Careers in the  Animal Sciences

Animal Science Option:

 

Veterinary Medicine	Technical Writer
Animal Scientist	Cooperative Extension Agent
Veterinary Technician	Wildlife Emphasis
Environmental Consultant	Horse Emphasis

 

Animal Scientist – An animal scientist conducts research throughout the agriculture field in order to improve production, yield, and growth of the agriculture industry. The career opportunities range from private research firms to federal and state experimental stations. The animal scientist plays a key role in the advancement of the agriculture industry.

Veterinary Technician – A career as a veterinary technician is a rewarding profession. A technician's job entails providing animal care, performing various laboratory procedures, and assisting a licensed veterinarian. A technician plays a vital role in the success of a veterinarian's practice. Technicians can be involved in research in laboratories, Zoos, and animal production facilities.

Technical Writer – This field involves providing basic information needed to produce reports, proposals, articles, and procedural manuals. A writer can choose how far his or her career will go. Technical writers are in demand for agriculture magazines and many research firms.

Cooperative Extension Agent – The extension service is a product of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 74 land grant universities. An agent's job is to provide new information to growers, consumers, producers, and families. An extension agent promotes the development of home economics and the involvement of youth in agriculture.

Environmental Consultant – The environmental science industry is one of the most expanding industries in agriculture. Consultants are needed to advise and educate the public as well as the agriculture industry on environmental concerns. The duties such as waste management planning, are the greatest concern in the environmental science industry.

Horse Emphasis
    Horse Breeder - The breeder has a responsibility to plan matings, insure the soundness of the breeding stock, and exhibit horses used in the equine breeding industry. The breeder maintains breeding records and oversees the daily care of the breeding animals.
    Horse Trainer - Horse training is a career that takes dedication and patience. The trainer is required to prepare a horse to perform a certain task or for competition.. The horse training industry is competitive, but its results are rewarding.
    Stallion Manager - The stallion manager is in charge of booking stallions for breeding and the over all health of the stallions. A manager also collects, stores, and distributes semen. The stallion manager has a big responsibility as many of the stallions in the industry today are worth well over a million dollars. The manager must have a working knowledge of stallion and mare reproductive anatomy as well as artificial collection and insemination techniques.

Animal Production:

 

Herd Manager – This profession includes the supervision and handling of herd animals. A manager's job is to increase the productivity of the animals he or she is managing and insure the maximum profitability possible. Managerial duties include insuring high offspring percentages and good herd health.

Artificial Insemination Technologist – The artificial insemination industry plays a vital role in the modern livestock industry. With the need for superior genetics in the industry and the ever increasing herd sizes, A.I. technologists are in high demand. They are responsible for obtaining and passing on superior genetics from breed associations and genetically superior animals.

Meat Inspector – A meat inspector's duty is to work with the USDA in inspecting poultry, red meat, and fish to insure public health. The profession strives to improve slaughtering practices and handling of meat, fish, and poultry.

Aquaculturalist – This profession embodies the practice of raising aquatic animals in confined areas. The aquaculturalist is concerned with improving and utilizing available bio-resources in order to further enhance aquatic life.

Feed Ration Specialist – A ration specialist strives to minimize the cost and production of feed rations. A working knowledge of the animal industry and computer skills are needed in this career. A specialist not only minimizes the cost, but also carefully balances cost with efficiency. Specialists are utilized by dairies, feed yards, and producers.

Pest Control Specialist – A pest control specialist administers and markets products that are used to control livestock pests. They work closely with pharmaceutical companies to make new chemicals and methods available to the public. A specialist aids the producer in pest management practices.

Animal Industries:

 

Feed Manufacturing – The feed manufacturing industry is a continuously growing business. Positions in the industry range from sales position to developing new rations. The feed manufacture works to develop rations that optimize the animal industry.

Accounting – Agriculture accountants are responsible for interpreting, analyzing, and recording financial data necessary for the day to day success of an animal operation. Accountants use their agriculture background to recognize and solve economic problems within the industry. Salaries for accountants usually begin around $22,000.

Sales Representative – Sales representatives are in high demand and are required to have a working knowledge of the animal industry. A representative must have good communication skills and a desire to promote the agriculture industry. Salaries for representatives start around $20,000 and are often based on commission.

Tarleton State University offers a challenging curriculum that will prepare you for entering the animal industry. Education at Tarleton requires diligence and hard work, but the benefits are never ending.