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Working With Animals Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Elanco

Process Engineer

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

ELAN) - it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to ... Prior experience working closely with manufacturing personnel to develop process control ...

Elanco

Snr Analyst - TechOps IT

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

ELAN) - it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to ... Proven ability toestablishand maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships across all ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Graettinger, IA · On-site

Must enjoy working in close contact with animals Physical Demands Stand and walk constantly; grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently; sit, climb, lift up to 50 ...

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How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Iowa is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does working with animals involve?

Working with animals can include a variety of roles such as veterinary care, animal training, animal shelter work, wildlife conservation, and research. Professionals in this field may care for animals' health, train them for specific tasks, or work to conserve endangered species. The work environment can range from clinics and zoos to laboratories and the wild. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring behavior, and sometimes educating the public about animal welfare. The job can be physically demanding but is often rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career working with animals?

To thrive in a career working with animals, you generally need knowledge of animal behavior, basic animal care, and, for some roles, certifications or degrees in animal science or veterinary technology. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes first aid or animal CPR certification is typical. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and effective communication with team members or pet owners. These skills and qualities are vital for promoting animal health, safety, and positive human-animal interactions in various professional settings.

What are some common challenges faced when working with animals in a professional setting?

Professionals working with animals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, physically demanding tasks, and emotional stress from caring for sick or injured animals. Adapting quickly to each animal's unique temperament and needs is essential, as is following strict safety and hygiene protocols. Teamwork is also crucial, as animal care roles frequently require close collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other specialists to ensure the well-being of the animals.

What is the difference between Working With Animals vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectWorking With AnimalsAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification neededCertification or training often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentZoos, shelters, farms, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, pet industry, farmsVeterinary hospitals, research facilities, shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving animalsDetails about animal care responsibilities and qualifications

Working With Animals is a broad term covering various roles involving animal interaction, while Animal Care Technicians focus specifically on providing medical and daily care in veterinary or shelter settings. Both roles require a passion for animals, but Animal Care Technicians often need specific training or certification. The choice depends on your desired work environment and career goals.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals, gain relevant experience through volunteering at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain necessary certifications such as animal first aid or pet CPR, and develop skills in handling and caring for different species. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These roles often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments such as clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What careers can I have with working with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What is the job called when you work with animals?

A job involving working with animals is typically called an animal caretaker, zookeeper, veterinarian, animal trainer, or pet groomer, depending on the specific duties. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, proper handling skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses. The work environment can include zoos, veterinary clinics, farms, or pet stores.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Working With Animals jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Working With Animals job openings:

Working With Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,402 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Packaging Supervisor- Mon-Thurs 4PM-2:30AM

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role: Leader, Packaging & Labeling
As the Leader, Packaging & Labeling, you will be part of the Manufacturing team supporting packaging operations at the Fort Dodge site. In this role, you will be responsible for leading day-to-day packaging operations, developing and coaching frontline employees, ensuring compliance with cGMP and safety standards, and driving operational excellence to deliver high-quality products.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Lead and supervise daily packaging and labeling operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production.
  • Troubleshoot production issues, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous process improvements.
  • Coach, train, and develop employees on GMP requirements, safety procedures, technical processes, and company policies.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to coordinate production activities, communicate operational updates, and support business objectives.
  • Ensure compliance with cGMP, OSHA, FDA, USDA, EU, and EPA regulations while administering company policies, safety programs, and union contract requirements.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education: Bachelor's degree with 1 year of relevant experience, associate's degree with 3 years of relevant experience, or High School Diploma/GED with 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, packaging, or production operations, preferably within a biological, pharmaceutical, or animal health manufacturing environment, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Top 2 Skills: Leadership and coaching in a manufacturing environment, along with strong knowledge of packaging operations, cGMP compliance, and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, EU, and EPA).

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Previous leadership experience in a packaging, labeling, or manufacturing environment within the pharmaceutical, biological, animal health, or other regulated industry.
  • Hands-on experience with packaging equipment, automated production systems, and SAP or other electronic manufacturing systems.
  • Strong knowledge of cGMP, FDA, USDA, OSHA, EU, and EPA regulations and experience supporting regulatory inspections and audit readiness.
  • Experience working in a union manufacturing environment with the ability to coach, develop, and lead frontline teams.
  • Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement initiatives, troubleshooting production issues, and improving safety, quality, and operational performance.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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