity with real purpose, you are special and we want to meet you!
Clear Focus:
The above Job Description is intended to describe the general duties/nature of the level of work being performed by the Vet Tech/Animal Care. This Job Description is not to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required. Job Descriptions are somewhat fluid and will change depending on the Organization's strategic direction and overall objectives accordingly.
Background Check Statement:
Approval for Hiring is contingent upon successfully passing a background check prior to your Hiring/Acceptance/Offer. This background check does not report to any credit bureau and no impact will be seen on the applicants side. This process helps the Company screen for any past background experiences that pose a threat or a discrepancy to the Organization, as TWAS does not hire any violent offenders, or individuals that have been charged criminally involving endangering/threating/hurting children and/or animals. By applying you are authorizing the The Wild Animal Sanctuary to perform this background check.
EEOC Statement:
Our Non-Profit organization, "The Wild Animal Sanctuary-Refuge" is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

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