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Animal Rescue Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

SummaryWe are seeking an Animal Keeper to oversee the care of nearly 300 animals. This role involves ensuring animal welfare, working with participants with developmental disabilities, interacting ...

Reception Volunteer

Skokie, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Our receptionists are the first point of contact for visitors to our Adoption Center and play an important role ensuring that their visit is a success. Responsibilities include: * greet and assist ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Rescue information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Park Ridge, IL is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

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

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

For Animal Rescue jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,082 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

GRAF Animal Technologist

Chicago, IL • On-site

University of Chicago
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Other

Posted 6 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Gnotobiotics Research Animal Facility (GRAF) Animal Technologist

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago supports animal research by ensuring humane care and proper use of all laboratory animals. It oversees all research animals on campus, manages six facilities and a business office, and includes husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, and finance/administration. ARC is part of the Office of Shared Research Facilities, which also manages BSD core facilities. The Gnotobiotics Facility maintains germ-free animal colonies in film isolators and supports BSD investigators by providing breeding, colony management, and experimental services through specialized gnotobiotics staff.

The GRAF Animal Technologist supports investigators and research programs involving animal models. This position is responsible for the care, handling, and health maintenance of germ-free animals housed in specialized film isolators within the Gnotobiotics Research Animal Facility (GRAF). The GRAF Animal Technologist monitors animal health, behavior, and welfare; maintains accurate records and documentation; and ensures compliance with established animal care protocols. Additional responsibilities include maintaining facility equipment and supplies, preparing health and welfare reports as needed, and assisting fellow animal technologists with daily operational and research support activities.

Responsibilities

  • Performs animal health checks daily and cage change for experimental film isolators
  • Assists with experimental supply preparation
  • Assists research specialists with experimental interventions
  • Prepares weekly film isolator cultures
  • Prepares stock materials for autoclave processing and sterilization cylinders for isolator stocking
  • Re-wraps filters on sterilization cylinders, process BT-Sure indicators
  • Checks cultures daily, prepare Chlorine Dioxide, process autoclave cycles, assist with facility sanitation
  • Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
  • Prepares quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

  • College/University Degree in related field.
  • Experience working with rodent colonies in an academic research environment.
  • AALAS certification at any level.
  • Computer knowledge and skills such as Word and Excel.
  • Availability for weekend and holiday schedules as part of a shared rotation for animal surveillance.
  • Good written, verbal and organizational skills.
  • Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
  • Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.
  • Must be detailed and organized and respect confidentiality.

Working Conditions

  • Involves a combination of mobility between work areas and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)

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