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Animal Rights Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JCC

Wildlife and Nature Specialist

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Maintain and clean animal habitats, enclosures, and related equipment to ensure a safe and healthy ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

OSI Group

QA Assistant Manager - 2nd Shift

Chicago, IL · On-site

$43.58 - $65.37/hr

Bachelor's degree in food science, Animal Science, Nutrition, Culinary Sciences, Biology, or ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Loyola University Chicago

SECURITY OFFICER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... direct animal or patient contact? No Physical Demands Lifting, Carrying, Standing, Climbing ... Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL · On-site

... safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. Job Summary: Perform analytical and microbiological ... rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here:

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL

... safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. Job Summary: Perform analytical and microbiological ... rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here:

Certified Group

Micro Tech

Aurora, IL

$19 - $21/hr

... food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. We are currently looking for a Microbiology ... rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here:

Loyola University

Director of Sports Nutrition

Chicago, IL · On-site

$46K - $53K/yr

... animal or patient contact? No Physical Demands None Working Conditions None Open Date 06/16/2026 ... Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations ...

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Animal Rights information

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How much do animal rights jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rights in Chicago, IL is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal rights job?

An Animal Rights job involves advocating for the ethical treatment and protection of animals through activism, education, policy change, or direct care. Professionals in this field may work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or research institutions to combat animal cruelty, promote humane laws, and raise awareness. Roles can include lobbying for legislation, conducting investigations, rescuing animals, or educating the public. These jobs require a passion for animal welfare and may involve working with veterinarians, legal teams, and activists to create meaningful change.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an animal rights advocate?

Animal Rights Advocates often spend their days conducting research on animal welfare issues, organizing and participating in awareness campaigns, and meeting with legislators or stakeholders to promote policy changes. They may also respond to inquiries from the public, coordinate with shelters and rescue organizations, and create educational materials or social media content to raise awareness. Collaboration with legal teams and partnering nonprofits is common, as is attending community events or public hearings. This dynamic mix of responsibilities helps advocates drive meaningful change for animal welfare and build support across various audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the animal rights position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Animal Rights Advocate role, you need a solid understanding of animal welfare laws, advocacy strategies, and ethical frameworks, often supported by a degree in animal science, law, or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, social media campaigns, and case management tools is valuable, along with certifications from animal welfare organizations. Strong interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and public speaking abilities help advocates inspire change and build coalitions. These skills ensure effective education, campaigns, and legal efforts to protect animal rights while engaging diverse stakeholders.

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

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

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

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

Animal Rights jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rights job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,103 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Wildlife and Nature Specialist

JCC

Lake Zurich, IL • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Reports to (title): Director, Day Camp
JCC Chicago is seeking a passionate, engaging, and knowledgeable Wildlife & Nature Specialist to bring our Garoon Gateway to Science space to life this summer. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with children, has a curiosity for the natural world, and is excited to create hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
The Wildlife & Nature Specialist will design and lead nature-based programming, care for a variety of reptiles and small animals, and inspire campers and Garoon Gateway visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for wildlife, biology, conservation, and the environment through interactive educational experiences.
At JCC Chicago, we are focused on growing good kids, building communities, and educating ourselves about the past to make a difference for the future. The largest JCC in North America, JCC Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community.
Key Essential Job Duties
  • Develop and implement age-appropriate wildlife, nature, and biology curriculum for campers.
  • Lead engaging, hands-on activities in the Garoon Gateway to Science, including wildlife exploration, experiments, and live animal encounters.
  • Care for live animals, including reptiles and small animals (e.g., turtles, hermit crabs, bearded dragon), ensuring proper feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment, and overall wellbeing.
  • Maintain and clean animal habitats, enclosures, and related equipment to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
  • Safely introduce and showcase animals to campers, creating meaningful educational experiences while promoting respect for wildlife.
  • Adapt programming to meet the developmental needs of diverse campers and age groups.
  • Collaborate with the JCC Chicago team to integrate wildlife and environmental education into broader camp programming.
  • Uphold all safety, health, animal care, and camp policies.

Marginal Job Duties
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Duties / Physical Requirements
  • Lift, carry, and safely handle small animals, including reptiles, mammals, and other educational program animals.
  • Demonstrate the physical stamina and mobility required to actively participate in camp programming.
  • Stand, walk, bend, and actively engage with children for extended periods.
  • React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
  • Clearly communicate in a manner children understand.
  • Supervise children and animals by sight and sound.
  • Continuously scan the environment to ensure camper and animal safety.
  • Demonstrate, motivate, and communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.
  • Speak clearly and project voice during indoor and outdoor programming.
  • Maintain mental alertness and concentration throughout the workday.
  • Recognize and appropriately respond to camper and animal behaviors, redirecting or managing situations safely.

Schedule: Days/Hours/% Travel:
Start date: ASAP (year-round role)
Monday-Friday, 20 hours per week; Hours may vary due to programmatic scheduling some weekends as needed
Direct Reports (Titles and FTE%):
N/A
Indirect Reports (Titles and FTE%):
N/A
Hourly Rate:
$22-$25 per hour
Job Category:
Seasonal, hourly
Education Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required in wildlife biology, zoology, biology, environmental science, ecology, education, or a closely related field.
  • Coursework or academic focus in animal science, ecology, conservation, or informal science education strongly preferred.

Other Requirements
  • Minimum of 2-4 years of relevant professional experience in wildlife education, animal care, environmental education, conservation, zoological institutions, museums, nature centers, or related fields.
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and light precipitation.
  • Perform routine animal care tasks, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
  • Follow proper hygiene and safety protocols when handling animals to prevent injury or the spread of illness.
  • Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of auto insurance (minimum $250,000 liability coverage).
  • Comfort and experience working with reptiles and small animals
  • Experience working with children in a camp, classroom, or informal education setting
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage and excite campers
  • Flexible, organized, and able to adapt in a fast-paced camp environment
  • Passion for experiential learning and creating inclusive, supportive environments for all campers

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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