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Wild Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... being of wild and domestic animals. * Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL

$20.96/hr

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... being of wild and domestic animals. * Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow ...

Wild Adventures

Animal Keeper

Valdosta, GA · On-site

This position will participate in and assist with the development of the animal training program ... with Wild Adventure and USDA standards as a minimum. * Respond to questions from patrons, and ...

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Wild Animal Trainer information

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How much do wild animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wild animal trainer in the United States is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wild animal trainer?

Wild animal trainers are professionals who work with a variety of non-domesticated animals, teaching them specific behaviors for purposes such as entertainment, education, research, or animal care. They use positive reinforcement, patience, and specialized training techniques to build trust and communication with animals like lions, elephants, dolphins, or birds of prey. Wild animal trainers may work in settings such as zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, circuses, or film and television productions, ensuring both the safety and well-being of the animals and the people around them.

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

To thrive as a Wild Animal Trainer, you need a strong background in animal behavior, zoology, and hands-on experience working with wildlife, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications in animal training. Familiarity with animal training equipment, safety protocols, and record-keeping systems is essential. Patience, observational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety of both trainers and animals while achieving successful training outcomes in diverse settings.

What are some common challenges faced by wild animal trainers during daily routines?

Wild animal trainers often encounter challenges related to animal behavior unpredictability, safety protocols, and maintaining trust between themselves and the animals. Working with wild species requires patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of each animal's unique temperament. Trainers must also coordinate closely with veterinarians, zookeepers, and other staff to ensure the animals' welfare and to adjust training methods as needed. Regular communication and teamwork are vital for managing risks and achieving training goals in a safe, ethical manner.

What is the difference between Wild Animal Trainer vs Zookeeper?

AspectWild Animal TrainerZookeeper
CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, experience with exotic animalsAnimal care certifications, zoology or related degrees
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, wildlife parks, or sanctuariesZoological parks, aquariums, or zoos
Employer & IndustryWildlife parks, film industry, private trainersZoological institutions, aquariums, conservation organizations

While both Wild Animal Trainers and Zookeepers work with animals, Wild Animal Trainers focus on training and conditioning wild or exotic animals for entertainment, film, or educational purposes. Zookeepers primarily care for animals, maintain habitats, and support conservation efforts. The roles overlap in animal handling skills and certifications, but their work environments and primary objectives differ.

What cities are hiring for Wild Animal Trainer jobs?

Cities with the most Wild Animal Trainer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Wild Animal Trainer jobs?

For Wild Animal Trainer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Wild Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wild Animal Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,875 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Welcome Center Associate-Retail

Keenesburg, CO

The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuaryexternal

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Welcome Center Associate

Status: Full-Time - Entry-Level

Hourly: $23.00

Benefits: After 60 Day Probationary Period

Health, Dental, and Vision Offered

Primary Function: Customer Service- Retail

We are so much more than a workplace. We are a team committed to service, to bettering our communities, and the world. As the oldest and largest non-profit carnivore Sanctuary in the world, our visionary approach is simple: EVERYTHING we do is for the animals.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary has endless opportunities where our team members continue to develop personal and professional skills while growing their knowledge base through hands-on, peer-to-peer, and management guided training. Saving and caring for animals, as well as educating people, is our overall mission. With hard work, dedication, and longevity, there is room for future growth in cross-training in other departments as well!

Job Duties include but not limited to:

  • Customer Service
  • Cashier
  • Educating Guests
  • Cleaning
  • Rentals
  • Obtaining Liability Waivers
  • Security
  • Monitoring
  • Teamwork related tasks


Specifically, we are looking for people that possess the following qualities:

  • Great attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong work ethic
  • Team player
  • Determination
  • Positive attitude
  • Belief in organization's mission


Required/Other:

  • Valid Driver's License (Own Transportation)
  • Able to learn and perform tasks on sale kiosks
  • Able to lift 50 lbs. or more
  • Able to stand for long periods of time
  • Able to work as a team
  • Ability to bend, lift, crouch, and participate in vigorous physical activities such as snow shoveling, etc.

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!


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" is an equal opportunity employer.All applicants will be considered foremploymentwithout attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

Apply