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Wildlife Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Through sheltering, veterinary services, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach, the ... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ...

Apply Early

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Through sheltering, veterinary services, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach, the ... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ...

Apply Early

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Through sheltering, veterinary services, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach, the ... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ...

Animal Dispatcher

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Through sheltering, veterinary services, wildlife rehabilitation, and community outreach, the ... Animal Rescue & Control services by managing incoming calls, coordinating service requests, and ...

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Wildlife Animal Rescue information

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How much do wildlife animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife animal rescue in the United States is $21.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by wildlife animal rescue workers in the field?

Wildlife animal rescue workers often encounter challenges such as working in unpredictable outdoor environments, handling animals that may be stressed or injured, and responding to emergencies at irregular hours. Teamwork is crucial, as rescues may require collaboration with veterinarians, law enforcement, and other wildlife professionals. Additionally, there can be emotional challenges when dealing with animals that cannot be saved, making resilience and self-care important for long-term success in this field.

How do I become a wildlife rescuer?

To become a wildlife rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animal care, often through volunteering or internships with wildlife organizations. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, first aid, and sometimes certifications in wildlife rehabilitation or related fields; a background in biology or environmental science can also be helpful.

What certifications do you need to work at a wildlife rescue center?

Wildlife animal rescue workers typically do not require formal certifications, but certifications in first aid, CPR, and wildlife handling can enhance employability. Some positions may require specialized training in animal care, rehabilitation, or species-specific knowledge, and relevant experience is often valued.

What is the highest paying job working with wildlife?

The highest paying jobs in wildlife rescue often include wildlife veterinarians and conservation directors, with veterinarians earning salaries exceeding $100,000 annually due to specialized training and certification. These roles typically require advanced degrees, licensing, and experience working in field or clinical settings.

What is wildlife animal rescue?

Wildlife animal rescue involves responding to situations where wild animals are injured, orphaned, sick, or in danger. Rescuers assess the animal’s condition, provide immediate care, and often transport the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. The goal is to rehabilitate the animal so it can be safely returned to its natural habitat. Wildlife animal rescue also includes educating the public about coexisting with wildlife and preventing future harm.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wildlife Animal Rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildlife Animal Rescue professional, you need expertise in animal behavior, wildlife biology, and rescue procedures, often supported by a degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, rescue transport systems, and relevant certifications such as wildlife rehabilitation licenses are typically required. Compassion, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help professionals manage stressful situations and educate the public. These skills ensure the effective rescue, care, and release of wildlife while promoting public awareness and safety.

What is the difference between Wildlife Animal Rescue vs Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist?

AspectWildlife Animal RescueWildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Required CredentialsOften includes permits, basic animal care knowledgeRequires permits, specialized training, certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, rescue sites, outdoor environmentsRehabilitation centers, clinics, indoor facilities
Employer & Industry UsageWildlife rescue organizations, conservation groupsWildlife rehab centers, veterinary clinics, NGOs
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking rescue opportunities or info on rescuing wildlifeIndividuals interested in animal care, rehab processes

Wildlife Animal Rescue focuses on the initial rescue and removal of injured or stranded wildlife from the field, often involving fieldwork and emergency response. Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialists typically work in controlled environments, providing ongoing care and treatment to injured animals. Both roles require permits and a passion for wildlife, but they differ mainly in work setting and specific responsibilities.

Is animal rescue a good career path?

Wildlife animal rescue is a rewarding but challenging career that involves caring for injured or orphaned animals and often requires knowledge of animal behavior, first aid, and conservation practices. It can be physically demanding and may involve irregular hours, but it offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on animal welfare and conservation efforts.
More about Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Wildlife Animal Rescue job openings:
What states have the most Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs are:
Infographic showing various Wildlife Animal Rescue job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,859 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Wildlife Center Clinic Manager

Wildlife Center Clinic Manager

HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE OF PITTSBURGH

Verona, PA • On-site

$46K - $48K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Humane Animal Rescue Of Pittsburgh rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

665th of 690 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Description

Summary

The Wildlife Center Clinic Manager works in close partnership with the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation to ensure the effective, safe, and compassionate operation of the Wildlife Center. This role provides leadership and oversight for wildlife rehabilitation staff, seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers while maintaining hands-on involvement in patient care.

