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Humane Educator information

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$9

$21

$39

How much do humane educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane educator in Illinois is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane educator?

Humane educators are professionals who teach people—often children, but also adults—about compassion, respect, and responsibility toward animals, people, and the environment. They design and deliver programs, workshops, and curricula that promote empathy, ethical decision-making, and positive social change. Humane educators may work in schools, animal shelters, nonprofits, or community organizations, aiming to inspire individuals to make choices that improve the well-being of all living things. Their work often includes interactive lessons, advocacy, and public speaking to raise awareness about issues like animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and social justice.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a humane educator?

To thrive as a Humane Educator, you need a background in education, animal welfare, or a related field, often supported by a degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with educational technology, curriculum development tools, and animal care protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, public speaking, and empathy are vital soft skills for effectively engaging diverse audiences and fostering compassion. These skills and qualities are essential for inspiring positive attitudes towards animals and promoting responsible behavior in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by humane educators, and how can they be addressed?

Humane educators often encounter the challenge of engaging diverse audiences with varying levels of knowledge and interest in animal welfare and social justice topics. To address this, educators tailor their approaches to be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, using interactive activities and real-life stories to foster empathy and understanding. Additionally, they may work in environments where resources are limited, so creativity and collaboration with colleagues or local organizations are essential to maximize impact. Building strong relationships with schools, community groups, and shelters can also help overcome logistical hurdles and broaden outreach.

What is the difference between Humane Educator vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectHumane EducatorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClassroom, community outreach, educational programsAnimal shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, zoos, educational organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary clinics
Primary FocusEducating the public about animal welfare and responsible pet ownershipProviding direct care, feeding, and health monitoring of animals

While both roles involve working with animals, Humane Educators focus on public education and outreach, whereas Animal Care Specialists are primarily responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and interests.

What are popular job titles related to Humane Educator jobs in Illinois?

For Humane Educator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Humane Educator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Educator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Humane Educator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Humane Educator job openings:

Humane Educator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Educator job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,184 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Animal Services Veterinarian

Wheaton, IL • On-site

GovernmentJobs.com
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about GovernmentJobs.comexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Veterinarian Position

We are pleased to offer the current job opportunity for a Veterinarian in our Animal Services Department. DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is an immediate open shelter caring for more than 2,300 animals of varying species annually. We are excited for you to join our recently remodeled shelter. The new shelter design will allow DuPage County Animal Services to:

  • Provide modern, stress-reducing, and healthy housing for animals.
  • Allow the shelter to have more welcoming and appropriate spaces for the public to be counseled on services and solutions with animals.
  • Expand opportunities for residents to benefit from animal related educational and training classes.
  • Provide more functional and supportive spaces for staff and volunteers.
  • Create a more public, warm and inviting place that promotes volunteerism, adoption, fostering, humane education, and sense of community for people that love animals.
  • Provide the best care and find the best outcomes for animals.
Benefits:
  • There are four medical plans to choose from, all through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL): Blue Advantage HMO, Blue Choice PPO, PPO 1 and Blue Edge Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Dental/Vision
  • Optional Life
  • Vacation, Sick, and Paid Leave Time
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Penson Plan: The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) is public pension fund that administers retirement, disability, and death benefits for employees of local government in Illinois. IMRF serves more than 3,000 employers and manages about $52 billion in assets. With a funded status of 96.6%, IMRF is one of the best-funded public pension systems in the country.

To learn more about the cost and coverage of the benefits plan, visit Employees Benefit Information. For detailed information on paid time off, visit Employee Policy Manual, Section 5

DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed by positions in this class.

  • Develops, reviews, and upholds animal standard of care practices and medical treatment protocols
  • Develops and maintains protocols for managing disease in large groups of animals at the County Shelter
  • Implements and manages staff and facility sanitation and hygiene protocols including disease control
  • Upholds current animal welfare standards of care (e.g. feeding practices, caging, stress reduction, etc.)
  • Executes emergency triage and stabilization of ill and injured animals
  • Performs adult and pediatric castration and ovariohysterectomy (OHE)
  • Performs veterinary dental care of animals
  • Performs surgical procedures on various species of animals (i.e. amputations, cyst removals, etc.)
  • Performs adoption examinations to identify health and temperament conditions
  • Performs surgical procedures and wellness or sick pet exams on pets owned by members of the public utilizing the County's low-cost clinic services.
  • Develops, reviews and upholds animal care best practices and medical treatment protocols
  • Ensures compliance with humane methods of the euthanasia of animals
  • Performs physical examinations and vaccinations of animals housed at the shelter
  • Ensures quality and consistent care for animals at County shelter
  • Examines, documents and treats abuse cases, working with Law Enforcement and other agencies as necessary
  • Participates in humane investigations (e.g. documenting and performing forensic examinations, testifying in court, etc.)
  • Maintains applicable records
Supervisory Responsibilities

Exercises supervision of assigned personnel in the DCAS.

Requirements Include

Requirements include the following experience or equivalent combination of training and experience: EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Graduation from a Veterinary College or University approved or accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association with a Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Compensation commensurate with experience, skills
  • Preferred: One (1) year of supervisory experience, clinical veterinary medical experience and/or shelter medicine/surgery experience
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

This position requires:

  • A current license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Illinois
  • A current DEA license
  • A current Illinois Veterinary Controlled Substance license
  • Valid Illinois Drivers' License
A pre-employment background check is required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Heavy Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Use of arm and /or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than for medium work.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work will occur in an animal shelter environment. While performing the duties and responsibilities, the employee will be exposed to loud noise, noxious odors, zoonotic diseases, and will be subject to animal bites, scratches, and/or kicks.

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