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Lab Animal Care Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shedd Aquarium

Water Quality Lab Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

TITLE: Water Quality Lab Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Facilities REPORTS TO: VP of Environmental ... Partner with Animal Care, Facilities, Life Support, and other teams to communicate water quality ...

Harper College

Student Aide - Biology

Palatine, IL · On-site

Overview General Function: * washing laboratory dishes * assist with lab set up changes * assist with animal care (Russian Tortoise, Box Turtle , Axolotl, Goldfish, Leopard Gecko, Crested Geckos and ...

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

Deerfield Animal Care Center Job Type: Veterinarian - General Practice Employment Type: Permanent ... lab work, access to CT, in-house orthopedics from fracture repair to TPLOs, and overnight ...

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Lab Animal Care information

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$12

$22

$34

How much do lab animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab animal care in Park Ridge, IL is $22.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $27.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab animal care job?

Lab animal care jobs involve the daily care and maintenance of animals used in scientific research. Professionals in this field are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and ensuring the well-being of laboratory animals. They may also assist researchers by handling animals during experiments and keeping detailed records of observations and procedures. Attention to detail, compassion for animals, and knowledge of animal welfare regulations are important aspects of this job.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in lab animal care?

Professionals in Lab Animal Care are responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning and sanitizing cages, monitoring animal health, and maintaining detailed records. They may also assist researchers during procedures, handle animal transportation within the facility, and help ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. The role often involves early morning shifts and requires strong attention to detail, as animal well-being and accurate documentation are essential priorities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab animal care technician, and why are they important?

To excel as a Lab Animal Care Technician, you typically need knowledge of animal husbandry, basic biology, and animal welfare, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, cage-washing systems, and compliance standards such as IACUC protocols or AALAS certification is valuable. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and reliability are important soft skills for monitoring animal health and maintaining accurate records. These competencies ensure the well-being of research animals and uphold ethical standards critical for successful scientific studies.

What is the difference between Lab Animal Care vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectLab Animal CareVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in animal careAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, animal housing areasVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universitiesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in animal research and careProviding medical care to animals in clinical settings

Lab Animal Care professionals focus on maintaining the health and well-being of animals used in research within laboratory settings, often requiring basic animal care certifications. Veterinary Technicians provide medical treatment and assist veterinarians in clinical environments, requiring specialized veterinary training and licensure. While both roles involve animal care, their work environments, credentials, and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Animal Care jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

For Lab Animal Care jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Animal Care jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Animal Care jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Lab Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Lab Animal Care job openings:

Lab Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Animal Care job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,123 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Animal Surgical Technician I

Evanston, IL • On-site

Northwestern University
See more jobs at Northwestern Universityexternal

$14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/14
Job Summary:
Maintains the operating room, performs minor surgeries, fluoroscopic procedures, and major surgery under the supervision of the veterinary staff or qualified laboratory personnel. Provides anesthetic and peri-operative support and monitors post-operative recovery of animals undergoing surgery. Maintains medical records for USDA covered species and maintains inventory of supplies to facilitate current and upcoming studies.
Please note: Must be able to lift 20 to 25 lbs. Must be able to work a shift schedule that includes working both Saturdays and Sundays, possibly a staggered work schedule, occasional overtime and holidays as required. Must be able to read, write, and comprehend English to read signage and to read and update animal health records. The workspace may be small, non-private and close to other workstations where the noise level can be high. This position requires the individual to be available to work on either the Chicago or Evanston campus as coverage needs dictate.
Must be enrolled in the university's occupational health program which entails filling out a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire is submitted to the university's occupational health provider for review. Must be willing to undergo job-related background check.
Specific Responsibilities:
Surgical Support
  • Performs minor surgeries, vascular access procedures, fluoroscopic procedures and assists the clinical veterinarians or other qualified individuals with major surgical procedures. Prepares sterile instrument packs and prepares surgical suite for aseptic surgery. Administers anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids and monitors anesthesia and post-surgical recovery. Submits surgery billing statements to CCM business office on monthly basis for recharge to investigators (essential function for cost recovery).
Clinical Rounds
  • Performs daily rounds to monitor postoperative and ongoing clinical cases. Communicates with veterinary staff and laboratory personnel to notify and update regarding the status of cases. Performs physical examinations, makes treatment recommendations, performs treatments and consults with clinical veterinarians regarding post-operative care.
Environmental Enrichment
  • Assists in preparing and providing environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals following the enrichment program. Assists in preparing and providing environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals following the enrichment program.
Colony Health Sentinel Program
  • Performs necessary colony health management as required by the animal health program
Drugs, Supplies and Testing
  • Dispenses and fills non-controlled drugs and supplies from the CCM pharmacy to laboratory personnel. Performs periodic inventories of drugs, supplies, assay kits and instruments with an emphasis on the surgical suite. Prepares and submits animals or specimens (blood, tissue, feces) for testing at diagnostic laboratories as determined necessary by the clinical veterinarians.
Teaching/Training
  • Trains laboratory personnel, interns and AHTs in basic surgical techniques and asepsis. Trains laboratory personnel, interns and AHTs in technical procedures such as intravenous injections, blood collection, intubation, catheterization, etc.
Regulatory
  • Remains current with all regulations pertaining to laboratory animals including the Guide, Animal Welfare Act, etc. Maintains technical familiarity with a wide range of clinical and experimental procedures for a variety of laboratory animal species. Participates in various staff meetings, staff training and continuing professional education. Becomes familiar with relevant Animal Study Protocols and meets with investigators and laboratory personnel to discuss research needs and animal health concerns.
Administrative
  • Orders surgical supplies, completes anesthesia records, surgical reports and surgical recharge forms, tracks inventory, restocks the clinical areas, and performs other administrative tasks as required.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a college level curriculum in veterinary technology requiring a minimum of two years of full-time academic study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or completion of a 4-year degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology or related field.
  • A combined 4-years' experience as a veterinary, animal health or surgical technician with at least 1-years' experience as an animal health or surgical technician in a laboratory animal research facility.
  • AALAS certified ALAT or equivalent combination of relevant work or education experience.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and e-mail software.
  • Lab animal care
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certified by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science at the LAT level.
  • Experience performing animal surgery
  • Current state board licensure in veterinary technology in at least 1 state
  • Experience as a veterinary technician in a clinical or high-volume research setting
  • Experience in animal research
  • Academy of Surgical Research Certification: SRA, SRT, or SRS
Target hiring range for this position will be between $32.00-$36.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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