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Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer Jobs in Decatur, IL

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Northgate Pet Clinic is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian at our 6-doctor practice located ... We are a well-established, AAHA-accredited , full-service small animal veterinary hospital. We ...

NVA

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Northgate Pet Clinic is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian at our 6-doctor practice located ... Looking for mentoring, training, and support? We offer both individualized and team-structured ...

NVA

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Partnerships with Macon County Animal Control and Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation ... Schedule & Compensation * Full-time - 5 shifts per week, ~8 hours/day * Rotating Saturdays (2/month)

ADM

Utility/Wash Bay Worker - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$19.80/hr

This is a full-time position and includes eligibility for a full benefits package including: health ... Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training ...

ADM

Elevator Worker - Sullivan, IL

Sullivan, IL

$20.75/hr

Elevator Worker - Sullivan, ILThis is a full-time, hourly level position.Position Summary:Potential ... Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training ...

ADM

Elevator Worker - Macon, IL

Macon, IL

$20/hr

Elevator Worker - Macon, ILThis is a full-time, hourly position.We are looking for an individual ... Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training ...

ADM

Class A City Truck Driver - Decatur, IL.

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25.17/hr

... 000.00 Referral BonusThis is a full-time, hourly position.ADM Trucking is a food grade ... Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training ...

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All JobsExotic Animal Trainer JobsFull Time Exotic Animal Trainer JobsFull Time Exotic Animal Trainer Jobs in Decatur, IL

Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$11

$26

$46

How much do full time exotic animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time exotic animal trainer in Decatur, IL is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time exotic animal trainer?

Full time exotic animal trainers are professionals who work with non-domesticated animals, such as big cats, primates, birds of prey, marine mammals, or reptiles, to teach them specific behaviors or assist with their care and enrichment. These trainers may work in zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, theme parks, or in the entertainment industry. Their responsibilities include developing training plans, monitoring animal health, ensuring proper nutrition, and promoting animal welfare. This role requires patience, strong observational skills, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Full time trainers often work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet the needs of the animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time exotic animal trainer?

To thrive as a Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer, you need expertise in animal behavior, handling, and training techniques, often supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or related fields and hands-on experience with various species. Familiarity with animal management software, safety equipment, and certifications such as animal first aid or professional trainer credentials are commonly required. Patience, strong observational skills, and clear communication help trainers build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with team members. These competencies ensure the safety of both animals and humans while promoting positive animal welfare and successful training outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by full time exotic animal trainers, and how are they typically addressed?

Full time exotic animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust with animals that have diverse temperaments, ensuring safety for both animals and staff, and adapting training methods to suit each species' unique needs. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing education in animal behavior, collaborating closely with veterinarians and zookeepers, and maintaining clear communication within a multidisciplinary team. Trainers also spend significant time observing animals to tailor enrichment activities and training sessions, ensuring both the animals' well-being and compliance with ethical standards.

How to become a full time exotic animal trainer?

To become a full-time exotic animal trainer, individuals typically need a background in animal science, biology, or related fields, along with hands-on experience working with exotic animals. Certification from reputable organizations and strong skills in animal behavior, safety protocols, and training techniques are also important for securing full-time employment in this field.

What is a high paying job that works with full time exotic animal trainers?

A high-paying job related to full-time exotic animal trainers is often in zoological or wildlife management roles, such as zoo directors or conservation managers, which require extensive experience and education. These positions typically involve overseeing animal care, training programs, and conservation efforts, and they tend to offer higher salaries due to their responsibility level and specialized skills.

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Decatur, IL?

For Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer job openings:

Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,544 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Veterinarian

National Veterinary Associates

Decatur, IL • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Northgate Pet Clinic is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian at our 6-doctor practice located in Decatur, the heart of Illinois. New grads are welcome!


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 a small number of zoo animals (tigers anyone?).   


Any interest in expanding your day-to-day duties? We remain continuously engaged in a variety of clinical trials and perform extensive soft tissue, dental, and orthopedic surgeries daily.


Looking for mentoring, training, and support? We offer both individualized and team-structured training.  We have a large staff of 40+ (many are Fear-Free Certified), including a very talented brigade of technicians and assistants.


We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide emergency after-hour care for our clients. This is a full-time position that offers 40 hours per week with a rotating Saturday schedule of 2x 8-5 PM and 1x 12-5 PM. On-call includes 1 weekend per month between the doctor staff. We are closed on Sundays and holidays.


We offer a very large variety of cases, we've done it all and seen it all! We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ranging from wellness exams and vaccines to advanced diagnostics and complex surgical procedures. We provide services to a high number of breeders, Reproduction experience would be a plus. Interest in Cardiology? This role would be for you too!


No matter your level of experience, whether you're a new grad or have been providing care for years, we welcome you.


About the Hospital

  • Laser surgery & therapy treatments
  • State-of-the-art surgical procedures & monitoring
  • Advanced oral surgery
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • All dental procedures
  • Digital imaging & ultrasonography
  • Canines, felines, avians, pocket pets, and zoo animals

To learn more, visit https://northgatepetclinic.com/


*Prosal Compensation with a base range of $110k - $150k. Compensation commensurate with experience, skills, schedule, and the scope of services provided.

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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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