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Animal Welfare Software Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This role involves ensuring animal welfare, working with participants with developmental ... and spreadsheet software, and managing emailsAbility to lift 50 pounds, work outdoors in all ...

Attention to detail to provide good animal welfare. * 2 years experience * Certification through ... We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment ...

New

(Sr.) Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Participate in training goals and behavioral programming that support animal care, welfare, management, and guest programming. * Develop behaviors from foundational stages through completion while ...

Lean DevOps; algorithms, data structures. Job Requirements Master's degree in Computer Science ... and welfare plans. The U.S. base salary range for this position is $173,326/yr-$253,300/yr ...

Lean DevOps; algorithms, data structures. Job Requirements Master's degree in Computer Science ... and welfare plans. The U.S. base salary range for this position is $173,326/yr-$253,300/yr ...

Lean DevOps; algorithms, data structures. Job Requirements Master's degree in Computer Science ... and welfare plans. The U.S. base salary range for this position is $173,326/yr-$253,300/yr ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... records software, digital and dental x-ray, Idexx, Butterfly iQ+ handheld ultrasound, Vetology ...

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Showing results 1-20

Animal Welfare Software Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49.4K

$115.2K

$171K

How much do animal welfare software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal welfare software developer in Chicago, IL is $115,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $133,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal welfare software developer do?

An Animal Welfare Software Developer designs, builds, and maintains software applications that support animal welfare organizations and initiatives. Their work often involves creating tools for animal shelters, rescue groups, veterinary clinics, or wildlife conservation efforts to help with tasks such as animal tracking, case management, adoption processes, and data analysis. They collaborate with animal care professionals to understand their needs and ensure that the software solutions improve efficiency, data accuracy, and overall animal well-being. Additionally, they may integrate technologies like databases, mobile apps, and cloud services to streamline operations within animal welfare organizations.

How does an animal welfare software developer typically collaborate with veterinarians and animal care staff during software development projects?

Animal Welfare Software Developers frequently work closely with veterinarians, animal care staff, and shelter managers to understand their workflows and unique needs. This collaboration often involves regular meetings, requirements gathering sessions, and user feedback cycles to ensure the software addresses real-world challenges such as animal intake, health tracking, and adoption processes. Developers may also participate in on-site visits or shadowing to gain hands-on insight, helping them design user-friendly and effective solutions. Open communication and a willingness to iterate based on user input are key to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal welfare software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Welfare Software Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C#), experience in software design, and a solid understanding of animal welfare concepts or related fields. Familiarity with databases, cloud platforms, and animal management software systems, as well as certifications in software development, are often required. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work closely with animal welfare professionals and stakeholders. These skills ensure the development of effective, user-friendly solutions that enhance animal care and organizational efficiency.

What is the difference between Animal Welfare Software Developer vs Animal Shelter Software Specialist?

AspectAnimal Welfare Software DeveloperAnimal Shelter Software Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires programming certifications or degrees in software developmentOften has training in shelter management systems or animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in software companies, tech firms, or remote settingsWorks directly within animal shelters or rescue organizations
Industry UsageDevelops software solutions for animal welfare organizationsUses and manages shelter management software to assist in animal care
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on software development skills and technical rolesFocuses on shelter operations and animal care management

The main difference is that Animal Welfare Software Developers create and maintain software solutions for animal welfare organizations, requiring programming skills and technical expertise. In contrast, Animal Shelter Software Specialists primarily use and manage existing shelter management systems to support animal care and shelter operations. Both roles are vital in the animal welfare industry but focus on different aspects of technology application.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animal Welfare Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animal Welfare Software Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Software Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,217 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Behavioral Husbandry - Animal Welfare Design Coordinator (Seasonal)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield, IL • On-site

$28.79 - $30.38/hr

Temporary

Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join the PRIDE!
The Animal Welfare Design Coordinator is a seasonal/hourly position grade SEA06 with an expected hiring range of $28.79 - $30.38 per hour. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") serving as a creative and technical contributor to the integration of industrial design principles, technology, and innovation into BZC's habitat design, enrichment programming, animal management, and welfare practices to engage animals in natural behavior, enhancing animal welfare and the guest experience.
Using a foundation inindustrial design (BFA required),this position champions forward-thinking, welfare-driven design solutions that enhance animal choice and control, environmental complexity, and guest engagement. The role supports the Zoo's Next Century Plan, helping develop immersive, future-ready environments and experiences that promote exceptional animal care, positive welfare outcomes, and dynamic animal visibility.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
  1. *Apply industrial design methodology to create or improve habitats, furnishings, enrichment systems, and environmental features.
  2. *Design solutions that enhance animal choice, agency, complexity, and natural behavior expression.
  3. *Work alongside ACP leadership and animal care & welfare staff during all phases of habitat, welfare, and visibility assessments.
  4. *Monitor and analyze behavioral, activity, or operational data to identify trends and actionable insights.
  5. *Develop prototypes and functional models to introduce smart habitats, digital enrichment tools, or dynamic environmental features.
  6. *Identify, test, and implement new technologies such as interactive enrichment systems, automatic sensors, environmental controls, and animal driven choices.
  7. *Maintain design documentation, material specifications, and performance notes to support scaling successful designs Zoo wide.
  8. *Develop processes for collecting, validating, and reporting data from automated monitoring systems. Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations to communicate key findings and performance metrics.
  9. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design required.
  • Minimum of two years of experience in product design, industrial design, UX/physical interaction design, or related creative technical fields.
  • Experience with fabrication, prototyping, and material selection.
  • Strong proficiency in industrial design tools such as CAD (Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360), Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping technologies.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Dynamics) with ability to learn new systems.
  • Knowledge of design for durability, safety, environmental conditions, and functional use by non-human users.
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, emotional intelligence, and customer service.
  • Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • English fluency at a professional working proficiency.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience working with or designing for animals (zoo, sanctuary, lab animal, or companion animal environments) is highly desirable.
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  • A current, valid driver's license and pass a motor vehicle record check is preferred for the safe operation of motorized utility carts for transportation across Zoo grounds including to transport personnel, equipment, supplies and/or live animals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.
001407/SEA06/082826
Benefits Summary
Non-Union Seasonal Employees
Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.
Retirement Savings: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for Seasonal employees is vested on a 6-year graded vesting schedule based on Years of Service.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency.