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Project Manager Animal Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager Animal information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$19

$42

$69

How much do project manager animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for project manager animal in Springfield, MO is $42.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.54 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project manager animal do?

A Project Manager Animal is responsible for overseeing and coordinating animal-related projects, which can include research studies, animal welfare programs, or facility operations. They manage timelines, resources, budgets, and teams to ensure projects are completed effectively and meet organizational goals. Their duties often involve collaborating with veterinarians, researchers, or animal care staff, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. Effective communication, organization, and leadership skills are essential in this role.

How does a project manager animal typically collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and field staff during a project?

As a Project Manager in the animal sector, you serve as a central point of coordination among veterinarians, researchers, and field staff. Your role involves facilitating regular communication through meetings and updates, ensuring everyone understands project goals and timelines. You’ll also be responsible for aligning diverse teams, managing resources, and addressing any logistical or operational challenges that arise. Effective collaboration is essential to ensure that animal welfare standards, research protocols, and project objectives are consistently met throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Project Manager Animal vs Project Coordinator Animal?

AspectProject Manager AnimalProject Coordinator Animal
CertificationsPMP, CAPM, or equivalentOften no formal certifications required, but certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages teams, responsible for planning and executionSupports project activities, coordinates tasks, assists project managers
Employer UsageUsed in organizations managing complex animal-related projects (e.g., research, conservation)Common in similar settings, assisting project managers in animal industries

The Project Manager Animal typically oversees entire projects, ensuring goals are met, while the Project Coordinator Animal supports daily activities and assists in project execution. Both roles are vital in animal-related industries, but the Project Manager Animal holds more responsibility for planning and decision-making.

What are popular job titles related to Project Manager Animal jobs in Springfield, MO?

For Project Manager Animal jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Project Manager Animal jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Manager Animal jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Project Manager Animal jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Project Manager Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Manager Animal job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,492 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Lead Aquarist

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium | Springfield, MO
Full-Time | Hourly

Ready to Lead at One of America's Top Aquariums?

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is seeking an experienced Lead Aquarist to join our Life Sciences team. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate animal care professional to combine hands-on husbandry with leadership, mentorship, and exhibit management in a world-class facility housing more than 35,000 animals.

If you're looking to influence animal welfare, develop future aquarists, and grow toward a management career, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Aquarist, you will:

  • Provide daily leadership, training, and mentorship to a team of Aquarists.
  • Ensure exceptional animal care and husbandry standards across multiple exhibits.
  • Coordinate daily operations, maintenance, enrichment, feeding programs, and recordkeeping.
  • Collaborate with Curatorial Staff on animal welfare initiatives, collection planning, and exhibit development.
  • Participate in veterinary rounds and support animal health assessments.
  • Lead animal moves, introductions, and major husbandry projects.
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, and development of Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.
  • Help shape the future of the department through process improvements and leadership initiatives.
What We're Looking For

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 6+ years of experience working with captive freshwater and saltwater fish and invertebrates.
  • Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with operant conditioning and animal training is a plus.
  • Ability to meet dive and swim requirements within six months.
Why Join Wonders of Wildlife?
  • Work in one of the nation's premier aquarium and conservation facilities.
  • Lead a talented team dedicated to animal welfare and excellence.
  • Gain experience in exhibit planning, collection management, and leadership development.
  • Clear growth potential into future Curatorial and management roles.
  • Make a meaningful impact in conservation, education, and animal care.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Discounts
About Wonders of Wildlife

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a 350,000-square-foot wildlife and aquarium destination featuring 1.5 million gallons of exhibits and more than 35,000 animals. Recognized as one of America's leading aquariums, Wonders of Wildlife inspires conservation through immersive experiences that connect guests with the natural world.

Take the next step in your aquatic animal care career and apply today.