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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Lab Assistant information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Springfield, MO is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Animal Lab Assistants?

Animal Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientific research by caring for laboratory animals and maintaining their living environments. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting researchers with experiments. Their work ensures that animals are treated ethically and that experiments are conducted in a safe, controlled environment. Animal Lab Assistants may also help with maintaining records and administering medications as directed by veterinarians or researchers.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed?

Animal Lab Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols, handling animals with care under potentially stressful conditions, and managing time efficiently between various tasks like feeding, cleaning, and record-keeping. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on animal care guidelines, and communicate effectively with research staff and veterinarians. Regular training and working closely within the team can also help ensure both animal welfare and research integrity are maintained.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and basic laboratory techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or associate degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and compliance regulations such as IACUC protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of laboratory animals, the accuracy of research data, and adherence to ethical and safety standards.

What is the difference between Animal Lab Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Lab Assistants primarily support research labs and animal care in laboratory settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary clinics or hospitals, requiring specialized education and certification. While both roles involve animal care, Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform clinical procedures, whereas Animal Lab Assistants focus on supporting research activities.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO? For Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:
Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Springfield, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,307 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Jellies and Live Food Aquarist Level 1 or 2

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Overview: 

We are seeking a dynamic Jellies and Live Food Aquarist to join our team that will ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the department's animal collection. This person will work under the supervision of the Lead Aquarist and the Curatorial Staff. The position is part of a jellies specific team that maintains and cultures a wide diversity of jellies to display across multiple exhibits, including one of the largest jelly exhibits in North America. The team is responsible for the husbandry of not only the exhibits, but a dedicated live food culture room and jelly culture lab.

Essential Functions:

Jellies and Live Food Aquarist I or II provide direct care to a variety of jellies and cultured foods; they strive to provide the best welfare and wellbeing to Wonders of Wildlife's collection.

  • They are responsible for daily husbandry and ensuring proper care of all animals, including preparation of diets and medical care.
  • Daily animal and exhibit observations along with maintenance of animal exhibit space.
  • Responsible for upkeeping daily records and recording appropriately in TRACKS.
  • Oversee training and education of volunteers and interns; provide mentorship for less experienced staff.
  • Completes daily activities through effective communication with staff and volunteers.
  • Strives to build and maintain a cooperative attitude and working relationships with colleagues and other departments associated with Wonders of Wildlife.
  • Conducts regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit cleaning.
  • Assist museum staff & visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned in order to achieve the goals and mission of the museum.

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion of WOW.

Experience:

For an Aquarist 1, preferred one year experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates. Experience with jellies and live food cultures is a plus.

For Aquarist 2, preferred four years' experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates. Experience with jellies and live food cultures is preferred.

We offer the following benefits by joining our team:

Store/Attraction employee discounts

Medical, Vision, Dental, Company Paid Life Insurance, LTD, STD, 401(k), Paid Time Off

Apply Today!

About Us:

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium consists of an all-new 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, and immersive Wildlife Galleries that bring visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri the campus is a centerpiece of America's Conservation Capital in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted "Best New Attraction in America" and "America's Best Aquarium" by the readers of USA TODAY. For more information, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org


Job Posted by ApplicantPro