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Animal Education Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Partnerships with Macon County Animal Control and Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation ... Client Communication & Education Confidence, initiative, and a passion for both pets and people are ...

ADM

Elevator Worker - Sullivan, IL

Sullivan, IL

$20.75/hr

High school education or equivalent is preferred.Exhibit regular and prompt attendance.Able to meet ... We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural ...

ADM

Elevator Worker - Sullivan, IL

Sullivan, IL · On-site

$20.75/hr

High school education or equivalent is preferred. * Exhibit regular and prompt attendance. * Able ... We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural ...

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Animal Education information

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How much do animal education jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal education in Decatur, IL is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Animal Education Specialist typically collaborate with other staff in a zoo or wildlife center setting?

Animal Education Specialists frequently work closely with animal care teams, veterinarians, and communications staff to create engaging educational programs. They coordinate with keepers to access up-to-date animal information and ensure presentations reflect current welfare standards. Additionally, they often partner with marketing or outreach departments to promote events and tailor content for diverse audiences. This collaborative environment helps ensure educational initiatives are accurate, impactful, and aligned with the organization's mission.

What are three examples of careers in animal training?

Careers in animal training include professional animal trainers who work with pets, performing animals, or wildlife, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and training techniques. Other examples are zookeepers who train animals for enrichment and public demonstrations, and aquarists who train marine animals for shows or research. These roles typically involve hands-on work, understanding animal psychology, and may require certifications or specialized education.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of over $100,000. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and licensing, and salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specialization.

What is animal education?

Animal education refers to the process of teaching people about animals, their habitats, behaviors, and the importance of their conservation. Professionals in this field often work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers, or educational institutions to create and deliver programs that raise public awareness about animal welfare and environmental stewardship. The goal is to inspire responsible attitudes toward animals and encourage actions that support their well-being. Animal educators may use live presentations, interactive exhibits, or classroom instruction to engage audiences of all ages.

What job lets you study animals?

A career in animal education often involves working as an zookeeper, wildlife biologist, or animal trainer, where studying animals' behavior, biology, and habitats is central. These roles typically require knowledge of animal care, fieldwork skills, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in biology or zoology.

What can you do with an animal studies degree?

An animal education degree prepares individuals for careers such as zookeepers, wildlife educators, animal trainers, and conservation specialists. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, care techniques, and communication skills, and may involve working in zoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves, or educational programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Animal Education, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Education, you need a solid background in animal science, biology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Experience with educational tools, presentation software, and sometimes animal handling or care certifications are typically required. Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help educators engage diverse audiences and foster curiosity. These skills ensure accurate information delivery, safe interactions with animals, and positive educational experiences for all participants.

What is the difference between Animal Education vs Animal Care?

AspectAnimal EducationAnimal Care
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, zoology, or related fieldOften requires certification in animal handling or veterinary assistance
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, educational programs, wildlife centersAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet stores, zoos
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, wildlife organizations, museumsAnimal welfare organizations, veterinary practices, pet industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to teaching about animalsUnderstanding roles related to caring for animals

Animal Education focuses on teaching and informing the public about animals, often working in zoos or educational settings. Animal Care involves hands-on work with animals, providing daily care and health management. Both roles are vital in the animal industry but serve different purposes and require different skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Education jobs in Decatur, IL? For Animal Education jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Education jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Education jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Animal Education jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Animal Education job openings:
Animal Education jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Education job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,468 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

National Veterinary Associates

Decatur, IL

$18 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Fairview Hospital for Animals - Decatur, IL
Proudly named one of NVA's Top 50 Hospitals in 2024!

Are you a Certified Veterinary Technician looking for a rewarding opportunity with a clinic that truly lives its mission of service, compassion, and community?

At Fairview Hospital for Animals in Decatur, IL, we're more than just a veterinary hospital-we're a pillar in our community, making a difference in the lives of pets and people alike. We've been proudly serving our neighbors for years and were recently named one of the Top 50 NVA hospitals in 2024-a recognition of our dedication to excellent medicine and our unwavering commitment to those we serve.

What Sets Us Apart

We give back-big time. Whether it's collecting nearly 5,000 pounds of pet food during the holidays to support local families, or hosting pop-up vaccine clinics for the homeless through the Street Dog Coalition, our mission extends far beyond our exam rooms. We actively work to prevent pet homelessness through:

  • Feral cat trap-neuter-return programs
  • Partnerships with Macon County Animal Control and Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation
  • Low-cost spay/neuter services for underserved pet owners
  • The Shelter Barn Program to improve life for feral cats

We're not just in the community-we're part of it.

About the Role

We're seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) with 2+ years of experience who thrives in a supportive environment where they can work to their full potential. You'll be involved in:

  • Surgery & Anesthesia
  • Dentistry
  • Patient Nursing & Care
  • Client Communication & Education

Confidence, initiative, and a passion for both pets and people are key. We're looking for a technician who loves to teach, learn, and lead by example. Our leadership is hands-on, empowering, and deeply supportive-they give you the tools, training, and autonomy to shine.

Why You'll Love Working Here

  • Gorgeous, modern facility with state-of-the-art equipment
  • Cohesive, close-knit team-many of our team members have been with us for over 10 years
  • Culture of trust, respect, and support-leadership that truly has your back
  • Incredible clientele who value high-quality care and are committed to doing what's best for their pets
  • Busy practice-we're one of the few still accepting new clients in the area!

Schedule & Compensation

  • Full-time - 5 shifts per week, ~8 hours/day
  • Rotating Saturdays (2/month)
  • Competitive pay: $18-20/hour, based on experience

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Pet care discounts
  • Uniforms provided
  • Continuing Education (CE) allowance
  • License reimbursement

Ready to Join a Hospital That Truly Cares?

If you're a passionate CVT looking to grow with a hospital that prioritizes quality medicine, community service, and culture, this is your place.

1090 W South Side Dr, Decatur, IL 62521

Apply today and discover what it means to be part of our growing team!

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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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