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Entry Level Animal Behavior Jobs in Springfield, IL

Doughnut Server

Springfield, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Doughnut Server

Springfield, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... Our global culture is best captured by our Leadership Mix, a dozen behaviors that define how we ...

Entry Level Animal Behavior information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$12

$20

$26

How much do entry level animal behavior jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal behavior in Springfield, IL is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal behaviorist?

An entry level animal behaviorist is a professional who studies the behavior of animals, often focusing on how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. Individuals in this role may work in research, animal shelters, zoos, or with veterinarians to observe, record, and analyze animal behavior. Entry level positions typically involve assisting senior behaviorists, collecting data, and sometimes helping with animal training or enrichment activities. Most entry level animal behaviorists have a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field. The role provides foundational experience for those interested in advanced study or specialized careers in animal behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal behaviorist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Behaviorist, you need a foundational understanding of animal behavior, biology, and psychology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data collection software, and animal care protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are important soft skills for working with both animals and their human caretakers. These skills ensure accurate behavior analysis, promote animal welfare, and facilitate successful collaboration within research or care teams.

What are some common challenges faced in an entry level animal behavior role, and how can they be managed?

Entry-level animal behavior professionals often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle animal cues, managing nervous or aggressive animals, and adapting to varied work environments like shelters, zoos, or research facilities. Building strong observation skills, maintaining patience, and consistently following safety protocols are essential for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with experienced colleagues and seeking mentorship can also help new team members develop effective handling techniques and gain confidence in their assessments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Behavior vs Entry Level Animal Care?

AspectEntry Level Animal BehaviorEntry Level Animal Care
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal behavior or psychology beneficialHigh school diploma; certifications in pet care or veterinary assisting helpful
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, zoos, animal training centersAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, zoos, animal training companiesAnimal shelters, pet care services, veterinary clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to animal behavior analysisLooking for entry-level animal care positions

Entry Level Animal Behavior focuses on understanding and analyzing animal actions, often requiring knowledge of psychology and behavior modification. Entry Level Animal Care involves hands-on animal handling, feeding, and basic health care. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but differ in focus and skill requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Entry Level Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Behavior job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,322 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Veterinary Hospital Attendant

Alliance Animal Health

Springfield, IL

$15 - $16/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Alliance Animal Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Company Description

**This is a part-time position with possible full-time opportunities***

The Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield provides emergency and critical care services when they are needed most. Our clinic is proudly supported by the Springfield veterinary community and is operational during hours when most regular veterinary practices are closed. 

We are committed to collaborative, high-quality medicine. You can trust that our highly trained team delivers the best and most up-to-date emergency care possible for every patient that walks through our doors. We are open 24/7 to attend to emergencies as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Check out more about us by clicking here!

Job Description

This is a part-time entry-level position and we are looking for people who are excited and willing to learn! This job involves cleaning, laundry, bathing pets as needed, feeding pets, walking dogs, and medicating pets. You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper recordkeeping of medications, special foods, appetite, behavior and any issue that may arise while the animal is in our care. You will be trained to clean and sterilize surgical instruments. This position has expectations of early morning, evening, and weekend shifts.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development.

Qualifications

We are looking for a:

  • Compassionate, calm team player with a positive attitude.
  • Consistent punctuality and reliability in adherence to scheduled shifts.
  • Availability to work weekends.
  • Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency. 
  • Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc).
  • Ability to attend to sick, scared and injured animals sympathetically and patiently. 
  • Ability to learn to administer medications and to recognize abnormal conditions.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the job. 
Additional Information

**This is a part-time position with possible full-time opportunities***

Pay Range: $15 - $16/hr. depending on level of experience

We offer our staff:

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA) 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees 
  • Paid Bereavement Program 
  • Paid Parental Leave Program  
  • Competitive Compensation  
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities 
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions! 
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc) 

Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check. 

*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/


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