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Working Animals Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Events Intern Gain hands-on event experience while supporting animals in need. The Animal Rescue ... Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift. * Dependable, professional ...

Iowa State University

Veterinary Technician II

Ames, IA · On-site

Experience with restraining animals. * Experience working in veterinary setting. * Prior experience with large or small animals At Iowa State University's Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC), you ...

AMVC Employee Services

Boar Stud Specialist

Brayton, IA · On-site

$17/hr

... animals when required. * Keep records of any boars that are treated or off-feed. * Measure boar body condition * Follow the training and collecting schedule * Working with various equipment in the ...

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Working Animals information

What is a working animal?

Working animals are animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks or services for humans. These roles can include herding livestock, pulling carts or plows, providing transportation, assisting people with disabilities, performing search and rescue, or even detecting drugs and explosives. Common examples include horses, dogs, donkeys, and oxen. Working animals have played a significant role in human societies throughout history and continue to be important in many industries and communities today.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with working animals?

To excel as an animal trainer for working animals, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and relevant animal care practices, often supported by a high school diploma or animal science coursework. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, clicker training systems, and animal handling equipment is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and observational skills are crucial soft skills that help build trust and ensure effective training. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, well-being, and optimal performance of working animals in professional settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with service or therapy animals, and how can these be managed?

Professionals who work with service or therapy animals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the animals’ training and behavior standards, ensuring their health and well-being, and fostering effective communication between the animal and handler. It’s also common to navigate public misconceptions and access issues when bringing animals into various environments. Managing these challenges involves ongoing education, regular health check-ups for the animals, and strong teamwork with both human and animal partners. Support from experienced colleagues and continuing professional development are also valuable in overcoming these daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Working Animals vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectWorking AnimalsSearch and Rescue Dogs
Required CredentialsBasic training, certifications vary by taskAdvanced training, certifications in search and rescue techniques
Work EnvironmentFarms, farms, urban areas, specialized environmentsDisaster sites, wilderness, urban search zones
Employer & IndustryAgriculture, transportation, service industriesEmergency services, rescue organizations

Working Animals encompass a broad range of animals trained for various tasks across industries, while Search and Rescue Dogs are specifically trained to locate missing persons in disaster or wilderness scenarios. Both roles require specialized training, but Search and Rescue Dogs undergo more intensive certification processes and operate primarily in emergency environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify their unique functions and training requirements.

What careers let you work with working animals?

Careers involving working animals include roles such as animal trainer, equine veterinarian, livestock handler, search and rescue dog handler, and zoo keeper. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, and hands-on experience working directly with animals in various environments like farms, shelters, or training facilities.

What are popular job titles related to Working Animals jobs in Iowa?

For Working Animals jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working Animals jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Working Animals jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Working Animals job openings:

Working Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

ANIMAL CARETAKER I| Various Locations IA/IL

JBS USA

Columbus Junction, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Starting Pay: $17.50/HR
Essential Functions:   
            (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions)  
   
  1. Must take active role in safety program including following safety procedures, enforcement of policy and continued training.
  2. Must take active role in bio-security program including enforcement of policy and continued training.
  3. Must recognize and report any broken or faulty equipment to their supervisor. 
  4. Meet company expectations for attendance at work and punctuality.
  5. Follow all rules and procedures from both the employee handbook and direct rules and procedures from supervisor.
  6. Attend all mandatory meetings and training and be willing to participate and take an active role in system improvement teams.
  7. Maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers.
  8. Must be receptive to constructive criticism by co-workers and supervisors.
  9. Perform all required duties in a timely manner as outlined in the S.O.P (Standard Operating Procedure).
  10. Understand and demonstrate farm Bio-Security Requirements
  11. Achieve PQA+ (Pork Quality Assurance Training).
  12. Understand and demonstrate correct handling techniques at all times for animals of all ages.
  13. Understand and demonstrate safe and efficient power washing techniques (under indirect supervision).
  14. Understand and demonstrate the need for correct methods of medication handling and storage.
  15. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of euthanasia of animals.
  16. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of dead animal disposal (incinerator, composting and other forms).
  17. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of treating and vaccinating for animals of all ages.
  18. Understand and demonstrate all aspects of processing of piglets including castration.
  19. Understand and demonstrate general housekeeping and sanitation skills (example; laundry, showers, medication rooms).
  20. Understand and demonstrate under direct supervision artificial insemination protocols and procedures.
  21. Understand and demonstrate under direct supervision semen handling, and heat detection and breeding of weaned sows, gilts and opportunity animals.
  22. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of feeding in breeding, gestation, and lactation.
  23. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of sow monitoring in farrowing.
  24. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of day 0-3 pig care.
  25. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of sorting and fostering.
  26. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of manure feedback.
  27. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of prostaglandin use.
  28. Ensures that all Bio-security procedures outlined by TriOak Foods are followed.
  29. Ensure that all animal welfare procedures outlined by TriOak Foods are followed.
  30. All other duties as may be assigned.
   
Success Factors:  
   
  • Willingness to listen and learn.
  • Ability to be a team player.
  • Able to work in a physically demanding environment.
  • Able to work weekends and holidays as required.
  • Display honesty, trustworthiness and dependability at all times.
  • Show pride in work well done.
  • Be respectfully of others.
  • Maintain strong work ethic.
  • Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task.
   
Job Qualifications:  
   
  • Be able to lift in excess of 50lbs moving up to 100 yards daily, be able to lift 15 lbs. repeatedly on a daily basis from side to side for at least 1 hour.  Push and/or pull a minimum of 500 lbs. in a cart with wheels when required.  Squat to floor, grip small objects with ease and twist at least 45 degrees.
  • Be capable of repeated actions.
  • Be responsive to visible signs of animal discomfort.
  • Be responsive to verbal alarms and sounds of animals.
  • Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other employees and company contacts.
  • Be able to move, load and unload animals 600 plus pounds.
  • Be able to walk and stand for long periods of time on different surfaces including concrete.
  • Be able to climb in and out of crates and over obstacles.
  • Be able climb different types of ladders including feed bin ladders.
  • Be able to maintain balance on all surfaces.
  • Be able to retain and perform written and spoken instructions.
  • Must not own or live near any swine.  Must not live with anyone who has contact with swine. 
   
Working Conditions:  
   
  • During summer months outside temperatures can be over 100 degrees for entire scheduled workday.
  • During winter months outside temperatures can be below zero for entire scheduled workday.
  • During and after heavy rains or snowfalls the road in and around the farms can become extremely muddy, snow covered, icy and difficult to maneuver on.
  • During different job duties the noise inside or outside barns can become very loud.
  • Will be exposed daily to odors, dusts and gasses that may be uncomfortable or hazardous if proper procedures are not followed.
  • Will be exposed to electrical boxes and electrical machinery that are not to be entered or repaired by those who are not certified in basic electrical training and/or lock out tag out by the Safety Coordinator.
  • Will be exposed daily to procedures that cause contact with hazardous materials. 
  • he applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following benefits:   
    • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
    • Paid Time Off: vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
    • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
    • Better Futures Program