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Animal Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL

$110K - $150K/yr

We are a well-established, AAHA-accredited , full-service small animal veterinary hospital. We provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for canines, felines, exotics, pocket pets, and ...

ADM

Sensory Panelist - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$20/hr

We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us ...

ADM

OT Network Engineer II - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

ADM is a global leader in human and animal nutrition and agricultural origination and processing. As a key member of the Operational Technology (OT) team, you will advance network infrastructure ...

ADM

Elevator Worker - Sullivan, IL

Sullivan, IL

$20.75/hr

We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Decatur, IL

Animal information

See Decatur, IL salary details

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$27

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Decatur, IL is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Careers Work With Animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

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

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What jobs are there around animals?

Jobs related to animals include veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and animal shelter worker. These roles often require specific skills, certifications, or education in animal care, biology, or veterinary medicine, and may involve working in clinics, zoos, farms, or outdoor environments.

What is the highest paying animal job?

The highest paying animal jobs are often specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, zoological directors, or animal research scientists, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience in animal care, research, or management.

What kind of careers work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as veterinarians, zookeepers, animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, and pet groomers. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the animal-related field, specialized roles such as professional animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, or certain pet industry entrepreneurs can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience, certifications, and a strong client base. These jobs often require skills, certifications, or business acumen rather than formal degrees and may involve working long hours or managing multiple clients or animals.
More about Animal jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in Decatur, IL? For Animal jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Animal job openings:
Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,468 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

ANIMAL CARETAKER I| Various Locations IA/IL

JBS Imports

Clinton, IL • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at JBS USA
Starting Pay: $17.50/HR
Essential Functions:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions)
  1. Must take active role in safety program including following safety procedures, enforcement of policy and continued training.
  2. Must take active role in bio-security program including enforcement of policy and continued training.
  3. Must recognize and report any broken or faulty equipment to their supervisor.
  4. Meet company expectations for attendance at work and punctuality.
  5. Follow all rules and procedures from both the employee handbook and direct rules and procedures from supervisor.
  6. Attend all mandatory meetings and training and be willing to participate and take an active role in system improvement teams.
  7. Maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers.
  8. Must be receptive to constructive criticism by co-workers and supervisors.
  9. Perform all required duties in a timely manner as outlined in the S.O.P (Standard Operating Procedure).
  10. Understand and demonstrate farm Bio-Security Requirements
  11. Achieve PQA+ (Pork Quality Assurance Training).
  12. Understand and demonstrate correct handling techniques at all times for animals of all ages.
  13. Understand and demonstrate safe and efficient power washing techniques (under indirect supervision).
  14. Understand and demonstrate the need for correct methods of medication handling and storage.
  15. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of euthanasia of animals.
  16. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of dead animal disposal (incinerator, composting and other forms).
  17. Understand and demonstrate correct methods of treating and vaccinating for animals of all ages.
  18. Understand and demonstrate all aspects of processing of piglets including castration.
  19. Understand and demonstrate general housekeeping and sanitation skills (example; laundry, showers, medication rooms).
  20. Understand and demonstrate under direct supervision artificial insemination protocols and procedures.
  21. Understand and demonstrate under direct supervision semen handling, and heat detection and breeding of weaned sows, gilts and opportunity animals.
  22. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of feeding in breeding, gestation, and lactation.
  23. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of sow monitoring in farrowing.
  24. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of day 0-3 pig care.
  25. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of sorting and fostering.
  26. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of manure feedback.
  27. Understand and demonstrate proper techniques of prostaglandin use.
  28. Ensures that all Bio-security procedures outlined by TriOak Foods are followed.
  29. Ensure that all animal welfare procedures outlined by TriOak Foods are followed.
  30. All other duties as may be assigned.

Success Factors:
  • Willingness to listen and learn.
  • Ability to be a team player.
  • Able to work in a physically demanding environment.
  • Able to work weekends and holidays as required.
  • Display honesty, trustworthiness and dependability at all times.
  • Show pride in work well done.
  • Be respectfully of others.
  • Maintain strong work ethic.
  • Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task.

Job Qualifications:
  • Be able to lift in excess of 50lbs moving up to 100 yards daily, be able to lift 15 lbs. repeatedly on a daily basis from side to side for at least 1 hour. Push and/or pull a minimum of 500 lbs. in a cart with wheels when required. Squat to floor, grip small objects with ease and twist at least 45 degrees.
  • Be capable of repeated actions.
  • Be responsive to visible signs of animal discomfort.
  • Be responsive to verbal alarms and sounds of animals.
  • Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other employees and company contacts.
  • Be able to move, load and unload animals 600 plus pounds.
  • Be able to walk and stand for long periods of time on different surfaces including concrete.
  • Be able to climb in and out of crates and over obstacles.
  • Be able climb different types of ladders including feed bin ladders.
  • Be able to maintain balance on all surfaces.
  • Be able to retain and perform written and spoken instructions.
  • Must not own or live near any swine. Must not live with anyone who has contact with swine.

Working Conditions:
  • During summer months outside temperatures can be over 100 degrees for entire scheduled workday.
  • During winter months outside temperatures can be below zero for entire scheduled workday.
  • During and after heavy rains or snowfalls the road in and around the farms can become extremely muddy, snow covered, icy and difficult to maneuver on.
  • During different job duties the noise inside or outside barns can become very loud.
  • Will be exposed daily to odors, dusts and gasses that may be uncomfortable or hazardous if proper procedures are not followed.
  • Will be exposed to electrical boxes and electrical machinery that are not to be entered or repaired by those who are not certified in basic electrical training and/or lock out tag out by the Safety Coordinator.
  • Will be exposed daily to procedures that cause contact with hazardous materials.
  • he applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following benefits:
    • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
    • Paid Time Off: vacation, and 6 company observed holidays;
    • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
    • Better Futures Program - Online Classes or select 2 Year Community College tuition paid for you or your dependents!
    • Supervisor Development Program: Opportunity to grow your career through leadership training.

    EOE/Vet/Disability

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