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Animal Behavior Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Bass Pro Shops

Aquarist

Springfield, MO · On-site

Provides objective reporting to management on animal behavior and health. * Travels to local sights to perform maintenance tasks and pick up supplies. * ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED. EXPERIENCE ...

Calo Programs

Lead Adventure Therapist

Springfield, MO · On-site

Design, facilitate, and oversee Adventure Therapy programming, including animal-assisted and canine ... Master's degree or higher in a clinical or behavioral health-related field * Full or provisional ...

Krispy Kreme

Team Member

Springfield, MO

$10 - $13.25/hr

Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Krispy Kreme

Team Member

Springfield, MO · On-site

$10 - $13.25/hr

Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Krispy Kreme

Doughnut Decorator

Springfield, MO

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Krispy Kreme

Doughnut Decorator

Springfield, MO · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Krispy Kreme

Doughnut Maker

Springfield, MO · On-site

$9.50 - $12.75/hr

Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Krispy Kreme

Doughnut Maker

Springfield, MO

$9.50 - $12.75/hr

Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Springfield, MO

Animal Behavior information

What is animal behavior?

Animal behavior refers to the actions and reactions of animals in response to external or internal stimuli. It encompasses everything animals do, including movement, communication, feeding, mating, and social interactions. Scientists study animal behavior to understand how animals adapt to their environment, interact with each other, and survive. This field can involve both observing animals in their natural habitats and conducting experiments in controlled settings.

What are animal behavior jobs?

Animal behavior jobs focus on either domestic animals or wildlife behavior. If you work with domestic animals, you may have duties like training dogs or horses as companion animals or service animals. Your responsibilities can vary significantly, as running obedience classes is very different than training a seeing-eye dog. As an animal behaviorist, your duties and responsibilities are to study how animals behave in their natural habitat, observing how they eat, their hunting behavior, their mating patterns, and how they raise their offspring. In addition to your research, you may teach in a college or university or provide instruction to primary school students. Other animal behaviorist work in zoos or wildlife preserves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, you need a strong background in animal science, psychology, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society is typical. Excellent observation, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These qualifications are crucial for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues and implementing effective intervention strategies that improve animal welfare.

What are some common challenges faced by animal behaviorists in their daily work?

Animal behaviorists often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle behavioral cues, working with animals that may be stressed or fearful, and effectively communicating findings to pet owners or facility staff. They may also face unpredictable situations, especially when working with animals with a history of aggression or trauma. Building trust with both animals and humans, as well as adapting behavior modification plans to suit individual needs, are key aspects of the role that require patience and flexibility.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal BehaviorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications in animal behaviorHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior consulting firmsZoos, shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, animal behavior consultingAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Behavior specialists focus on studying, analyzing, and understanding animal actions, often working in research or consulting roles. Animal Care Specialists provide hands-on care, feeding, and maintaining animals in shelters, zoos, or clinics. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Behavior emphasizes understanding behavior patterns, whereas Animal Care focuses on daily animal well-being and management.

Do animal behaviorists make good money?

Animal behaviorists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as certification or research experience, can lead to higher earnings, especially in private practice or consulting positions.

What jobs can you do with animal behavior?

Animal behavior specialists can work as zookeepers, wildlife rehabilitators, animal trainers, research scientists, or conservation biologists. These roles often require knowledge of ethology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications in animal science or biology.

What jobs study animal behavior?

Jobs that study animal behavior include ethologists, wildlife biologists, zoologists, and animal behaviorists. These roles often require a background in biology or psychology, fieldwork experience, and knowledge of research methods and animal handling. They can be found in research institutions, zoos, conservation organizations, and academic settings.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal behaviorist?

Animal behaviorists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include understanding animal cognition and behavior, research experience, and often certification or training in animal handling or specific behavioral assessment methods.
More about Animal Behavior jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, MO?

For Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Aquarist

Bass Pro Shops

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Bass Pro Shops rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 438 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Aquarist has the ability to provide husbandry care for the animals housed at Bass Pro Store and executes related work to maintain the exhibits. This role scuba dives to clean aquariums, performs fish feeding shows, and analyzes water quality via multiple instrument testing.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Maintains animal life support systems, i.e. plumbing, pumps, filters foam fractionators, heaters, and other aquarium components.
  • Maintains familiarity with all aspects of LSS including electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
  • Completes all items on assigned maintenance schedule.
  • Performs fish feeding shows (diving and narration).
  • Assists in record keeping for all the exhibits including holding tanks.
  • Prepares and distributes diets for all animals.
  • Performs water quality tests and analyzes the results for trends or potential issues.
  • Provides general care for snakes, alligators and ducks.
  • Performs biopsies and assists in the identification of parasites and other problems.
  • Provides objective reporting to management on animal behavior and health.
  • Travels to local sights to perform maintenance tasks and pick up supplies.
  • ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Certified Scuba diver (must provide copy of dive certification)
  • Certified First Aid / CPR
  • Class E driver's license
  • Limited mechanical and plumbing experience
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Ongoing verification of driving eligibility will be conducted to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Must be at least 21 years old to qualify for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
  • Ability to observe and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions
  • Adaptability with a changing schedule when working with animals
  • Understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • N/A

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift, push or pull 50 pounds

INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
  • Performs tasks and duties under general supervision, using established procedures and innovation. Chooses from limited alternatives to resolve problems. Occasional independent judgment is required to complete work assignments. Often makes recommendations to work procedures, policies, and practices.

Full Time Benefits Summary:
Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Voluntary benefits
  • 401k Retirement Savings
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid sick time
  • Bass Pro Cares Fund
  • And more!

Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Reasonable Accommodations
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit your nearest location or contact us at hrcompliance@basspro.com.
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