The Clinic Manager is responsible for overseeing daily clinic operations, patient flow and outcomes, staff supervision, safety protocols, inventory and purchasing, and regulatory compliance. This position plays a critical role in maintaining high standards of animal care, facility cleanliness, staff training, and operational efficiency while supporting Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's mission and values.


Principal Responsibilities

  • Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue throughout all responsibilities of the position
  • Directly supervise the daily activities and performance of wildlife rehabilitators, animal care (both full and seasonal) in conjunction with interns, and volunteers ensuring daily cleaning, care, and treatments for patients
  • Directly manages the clinic team in its entirety including but not limited to clinic scheduling, disciplinary action, monthly meetings, assigning additional tasks, monitoring off-season projects and all other staff related subjects
  • Responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding for rehabilitators, animal care and seasonal animal care positions
  • Responsible for general licensed rehabilitator duties such as clinic shifts, triage, in-take exams, daily medication rounds, general husbandry needs and other essential clinic tasks
  • Assists the Volunteer and Operations Manager and Director in the coordination of new volunteer implementation and assists with the training process for general and seasonal volunteer positions including Nursery Bootcamp
  • Oversee daily volunteer actions and uphold all policies and procedures in accordance with the Volunteer and Operations Manager
  • Monitor and document the progression of animals through the rehabilitation process ensuring animal care needs are being met in a timely manner
  • Keep Director informed of animal intake, in-house patients and their status, animal care needs, quality of animal care, patient procedures and programmatic needs
  • Collaborate with Director and veterinary team to develop and carry out treatment plans and determine final disposition of animals undergoing veterinary care
  • Works with Director to create, refine and implement species protocols and rehabilitation treatment plans
  • Responsible for updating and maintaining husbandry manuals for staff, intern and volunteer usage
  • Ensure that animals are being handled in a manner that maximizes human and animal safety and that staff are trained and following safety procedures, and that protocols for infection control are being followed by rehabilitation and animal care staff
  • Develop and teach courses for volunteers and public outreach on wildlife rehabilitation and co-existence topics
  • Oversee and ensure proper upkeep of inventory and purchasing of supplies for the Wildlife Center within budget guidelines in conjunction with Wildlife Administrative Coordinator
  • Monitor, identify, and report to the Maintenance Director on enclosure and facility maintenance needs
  • Maintains records and oversees permits and licensing applications and renewals in conjunction with Director for state and federal agencies
  • Responsible for evaluating and deeming non-releasable patients for review and potential placement
  • Collaborate with other departments to manage social media communications; prepare and present information to promote public awareness, understanding of the organization's programs, activities, and objectives
  • Stay current on rehabilitation methods and captive care of wildlife through continuing education
  • Helps to create a professional environment, building positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and interns
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by Director


Work Environment

The Wildlife Center Clinic Manager works in a dynamic combination of office, clinical, and outdoor environments at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's Wildlife Center. This role involves direct interaction with native wildlife species and exposure to loud noises, strong odors, allergens, and emotionally demanding situations, particularly during peak wildlife seasons.

The position requires adaptability and comfort working in all weather conditions and transitioning between administrative and hands-on operational duties. Professionalism and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential.

Travel between organizational locations and to off-site events is required. The employee must have reliable transportation and may operate company vehicles as needed. Mileage reimbursement is provided for personal vehicle use in accordance with organizational policy.

This position requires travel between organizational locations and to off-site events. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for personal vehicle use, and the employee may be placed on the organization's insurance to operate company vehicles.


Physical Demands

This position requires moderate physical activity, including standing or walking for extended periods, bending, lifting, and carrying supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties include handling and restraining wildlife in a clinical setting. The role also involves frequent use of computers, phones, and office equipment.

Strong organizational and time-management skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, sometimes noisy and emotionally charged environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.


Requirements

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum two years management experience in a veterinary or animal welfare setting
  • Minimum two years experience in wildlife rehabilitation setting or equivalent experience
  • Must hold General permits for wildlife rehabilitation or achieve within a year of hire
  • Ability to provide leadership and training to staff regarding wildlife rehabilitation and animal care
  • Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and detail-oriented
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule which includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to provide ongoing feedback to staff
  • Knowledge of state laws regulating the cleaning and operations of wildlife rehabilitation
  • Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 hours
  • Ability to use standard office equipment such as a personal computer using MS Word, Excel, and other related software
  • Must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving history



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