Animal Scientists: Career & Application Guide

What do animal scientists do?

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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