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Zoo Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

National Veterinary Associates

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

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 ...

Ironside HR

Emergency Medicine Physician

Decatur, IL · On-site

Great place for families to live and grow, with family-friendly attractions like Zoos, Health and Science Centers, and the Route 66 Drive-In Theater * Unique charm, friendly townspeople, and an ...

Decatur Memorial Hospital

Nocturnist Physician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$150 - $198/hr

A community with roots rich in agriculture, central Illinois is a welcoming, family-friendly area with child-friendly activities (zoos, Children's museums, unique downtown shops/boutiques), biking ...

NVA

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

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 ...

NVA

Veterinarian

Decatur, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

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 ...

Memorial Health

Pulmonary Medicine Physician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$445K/yr

A community with roots rich in agriculture, Decatur is a welcoming, family-friendly community offering child-friendly activities (children's museum, zoo), local parks/recreation, arts community and ...

Memorial Health

Nocturnist Physician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$150 - $198/hr

A community with roots rich in agriculture, central Illinois is a welcoming, family-friendly area with child-friendly activities (zoos, Children's museums, unique downtown shops/boutiques), biking ...

Memorial Health

Nocturnist Physician

Decatur, IL

$150 - $198/hr

A community with roots rich in agriculture, central Illinois is a welcoming, family-friendly area with child-friendly activities (zoos, Children's museums, unique downtown shops/boutiques), biking ...

Memorial Health

Pulmonary Medicine Physician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$445K/yr

A community with roots rich in agriculture, Decatur is a welcoming, family-friendly community offering child-friendly activities (children's museum, zoo), local parks/recreation, arts community and ...

Memorial Health

Nocturnist Physician

Decatur, IL · On-site

$150 - $198/hr

A community with roots rich in agriculture, central Illinois is a welcoming, family-friendly area with child-friendly activities (zoos, Children's museums, unique downtown shops/boutiques), biking ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsZoo JobsZoo Jobs in Decatur, IL

Zoo information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zookeeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zookeeper, you need a background in animal science or biology, experience with animal care, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, record-keeping software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication help zookeepers manage animals and interact with the public and colleagues. These skills ensure the health and welfare of animals while promoting education and safety within the zoo environment.

What is a zoo worker?

Zoo workers are professionals who care for animals in zoos and ensure their well-being. Their duties can include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities. Some zoo workers, like zookeepers, may specialize in certain species, while others assist with education programs or maintenance. They also help educate the public about wildlife conservation and animal behavior. Working at a zoo requires a passion for animals, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.

What jobs are there in a zoo?

Zoo jobs include animal keepers, zookeepers, curators, educators, veterinarians, and maintenance staff. These roles require knowledge of animal care, safety procedures, and often specific certifications or training. Staff work in various environments such as animal enclosures, educational programs, and administrative offices.

What is the difference between Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectZooZookeeper
CredentialsTypically none required, but education in biology or animal science helpsOften requires a degree in biology, zoology, or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, educational, and conservation-focused settingsHands-on animal care in zoo habitats
Employer & IndustryZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves

While 'Zoo' refers to the facility or organization, a 'Zookeeper' is the professional responsible for animal care within a zoo. Zookeepers work directly with animals, ensuring their health and well-being, whereas 'Zoo' describes the environment or institution where these activities occur.

What type of jobs are at a zoo?

Zoo jobs include animal care positions such as zookeepers and veterinarians, as well as roles in education, visitor services, maintenance, security, and administration. These jobs often require specific skills, certifications, or training related to animal handling, safety, and public engagement.

What are the qualifications to work in a zoo?

The qualifications to work in a zoo vary greatly. As a zoologist, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a closely related degree. Some zookeepers have zoology degrees as well, but that is not always a strict requirement for becoming a zookeeper. To work on the administrative side, you need a strong grasp of business administration, animal science, and community planning and engagement. Tour guides may be volunteers that lead tours or full-time employees with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Strong research skills and good interpersonal communication skills are essential.

What are some of the common challenges faced by zookeepers in their daily work?

Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as ensuring animal welfare while managing a variety of species with different needs, maintaining strict safety protocols, and handling physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions. They also need to adapt to rapidly changing situations, such as animal health emergencies or behavioral issues, and frequently collaborate closely with veterinarians, educators, and maintenance staff. Building trust with the animals and staying updated on best practices in animal care are ongoing aspects of the role.
More about Zoo jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Zoo jobs in Decatur, IL? For Zoo jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Zoo jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Zoo job openings:
Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Veterinarian

National Veterinary Associates

Decatur, IL • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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.

NVA logo

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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