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Animal Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer

Oak Park, IL · On-site

Animal Control Officer Employer: Village of Oak Park Salary: Depends On Qualifications Location ... Run beekeeping program, and perform inspections of bee hives for residents applying for beekeeping ...

Shedd Aquarium

(Sr.) Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Dive and snorkel as needed for pool cleaning, exhibit inspection, maintenance, and animal care. Teamwork & Collaboration * Collaborate effectively within the Oceanarium team and across departments to ...

Verstela

Soldering Associate

Wood Dale, IL

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Assemble and install small-scale electronic and mechanical components into enclosures for animal testing equipment. * Inspection: Conduct visual and functional inspections of solder joints and ...

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All JobsAnimal Inspector JobsAnimal Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Animal Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do animal inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal inspector do?

Animal Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring the health, welfare, and humane treatment of animals in various settings such as farms, animal shelters, and zoos. They inspect facilities to check that animals are being properly cared for and that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed. Their duties may include examining animals for signs of illness or mistreatment, investigating complaints of abuse, and enforcing animal welfare laws. Animal Inspectors often work closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations to protect animals and promote public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal inspector?

To thrive as an Animal Inspector, you need a background in animal science or a related field, knowledge of animal health regulations, and often state certification or licensure. Familiarity with inspection tools, animal health databases, and reporting systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessments, regulatory compliance, and the protection of animal welfare and public health.

What are some common challenges faced by animal inspectors when conducting field inspections?

Animal Inspectors often encounter challenges such as uncooperative owners, animals in distress, and navigating various environments that may be hazardous or unsanitary. Balancing regulatory enforcement with educational outreach requires strong communication and diplomacy skills. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on animal welfare laws and manage detailed documentation, making attention to detail and adaptability essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Animal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal InspectorAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsOften requires state or local certification, knowledge of animal health and regulationsTypically requires certification, training in animal handling and local laws
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, inspection sites, animal facilitiesFieldwork, animal shelters, community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, health departmentsMunicipalities, animal shelters, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Inspector vs Animal Control Officer

Animal Inspectors and Animal Control Officers both work in government settings related to animal welfare. While Animal Inspectors focus on health inspections, compliance, and regulations, Animal Control Officers handle live animal control, rescue, and community education. Both roles require certification and involve working with animals, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

How to become an animal inspector?

To become an animal inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of animal care and welfare. Many positions require relevant experience or education in veterinary science, biology, or animal science, and some jurisdictions may require certification or licensing. Strong observational skills and familiarity with animal handling and health regulations are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Animal Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Temp Animal Care Specialist (Tues-Sat)

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Shedd Aquarium rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

TITLE: Temporary Animal Care Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Aquarium Team
REPORTS TO: Manager of Quarantine
STATUS: Full-time, Temp, Non-Exempt
DURATION: 5 Months (September 28th - February 28th, 2027)
PAY RATE: $20.00/hour
POSITION OVERVIEW: Shedd Aquarium illustrates a commitment to optimal animal care and welfare to facilitate impactful public engagement with wildlife. Our animals first approach has a foundation that individuals and groups of animals can exhibit natural behaviors encouraged through complex environmental design, innovative behavioral training, and enrichment.
The Animal Care Specialist, CACS reports to the Manager of Quarantine and performs the daily husbandry of Shedd Aquariums animal collection maintained at Shedd's offsite location, with a specific focus on quarantine, acquisitions, and off-exhibit animals. This role also participates in the care of other animals under the department's responsible role as needed. The Animal Care Specialist, CACS will assume coverage responsibility for habitats and animals assigned to them, which may include tropical and temperate fish and invertebrates, both marine and freshwater. As well as reptiles, amphibians and birds.
This position works closely with their Manager and the rest of their team - along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities - to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to husbandry and welfare. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations.
Animal Care Specialists are entry-level and just beginning to learn animal operations in the Animal Care and Science Division. They will assist Aquarists, Senior Aquarists, and Managers with inter-departmental productivity and begin participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department.
TIME COMMITMENT/SCHEDULE: Tuesday - Saturday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Demonstrates commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
  • Achieves goals and objectives assigned for short- and long-term operations.
  • Learns to maintain good animal records in accordance with Aquarium Team standards and as directed by Manager, including the use of TRACKs animal record keeping software.
  • Prepares diets and feeds animals to meet their nutritional requirements as assigned.
  • Applies and records enrichment for animals to meet their psychological requirements as assigned.
  • Maintains front of house habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
  • Maintains back of house areas and habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
  • Works proactively with Animal Health to provide optimal animal care, assessment, and treatment as needed.
  • Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
  • Assists with animal transports between onsite and offsite buildings and helps maintain all transport equipment.
  • Ability to work at Shedd Aquarium's main onsite building if needed and travel between facilities if necessary
  • Identifies major maintenance/repair problems in any section and reports through their manager.
  • Provides timely communication to manager and covered staff members.
  • Maintains awareness and communication expectations by checking email daily along with any additional platforms used by the Animal Care departments.
  • Maintains daily animal observations, records, and reports any abnormal behavior or appearance.
  • Works effectively with Aquarium Leadership Team to achieve strategic goals and objectives of the Animal Care and Science Division.
  • Learns all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team.
  • Learns proper animal training, enrichment, and nutrition for animals.
  • Provides support for coworkers in their responsible roles as needed.
  • Maintains legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use (if applicable), adherence to OSHA standards, etc.
  • Participates in 1-on-1, team meetings, department meetings, division meetings, and One Shedd meetings.
  • Participates in Shedd's DEAI objectives.
  • Works with other divisions as assigned to meet strategic objectives.
  • Assists in the continuous development and implementation of animal care and sustainability innovations.
  • Responsible for the overall husbandry of CACS systems, including lighting, flow, water quality, and animal condition.
  • Ensures animals throughout the facility are kept to Shedd Aquarium's standards of wellbeing and maintain good body condition
  • Assists in the setup of new CACS habitats.
  • Collaborates with the Aquarium Sustainability Team and helps with the culturing of necessary live foods.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or related field (or demonstrated comparable knowledge)
Experience:
  • 1+ years of experience caring for aquatic and terrestrial animals
  • Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems preferred.
  • Knowledge of proper animal care, training, and enrichment preferred.
  • Knowledge of collection planning processes preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to learn other business operation software as assigned, including the animal management software TRACKs.

Certifications:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.

Physical Readiness:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including while wearing dive gear.
  • Lift up to 40 pounds
  • Sit
  • Stand
  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Walk
  • Swim
  • Hear

Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
This person may be exposed to:
  • Water
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Hazardous Chemicals
  • Low noise
  • Moderate Noise
  • Loud Noise
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
  • Accrued Paid Time Off
  • 401(k)
  • Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness program
  • Employee discounts
  • Employee Tickets
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

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