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Lab Animal Care Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Animal Care information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do lab animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab animal care in Springfield, MO is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $25.14 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 Springfield, MO?

For Lab Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Lab Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Lab Animal Care job openings:

Lab Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Animal Care job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,562 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Jellies and Live Food Aquarist Level 1 or 2

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic Jellies and Live Food Aquarist to join our team that will ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the department's animal collection. This person will work under the supervision of the Lead Aquarist and the Curatorial Staff. The position is part of a jellies specific team that maintains and cultures a wide diversity of jellies to display across multiple exhibits, including one of the largest jelly exhibits in North America. The team is responsible for the husbandry of not only the exhibits, but a dedicated live food culture room and jelly culture lab.

Essential Functions:

Jellies and Live Food Aquarist I or II provide direct care to a variety of jellies and cultured foods; they strive to provide the best welfare and wellbeing to Wonders of Wildlife's collection.

  • They are responsible for daily husbandry and ensuring proper care of all animals, including preparation of diets and medical care.
  • Daily animal and exhibit observations along with maintenance of animal exhibit space.
  • Responsible for upkeeping daily records and recording appropriately in TRACKS.
  • Oversee training and education of volunteers and interns; provide mentorship for less experienced staff.
  • Completes daily activities through effective communication with staff and volunteers.
  • Strives to build and maintain a cooperative attitude and working relationships with colleagues and other departments associated with Wonders of Wildlife.
  • Conducts regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit cleaning.
  • Assist museum staff & visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned in order to achieve the goals and mission of the museum.

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion of WOW.

Experience:

For an Aquarist 1, preferred one year experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates. Experience with jellies and live food cultures is a plus. 

For Aquarist 2, preferred four years' experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates. Experience with jellies and live food cultures is preferred.

We offer the following benefits by joining our team:

Store/Attraction employee discounts

Medical, Vision, Dental, Company Paid Life Insurance, LTD, STD, 401(k), Paid Time Off

Apply Today!

About Us:

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium consists of an all-new 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, and immersive Wildlife Galleries that bring visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri the campus is a centerpiece of America's Conservation Capital in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted "Best New Attraction in America" and "America's Best Aquarium" by the readers of USA TODAY. For more information, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org

Apply