Animal Scientist

Individuals who like to work with, and around animals are perfectly suited for this career. A passion for science, especially in biology or zoology is highly preferable. Communication skills, both verbal and written should be strong in order to be able to convey information to others. Such scientists usually possess excellent observational skills as well.

Animal scientists should be able to work both independently and as members of a team. Interpersonal skills are therefore a crucial element in this profession. Prospective animal scientists should be well versed with computers, statistical techniques, and basic research principles. They should be able to adapt to varying working conditions, and tackle any challenges thrown their way.

Animal scientists study and conduct research on domestic animals in areas such as genetics, nutrition, growth, breeding & reproduction, in order to develop improved means of generating and processing animal products like meat, eggs & milk. Sub-divisions of the field include dairy & poultry scientists, animal breeders etc.

An animal scientist may be required to inspect and assess animal products, buy livestock, manage areas such as sales or hold marketing positions. In addition, some may serve as consultants, giving advice to agricultural producers and farmers about how to improve animal shelters, decrease the rate of animal mortality, improve parasite & disease control, and dispose off waste matter efficiently.

While some animal scientists are engaged in creating strains of animals with favorable characteristics, others inspect and analyze the quality and quantity of animal products and determine how different management strategies, feeding practices, and varying environmental conditions affect them. Therefore, in short, animal scientists assist the industry to efficiently make use of natural resources.

A bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from an accredited university is usually necessary for a career as an animal scientist. Prospective students focusing on the animal sciences, should take up courses that include animal breeding, animal nutrition, reproduction & physiology, and muscle biology.

Further studies and advanced graduate degrees are recommended for those who wish specialize for upper level positions such as in production, management, education, research or agro-services. Students may consider graduate degrees specific and supportive to their main area of interest.

Animal scientists earn an average salary of $58,000 per year in the US. In 2005, fresh college graduates with a bachelor's degree majoring in animal science earned starting salaries of approximately $30,000 per year on an average.

However, salaries vary according to employer, location and experience. The bottom ten percent average out to be $33,000 and the top ten percent earn more than $117,000.

Mostly, animal scientists spend extensive periods physically working with animals at places such as farms, livestock ranches, and other agricultural entities, which is especially true for those working in government organizations or university-based research positions. Therefore, such scientists typically work outdoors, but may also work indoors, in laboratories or offices. Animal scientists usually work around forty hours per week, except when they are engrossed in a big project that needs more of their attention and time.

Hence, the nature of the work is diverse; ranging from working directly with animals to assessing the fundamentals of molecular biotechnology in the laboratory. Moreover, consulting animal scientists are usually required to travel frequently and experience the industry in a broad sense.

Benefits for a position as an animal scientist include health & dental insurance and paid vacations. Animal scientists have a decent pay, and the work is relatively easy to accomplish. Such scientists get to interact with many intelligent people and always get credited for their work.

This job may prove to be quite exciting, and animal scientists are always learning and discovering new things. They get to travel to many places and there is great flexibility in their work schedules.

Firstly, physically working with animals may prove to be exhausting especially if weather conditions are unfavorable. Plus, animal scientists may be exposed to unhygienic and unsanitary conditions, such as animal odors, diseases, microorganisms, waste etc.

Another downside in this career is the fact that animal scientists have to undergo a period of rigorous education to progress or advance in this field. Research positions, for example, are almost never secured without obtaining a master’s degree.

Employment opportunities for animal scientists are projected to increase by 13% through 2018. The increase is partly due to the demand for healthier food and a rising general awareness among people. Animal scientists are generally employed by pharmaceutical companies, feed industries, government agencies, national organizations or universities & colleges. Since many

animal scientist

jobs are research-based, they often require a post graduate or master’s degree.

The job outlook for animal scientists is quite fair. After gaining experience in this field, animal scientists can progress to work independently on more ambitious projects. Eventually, they may be promoted to supervise other scientists and technicians or teach at universities, agricultural colleges and schools.

Job opportunities are concentrated in large cities of developed countries. Prime locations in USA are Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin and Mississippi; Sydney & Melbourne in Australia; Auckland in New Zealand; and UK, Germany, France in Europe.