Are you passionate about animals and looking for entry-level job opportunities in Australia? Look no further! In this article, we will explore various exciting entry-level jobs working with animals across the country. Whether you dream of caring for wildlife, working in zoos, or helping out in veterinary clinics, Australia offers a wide range of opportunities to kick-start your career in animal-related fields.
Common entry-level jobs in the animal industry
Australia offers a diverse range of entry-level jobs in the animal industry, including work with wild animals, domestic animals and zoo animals. One popular role is that of an animal attendant, which involves providing basic care and enrichment to animals in a variety of settings such as animal shelters, boarding kennels, and pet stores. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on animal care and have a knack for customer service.
Another entry-level job option is becoming a wildlife carer. Wildlife carers play a crucial role in rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals and releasing them back into the wild. This role requires a deep understanding of wildlife behaviour, as well as the ability to handle and care for a variety of native animals.
If you have a passion for animal welfare and advocacy, becoming an animal welfare officer might be the perfect fit for you. These officers work to ensure that animals are treated humanely and investigate cases of animal cruelty. It’s a challenging yet rewarding role that requires a strong sense of justice and the ability to work within the legal framework.
Easiest to get jobs working with animals
Animal lovers who are ready to jump straight into a fun and rewarding position should look the following roles.
Dog walker: If you love dogs and are looking for casual or part-time work, becoming a dog walker could be perfect for you! This is a fun filled job to earn some money in your local area while getting some exercise and enjoying time in local parks.
Pet sitter: For those who are flexible with time, becoming a pet sitter is a great way to earn some extra money while spending time with loveable household pets. You would be required to feed, water, and exercise family pets while their owners are spending time away from home.
How to work at a dog daycare
If you are interested in a job in a doggy daycare, you will be pleased to know you don’t need formal qualifications, and on the job training is provided. Employers at dog daycare centres are looking for candidates that ideally have the following attributes:
- Must love dogs!
- Animal handling experience, even if this is with your own pets
- Dog obedience training experience
- Customer service experience
Search for dog daycare jobs on Jora to find the current available roles near you.
How to get a job at an animal shelter
If you are looking for a fulfilling job with a strong emotional reward, working as a animal attendant for an animal shelter could be the perfect job for you. Here are skills employers are looking for when hiring for jobs at an animal shelter:
- Animal Husbandry (or animal care) experience
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication or customer service skills
- Physical ability (strength and stamina) to work in a physically demanding role in varied weather conditions
- Search for animal shelter jobs on Jora to find the current available roles near you.
How to get a job in animal rescue
If you would like to give your time to helping a wide range of wild native Australian animals, including possums, kangaroos, echidna’s and birds, a job as an animal rescuer could be for you. You can train to become an animal rescuer with a one day intensive course. This qualifies you to start volunteering as an animal rescuer. You need to do additional training to work with more dangerous animals such as raptor birds and bats.
It’s important to note that entry level animal rescue jobs are volunteer only, but if you are looking for a paid role with animal rescue you could consider further training to become a ranger, a wildlife rehabilitation officer, or conservation scientist.
To work in animal rescue it’s important to have the following attributes:
- A passion for animals
- An awareness that you will be working with suffering and distressed animals, and emotional resilience to manage these cases
- Flexibility to respond to last minute rescue calls
For volunteer animal rescue jobs search for wildlife organisations in your state, or find paid jobs in animal welfare on Jora.
How to get a job as a dog groomer
If you want to help animals to feel and look their best, a job as a dog groomer could be right for you. While you won’t need formal qualifications, there are one day intensive dog grooming courses you can at many institutions across Australia to get started in this job. When hiring a dog groomer, employers are looking for the following skills and experience:
- Love for dogs and a passion for animal care is a must!
- Physical strength and stamina required to work with animals
- Problem solving skills
- Customer service skills
- Experience as a dog groomer is often preferred, but you can get entry level openings
Search for dog groomer jobs on Jora to find the current available roles near you.
Qualifications and skills needed for working with animals in Australia
While most entry-level roles in animal management do not require formal qualifications, having relevant certifications or degrees can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.
A common qualification desired by employers is a Certificate II or III in Animal Studies. These courses provide a solid foundation in animal care, handling, and basic veterinary skills. Additionally, a First Aid certificate can be advantageous, especially if you plan to work with animals in potentially dangerous situations.
In terms of skills, employers look for individuals who are passionate about animals, have strong communication skills, and can work well as part of a team. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also highly valued in the animal industry.
Job search strategies for finding entry-level jobs with animals
When it comes to finding entry-level jobs in the animal industry, it’s important to be proactive and strategic in your job search. As a job aggregator, Jora has the most job listings in Australia. Utilising Jora to search for jobs working with animals is the most efficient way to stay on top of all the recent job ads.
If the job you are looking for isn’t currently advertised, it’s helpful to set up a job alert on Jora so you can be notified when a relevant job comes up.
Internship and volunteer opportunities for gaining experience
Gaining practical experience through internships and volunteer work is a great way to enhance your resume and increase your chances of securing an entry-level job. Many animal organisations in Australia offer structured internship programs that provide hands-on training and mentorship opportunities.
Volunteering at animal shelters, wildlife sanctuaries, veterinary clinics or as an animal rescuer can also provide valuable experience and help you establish connections within the industry. While these positions may be unpaid, the knowledge and skills you gain can be invaluable in your future career.
Training programs and certifications for animal-related careers
In addition to formal qualifications, there are several training programs and certifications available that can boost your credentials in the animal industry. For example, the Australian Veterinary Association offers a range of continuing education courses for veterinary professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
If you’re interested in wildlife conservation, organisations such as Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia and Australian Wildlife Conservancy offer training programs and certifications focused on wildlife management, conservation practices, and animal tracking.
Salary expectations and career progression in animal-related jobs
Salary expectations in the animal industry vary depending on the specific role and level of experience. Entry-level positions such as animal attendants or wildlife carers typically have lower starting salaries, ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 per year. With experience and further qualifications, salaries can increase to around $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
Career progression in the animal industry often involves taking on more responsibilities and moving into supervisory or management roles. With the right qualifications and experience, you could advance to positions such as a zookeeper, veterinary nurse, or animal welfare manager. These roles come with higher salaries and increased job satisfaction.
Challenges and rewards of working with animals in Australia
Working with animals can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges. The animal industry often requires long hours, including weekends and public holidays. Additionally, some roles may involve physically demanding tasks and exposure to potentially hazardous situations.
However, the rewards of working with animals make it all worthwhile. The satisfaction of making a positive impact on animal welfare, the joy of seeing animals thrive under your care, and the opportunity to educate and inspire others about the importance of animal conservation are just a few of the many rewards that come with working in this field.
Networking and professional organisations for animal enthusiasts
Building a strong network of like-minded professionals can be instrumental in advancing your career in the animal industry. Joining professional organisations such as the RSPCA, Australian Veterinary Association, or Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Council can provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and mentorship.
Attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars can also help you connect with industry leaders and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in animal care and conservation.
Conclusion and final thoughts on starting a career working with animals in Australia
In conclusion, Australia offers a plethora of entry-level job opportunities for animal enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, or veterinary care, there is a role out there waiting for you. By acquiring the right qualifications, gaining practical experience, and networking with professionals in the industry, you can turn your passion for animals into a successful and fulfilling career. So, take the leap and embark on this exciting journey of working with animals in Australia. Your dream job awaits!