ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Behavior Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Kemin

Sr. Marketing Communications Manager

Des Moines, IA

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health ... Independently develops channel plans that align with marketing objectives, audience behaviors, and ...

New

Global-Talent-Partners

Lead Veterinarian

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$108 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Practice This well-established small animal hospital has built an exceptional reputation ... Dermatology * Nutritional and behavioral consultations * Urgent care services * In‑house ...

New

Petco

Keyholder

Council Bluffs, IA

$13 - $16.25/hr

Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all ... Model Petco's selling behaviors and service expectations. * Provide guidance and direction to ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Coralville, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

New

Petco

Junior Groomer

Dubuque, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Petco

Keyholder

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all ... Model Petco's selling behaviors and service expectations. * Provide guidance and direction to ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Elanco

QA Production Support

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and ... Conduct routine aseptic behavior observations and facility walkthroughs to identify and mitigate ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimal Behavior JobsAnimal Behavior Jobs in Iowa

Animal Behavior information

What is animal behavior?

Animal behavior refers to the actions and reactions of animals in response to external or internal stimuli. It encompasses everything animals do, including movement, communication, feeding, mating, and social interactions. Scientists study animal behavior to understand how animals adapt to their environment, interact with each other, and survive. This field can involve both observing animals in their natural habitats and conducting experiments in controlled settings.

What are animal behavior jobs?

Animal behavior jobs focus on either domestic animals or wildlife behavior. If you work with domestic animals, you may have duties like training dogs or horses as companion animals or service animals. Your responsibilities can vary significantly, as running obedience classes is very different than training a seeing-eye dog. As an animal behaviorist, your duties and responsibilities are to study how animals behave in their natural habitat, observing how they eat, their hunting behavior, their mating patterns, and how they raise their offspring. In addition to your research, you may teach in a college or university or provide instruction to primary school students. Other animal behaviorist work in zoos or wildlife preserves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behaviorist, you need a strong background in animal science, psychology, or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Animal Behavior Society is typical. Excellent observation, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These qualifications are crucial for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues and implementing effective intervention strategies that improve animal welfare.

What are some common challenges faced by animal behaviorists in their daily work?

Animal behaviorists often encounter challenges such as interpreting subtle behavioral cues, working with animals that may be stressed or fearful, and effectively communicating findings to pet owners or facility staff. They may also face unpredictable situations, especially when working with animals with a history of aggression or trauma. Building trust with both animals and humans, as well as adapting behavior modification plans to suit individual needs, are key aspects of the role that require patience and flexibility.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal BehaviorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications in animal behaviorHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, animal behavior consulting firmsZoos, shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, animal behavior consultingAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, zoos
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Behavior specialists focus on studying, analyzing, and understanding animal actions, often working in research or consulting roles. Animal Care Specialists provide hands-on care, feeding, and maintaining animals in shelters, zoos, or clinics. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Behavior emphasizes understanding behavior patterns, whereas Animal Care focuses on daily animal well-being and management.

Do animal behaviorists make good money?

Animal behaviorists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as certification or research experience, can lead to higher earnings, especially in private practice or consulting positions.

What jobs can you do with animal behavior?

Animal behavior specialists can work as zookeepers, wildlife rehabilitators, animal trainers, research scientists, or conservation biologists. These roles often require knowledge of ethology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications in animal science or biology.

What jobs study animal behavior?

Jobs that study animal behavior include ethologists, wildlife biologists, zoologists, and animal behaviorists. These roles often require a background in biology or psychology, fieldwork experience, and knowledge of research methods and animal handling. They can be found in research institutions, zoos, conservation organizations, and academic settings.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal behaviorist?

Animal behaviorists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include understanding animal cognition and behavior, research experience, and often certification or training in animal handling or specific behavioral assessment methods.
More about Animal Behavior jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa?

For Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animal Behavior jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Animal Behavior job openings:

Animal Behavior jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Research Scientist - Analytical Development

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role:
Research Scientist
The Research Scientist (R1 level) in Vaccine Technical Development plays a critical role in effectively and efficiently leading and advancing research and development projects. This position leverages deep technical expertise to ensure projects progress on schedule and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality, innovation, and collaboration.
This role operates within the Process Development/Assay Development (PD/AD) functional group and operates cross-functionally across the Elanco network. The Research Scientist leads multiple large-scale projects, contributes to strategic planning, and drives continuous improvement in technical methodologies. This role also supports the full innovation cycle, contributing to the successful development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Lead projects by developing technical plans, coordinating cross-functional alignment, and ensuring milestone achievement. Drive innovation by generating new ideas, accelerating timelines, and improving technical approaches.

  • Design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs to support process and assay development improvements. Perform hands-on laboratory work, including development, optimization, and troubleshooting of new methods and techniques.

  • Represent Technical Development on project teams, defining goals, making decisions, and securing necessary resources. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to meet project and customer requirements.

  • Analyze and interpret complex data, providing clear, actionable insights to project teams and leadership. Independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges within area of expertise.

  • Maintain accountability for project deliverables and team commitments, demonstrating Elanco's values and expected behaviors. Identify and leverage internal resources to execute projects effectively with minimal reliance on management oversight.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education & Experience: Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Biology) with at least 1 year of industry or post-doctoral experience; OR a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with 5+ years of experience in vaccine analytical development.

  • Technical & Leadership Skills: Proven hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) combined with demonstrated experience leading technical projects in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

  • Communication & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to influence technical and business outcomes.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Direct experience with the USDA regulatory framework for animal biologics.

  • A strong background in developing and validating potency assays for licensed vaccines.

  • Proven success in mentoring and training junior scientific staff.

  • Experience managing the technical transfer of methods to QC or manufacturing teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to shifting priorities.

Additional Information:
  • Travel: 0-15%

  • Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa - On-Site Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages

  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

#LI-JC1
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

What Elanco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply