ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wildlife Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

All JobsWildlife Animal Rescue JobsWildlife Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia

Wildlife Animal Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$21

$30

How much do wildlife animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife animal rescue in Virginia is $21.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $21.68 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 hard is it to get a job as a wildlife animal rescue?

Getting a job as a wildlife animal rescue worker can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, such as volunteering or internships, along with knowledge of animal care and local wildlife laws. Certification in wildlife rehabilitation and a passion for conservation can improve job prospects, but entry-level positions may be available for those willing to gain experience and training.

What do I need to work at a wildlife animal rescue?

To work at a wildlife animal rescue, you typically need a passion for animal welfare, relevant experience or education in wildlife biology, ecology, or veterinary care, and often a valid driver's license. Some positions may require certifications such as first aid, animal handling, or wildlife rehabilitation permits, depending on the role and location.

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?

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.

How to become a wildlife animal rescue worker?

To become a wildlife animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience or training in animal care, wildlife biology, or conservation. Volunteering with local rescue organizations and obtaining certifications such as First Aid or wildlife handling can improve job prospects; some positions may require a degree in a related field or specialized training. Strong communication skills, physical fitness, and a passion for animal welfare are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia?

For Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia are:

Wildlife Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Animal Rescue job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,474 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Animal Services Officer

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description

At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) our Animal Services Officers are our community advocates for the humane treatment of all animals and the education of our community members on the humane treatment of domestic animals and wildlife. This is a dynamic position responsible for enforcing local and state animal welfare and animal control laws, with an emphasis on compassion, understanding, and education towards all members of our community. Animal Services Officers are routinely tasked with the rescue of domestic animals and wildlife from precarious situations and providing emergency care to those animals. 

Requirements

  Essential job functions include:


- Investigating and resolving all complaints of cruelty to animals in the City of Alexandria in a prompt and efficient manner

- Enforcing all state and city laws pertaining to the humane care and control of animals.

- Effectively working with attorneys, police officials, veterinarians, and others to resolve cases of animal abuse and neglect

- Ensuring that everything legally possible and prudent has been done to improve the quality of life for the animal involved, alleviate their suffering, and to educate or take appropriate legal action with the animal's custodian when answering a call

- Conducting follow-up with citizens, as appropriate, to ensure continuing compliance with laws and proper animal care; inspecting and issuing all permits indicated by law

- Must be willing to work after hours on call and respond to emergencies as needed

- Complying with all aspects of the rabies control program

- Ensuring animals who need to be captured are done so humanely, the transportation is as comfortable as possible, and that emergency first aid and/or prompt veterinary care is rendered, if appropriate

- The removal and handling of deceased animals. 

- Ability to obtain euthanasia certification within one year of employment. After certification, be able to safely and humanely euthanize wildlife and companion animals when needed. Must have the ability to safely handle drugs for the purpose of humane euthanasia and accurately calculate drug dosages and track the use of these drugs for reporting purposes. 

  - Properly operating and maintaining City issued animal control vehicles, ensuring that vehicles are supplied with all necessary equipment and are maintained in a sanitary manner, and verify if inspections are current

- Maintaining a polite, professional, and informative demeanor for other staff members, veterinarians, police department officials, attorneys, representatives from other agencies, and the general public

- Administrative duties including but not limited to, writing accurate and timely reports on all work activities, entering and updating all animal records in a timely manner, and participating in community programs to promote the humane treatment of all animals. 

- Other duties as assigned to support the AWLA's mission


Required: Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and have a clean driving record; must have a high school diploma or equivalent; have a proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment; have the ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculations; have interest in the humane care and treatment of animals; have a proven ability to interact with others in a positive and friendly manner; have the ability to learn, understand and effectively communicate State code and City ordinances; have the ability to attain certification as a euthanasia technician within the first six months of employment; have the ability to pass the state's Animal Control Basic Course within one year of appointment; have the ability to pass course in chemical immobilization techniques within one year of employment; have the ability to receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis; must be able to regularly lift 50 plus pounds, stand, sit, walk.


The specific physical and sensory capabilities generally required for the role include:

- Heavy Lifting and Carrying: Ability to occasionally lift and drag heavy, injured, or deceased animals (often exceeding 100 lbs) for short distances.


- Mobility and Agility: Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb over obstacles in challenging, uneven, or unprotected environments.


- Grasping and Manual Dexterity: Fine and firm hand manipulation is required to safely operate catch poles, traps, dart guns, and other specialized animal control equipment. 


- Sensory Requirements: Officers must have excellent visual acuity for driving, spotting animals, and identifying behaviors, as well as normal vocal communication and hearing to interact effectively with the public.


- Endurance: Must be prepared to work long shifts, respond to after-hours emergencies, and spend extensive periods standing, walking, or driving in all types of weather. 


Working Conditions: The Animal Services Officer will work indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building; outdoors at the shelter and in the community; on-location for various activities. After hours on-call hours are required and situations may sometimes involve unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors, such as human or animal violence, disease, traffic, wetness, dust, or equipment and machinery that pose a risk of injury. The job includes use of a PC, printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, animal control van, and various animal control equipment. Candidates must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Work hours will vary with 10 hour shifts required, with evening, weekend, and holiday hours required. Continuing education is required.


Preferred: Training and/or experience in a law enforcement field; Training and/or experience in an animal care field. Additional written and spoken languages are preferred.

Compensation: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation. The AWLA provides health care, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan, and additional employee benefits. This is a non-exempt position with a starting annual salary of $50,648. Pay will be commensurate with experience.


The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training. 


Apply