Animal Scientists

At a Glance

Most study pigs, cows, and chickens
Use computer software
Work in labs or offices
Have at least a bachelor's degree

Career summary

Animal scientists conduct research. They try to develop better animal products and healthier animals.

# 4/10/19 lh

Animal scientists study animals. Most of their work concerns livestock, such as pigs, cows, and chickens. Some study domestic animals, such as cats and dogs.

Animal scientists may study:

Animal diets
Animal production
Animal management practices

Regardless of the topic they study, animal scientists have many tasks in common. They read articles and attend conferences to learn more about their research area. They determine research questions and design experiments to study those questions. Depending on the type of animal they study, scientists conduct experiments in a lab or at a farm. They may work with the animals themselves, or have research assistants do much of the work for them. If they have assistants, scientists train them to conduct the research and keep records.

Animal diets

Some animal scientists study animals' diets. They try to find the best mix of foods to raise healthy animals. They also try to determine the nutritional needs of animals. Some animals need more vitamins, minerals, or protein than others. This affects the type of food they need. Animal scientists may develop special foods for animals, or just suggest what animals should be fed.

Animal production

Animal scientists also study topics such as breeding, genetics, production and management, and environmental conditions. They may also try to introduce new characteristics into animals. For example, they may breed chickens that lay more eggs. Animal scientists also try to reduce the cost of raising animals and processing animal products.

Animal management practices

Animal scientists often advise animal producers. They study management decisions, including how animals are fed, housed, and processed, to see how these practices affect production levels. They recommend ways to improve disease control in animals and the quality of animal products.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Life Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to animal scientists.

Communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
Design experiments to answer research questions about nutrition, breeding, processing, management, or another topic.
Study the nutritional needs of animals and the level of nutrients in their feed.
Give advice to producers and clients about ways to improve animal production.
Study animal breeding practices to improve animal quality. Research animal genetics.
Find ways to improve feeding, housing, sanitation, and disease control in animals.
Study different management practices to see how it affects animal products, such as eggs and milk.
Attend seminars and read journals to update knowledge.

Common work activities

Animal scientists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Analyze data or information
Update and use job-related knowledge
Get information needed to do the job
Process information
Explain the meaning of information to others
Use computers
Make decisions and solve problems
Identify objects, actions, and events
Think creatively
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Document and record information
Teach others
Communicate with people outside the organization
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Evaluate information against standards
Provide advice and consultation to others
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Establish and maintain relationships
Develop goals and strategies
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Coach others
Schedule work and activities
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
Develop and build teams
Monitor and control resources
Perform for or work with the public
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, animal scientists:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a medium level of social contact. They talk with other scientists, but also spend time alone in their labs or offices.
Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also communicate by letters and memos, but less often.
May on occasion talk in front of large groups. For example, they may give a presentation at a meeting. This occurs about once a month.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers, such as lab assistants.
Usually work as part of a work group or team.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical work conditions

Work indoors in laboratories and offices. Some spend part of their time outdoors at farms conducting research.
May occasionally work indoors in an area that is not heated or air conditioned. They may visit a barn, for instance.
May travel to work sites in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van.
Work somewhat close to other people. They may share office space, for example.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. This is necessary to ensure safe and reliable results.
Work under strict weekly deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
Set nearly all of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first. They often work independently.
Sometimes repeat the same mental tasks.

Hours/travel

Generally work a set schedule. Most work more than 40 hours per week.
Have variable hours if they are field researchers. Their day may start early in the morning, or they may work weekends.

Physical demands

Animal scientists frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for animal scientists to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for animal scientists to be able to:

See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Determine the distance between objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

Skills and abilities

Animal scientists need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand written information.
Write clearly so other people can understand.
Understand spoken information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Use scientific methods to solve problems.
Use math skills to solve problems.
Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Teach others how to do something.
Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an animal scientist, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have at least a bachelor's degree in animal or agriculture science.

Education after high school

You need a bachelor's degree in animal or agriculture science if you want to work in research. This is the minimum requirement for entry-level or assistant positions. In animal science programs, you study economics, business, and physical and life sciences. You also study animal breeding, reproductive physiology, and nutrition.

A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. To complete an advanced degree, you take more courses, do fieldwork, and conduct laboratory research.

All states have land-grant colleges that offer animal science degrees. Most schools offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in this field. All degree levels offer students opportunities to specialize in areas such as genetics, nutrition, poultry, or livestock.

Work experience

Work experience as an animal caretaker is helpful. Similarly, volunteering at an animal hospital or clinic is also valuable.

On-the-job training

Because most jobs in this field are research-based, on-the-job training is limited. New employees may be oriented to the lab and the company's policies. Orientation may last up to a month.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum (external link) may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Animal scientists need a strong background in math and science. Take as many classes in these areas as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Agricultural Production
Anatomy and Physiology
Animal Science
Computer Applications
Food and Nutrition

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for entry-level or assistant positions. A degree in animal or food science, biology, or chemistry is often preferred. Applicants may be required to pass a civil service exam for government jobs. Many employers, especially in research, prefer to hire applicants with a PhD or at least a master's degree. Universities choose candidates based on their area of research and the quality of their published articles.

Many employers look for applicants who have computer experience. They prefer to hire animal scientists who can apply computer skills to research tasks and operation of lab equipment. Employers in research and development often look for applicants who can work well as part of a team. They look for applicants with leadership skills and good oral and written skills.

Costs to workers

Workers may have to pay for association dues, travel, reference books and journals, and seminars or college classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Animal Scientists

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Animal scientists (SOC 19-1011)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States	Hourly	$17.44	$21.80	$28.07	$37.61	$54.53
	Monthly	$3,022	$3,778	$4,865	$6,518	$9,450
	Yearly	$36,270	$45,350	$58,380	$78,230	$113,430

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The scientist's level of education and experience also affect wages. In general, animal scientists who have a doctoral degree (PhD) and postgraduate training earn higher wages.

Animal scientists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Animal Scientists (SOC 19-1011)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	11	18.2%	16.1%	1
United States	2,700	3.7%	5.2%	300

National employment

Major employers:

Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Research and testing services
State government agencies

National outlook

Job prospects are good for animal scientists due to ongoing animal research. Farmers and food production companies spend a lot of money on breeding, raising, and feeding animals. They are interested in inproving the diets, living conditions, and genetic makeup of livestock.

Job openings will occur as current animal scientists retire or leave this occupation. Opportunities will be best for those who have an advanced degree.

Other resources

AgCareers.com
Western USA Office
866.519.7445

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
901.754.8620

American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
600 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20024

American Institute of Biological Sciences
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500

American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists
1800 South Oak Street, Suite 100
Champaign, IL 61820
217.356.5390

American Society of Animal Science
PO Box 7410
Champaign, IL 61826-7410

American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800.248.2862

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

National Academy of Sciences Interviews

North American Meat Institute
1150 Connecticut Avenue NW, 12th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
202.587.4200

Science Careers

Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The American Physiological Society
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
301.634.7164

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair

References

Career cluster

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

Investigative (Science)

O*Net occupation

Animal Scientists (19-1011.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.