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Animal Control Jobs in Markham, IL (NOW HIRING)

Respond quickly to customer and office requests * Assist in sales activities - ensure customers have the most complete Pest Control and Animal Management services Who You Are: * Demonstrate a high ...

Respond quickly to customer and office requests * Assist in sales activities - ensure customers have the most complete Pest Control and Animal Management services Who You Are: * Demonstrate a high ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. **Sign On Bonus Available*

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Animal Control information

See Markham, IL salary details

$19.9K

$38K

$57.3K

How much do animal control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control in Markham, IL is $37,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,200.00 and $44,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do I need to work for animal control?

To work in animal control, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and good communication skills. Some positions may require knowledge of animal behavior, basic first aid, or relevant certifications such as animal control or humane officer training. Physical fitness and the ability to handle animals safely are also important.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal control officer?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and relevant local regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certification. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, incident reporting systems, and sometimes law enforcement databases is important. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills help when interacting with the public and de-escalating tense situations. These competencies ensure public safety, humane treatment of animals, and effective enforcement of animal-related laws.

What are common challenges faced by animal control officers in the field?

Animal control officers often encounter unpredictable situations, such as handling aggressive or frightened animals and addressing emotionally charged interactions with pet owners. They must also navigate varying local laws and regulations, ensuring proper documentation and evidence collection for potential legal cases. Additionally, officers may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to respond to emergencies or public safety concerns. Building strong communication skills and resilience is essential to manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Animal Control vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal ControlAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsAnimal Control Officer Certification, sometimes requiredBasic animal handling and shelter management training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor, community-basedIndoor shelter facilities, community interaction
Employer & IndustryMunicipal agencies, animal control departmentsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations
Job FocusEnforcing animal laws, capturing stray animalsCaring for animals, adoption services

Animal Control officers primarily enforce laws and capture stray or dangerous animals in the community, often working outdoors. Animal Shelter Workers focus on caring for animals within shelter facilities, preparing them for adoption. While both roles involve animal handling, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does an animal control officer do?

Animal control jobs focus on ensuring public safety and protecting animals. In this role, you may patrol your community, investigate reports of hurt or dangerous animals, and rescue pets from mistreatment. Your responsibilities also include supporting the safety of personnel, writing reports, and issuing citations as necessary. In some positions, your duties may involve supporting public awareness efforts. For example, if people need to abandon a pet because they are no longer able to take care of it, animal control officers can help them find a shelter or an adopting family. Animal control officers work with a variety of animals, some of which are dangerous, so the ability to handle a wide range of creatures is essential.

Is it hard to get into animal control?

Getting into animal control can be competitive and often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with physical fitness and good communication skills. Some positions may require relevant certifications or experience with animals, and background checks are typically part of the hiring process.

What is an animal control officer?

Animal control officers are professionals responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the care and control of animals in a community. Their duties include responding to reports of stray or dangerous animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect, capturing and relocating wildlife, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. They also work closely with local shelters and may assist in the adoption process for stray or abandoned animals. Animal control officers play a vital role in protecting both animals and the public from harm.
What cities near Markham, IL are hiring for Animal Control jobs? Cities near Markham, IL with the most Animal Control job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Control job openings in Markham, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,972 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

HFPZ/Wild Encounters - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield, IL • On-site

$15.90 - $18.41/hr

Temporary

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Join the PRIDE!
At just over three acres, Hamill Family Wild Encounters is geared toward guests of all ages, and features unforgettable hands-on experiences that include opportunities to touch and feed animals, including parakeets and goats. You'll also get to see llamas, wallabies, and reindeer, plus enjoy Zoo Chats and Animal Ambassador appearances throughout the summer.
This Animal Care Specialist is a seasonal, union, hourly position. Salary grade U710 with an expected range of $15.90 to $18.41 hourly, depending on previous BC union seasons.
BASIC FUNCTION:
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") by providing general high-quality care for the welfare of the collection and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area under close supervision. Informs, assists, and directs guests as necessary to provide a great guest experience.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
  1. *Cleans animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
  2. *Prepares and distributes food as directed.
  3. *Observes assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively reports to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Observes condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Keeps animal records as assigned.
  4. *Performs routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
  5. *Communicates with and assists guests. Takes initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
  6. *Demonstrates knowledge of and implements BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
  7. *Monitors and cleans public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Reports maintenance needs timely. Performs minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
  8. *Monitors visitors to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property.
  9. *Studies specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Reads other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
  10. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
  • Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Good interpersonal and communications skills. Must be able to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
  • Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
  • Must be reliable.
  • Must be able to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
  • English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
  • Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • For Marine Mammal Animal Care Specialist positions, SCUBA Certification is required upon hire.
  • For Marine Aquatic Animal Care Specialist positions, SCUBA Certification is required upon hire.
  • Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
  • Minimum six months animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience preferred.
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Incumbent is expected to acquire general knowledge about Brookfield Zoo Chicago, gain an understanding of the mission, vision, and values, and become familiar with and follow policies and procedures, including emergency procedures. Incumbent is responsible for the care and proper use of equipment and property. Incumbent is responsible for the safety of guests, animals, employees, interns, volunteers, etc., as instructed. Must be alert to hazards and potential hazards and take action to remedy or report these timely as appropriate. Primary contacts include BZC staff, professional associates, volunteers, interns, and guests. Incumbent must possess a genuine interest in animals and their welfare. Must work cooperatively and follow appropriate communication channels. Must possess ability to adjust quickly to changes, and represent BZC in a professional manner at all times.
Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. Animal Care Specialists positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. Incumbents may be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary. This job description contains the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, but in no way implies that these are the only duties the employee may ever be called upon to perform.
PHYSICAL-MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: See Physical-Mental Requirements Form.
000977
This Animal Care Specialist is a seasonal, union, hourly position. Salary grade U710 with an expected range of $15.90 to $18.41 hourly, depending on previous BC union seasons.
Benefits Summary
We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer for a seasonal union hourly position.
Union Seasonal Employees
Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.