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Animal Breeding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

WFR

Animal Scientist - TN Visa Professional

Waukon, IA

$162K/yr

Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination * Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving * Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a ...

Hoover's Hatchery

Breeder Service Tech - IA

Rudd, IA · On-site

Breeder Service Tech - IA Reports to: Breed Operations Manager - IA Location: Rudd, IA Status ... Job Qualifications * BS in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or equivalent experience preferred

Hoover's Hatchery

Breeder Service Tech - IA

Rudd, IA · On-site

Breeder Service Tech - IA Reports to: Breed Operations Manager - IA Location: Rudd, IA Status ... Job Qualifications * BS in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or equivalent experience preferred

Hoover's Hatchery

Breeder Service Tech - IA

Rudd, IA · On-site

Breeder Service Tech - IA Reports to: Breed Operations Manager - IA Location: Rudd, IA Status ... Job Qualifications * BS in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or equivalent experience preferred

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How much do animal breeding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal breeding in Iowa is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal breeder?

An Animal Breeding job involves selecting and mating animals to enhance desirable traits in future generations. Professionals in this field apply genetics, nutrition, and reproduction techniques to improve livestock, pets, or wildlife populations. They may work in agricultural settings, research institutions, or conservation programs. Responsibilities include monitoring animal health, maintaining breeding records, and applying scientific methods to achieve genetic improvements.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal breeder?

To thrive in Animal Breeding, you need a solid understanding of animal genetics, reproduction, and husbandry, often backed by a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Experience with breeding software, artificial insemination equipment, and relevant industry certifications (such as AIC certification) is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients are vital soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring successful breeding programs, ethical animal care, and efficient collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by animal breeders, and how can they be managed?

Animal Breeders often encounter challenges such as managing genetic diversity, preventing inherited diseases, and maintaining high standards of animal welfare. Balancing the needs and health of the animals with client expectations and regulatory requirements can be demanding. Successful breeders stay current with best practices, leverage advanced reproductive technologies, and work closely with veterinarians and geneticists to address these issues. Proactive communication and careful record-keeping also help to anticipate and resolve challenges early, contributing to more successful breeding outcomes.

How do you become an animal breeder?

To become an animal breeder, you typically need a strong knowledge of animal genetics, health, and care, often gained through education or hands-on experience. Many breeders start by volunteering or working with experienced breeders, and some pursue certifications or courses in animal husbandry to improve their skills and credibility.

How much money does an animal breeder make?

Animal breeders typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and location. Skilled breeders with certifications or working with rare or high-demand animals may earn higher incomes, especially if they operate their own business or farm.

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

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

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

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

Animal Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Breeding job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,124 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Animal Production Specialist

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Hanor Company Inc
See more jobs at Hanor Company Incexternal

$15 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Animal Production Specialist

Animal Production Specialists are responsible for all aspects of husbandry as it relates to the care and production of swine.

Essential Functions – Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

General Duties for Sow Farm Production Units:

  • Collection, extension and dissemination of swine semen (Specific to Gene Transfer Centers)
  • Conducting estrus detection of female swine to accurately identify heat cycles.
  • Artificial insemination of female swine
  • Use of ultra-sound equipment for pregnancy detection
  • Attending to animals during and after birth of offspring, as needed
  • Processes piglets according to the processing plan specific to each farm:
    • Injecting or oral dosing piglets with proper medication
    • Surgically removes testes
    • Surgically removes tails.
    • Clips identifying notches or symbols on animals, attaches tags to the ear, and/or tattoos animals

General Duties for Nursery and Finisher Production Units:

  • Accepting weaned pigs at the farm, sorting and placing pigs in pens as outlined in HANOR Production Practices
  • Setting up and utilizing gruel machines for feeding disadvantaged weaned pigs
  • Vaccinating animals by utilizing vaccine in drinking water, feed or using syringes and hypodermic needles as dictated by the farm specific protocol
  • Will spend 80%-90% of time doing chores within the facility which include the following:
    • Daily walk through of pens to check for issues in the facility
    • Check Waters and feeders for proper settings
    • Order feed for the farm 2 days prior to delivery
    • Treat pigs that need to be treated on a daily basis
    • Record proper information on paperwork daily – i.e. Hi/Low temps, Water meter, Inventory
    • Responsible for Load in and Load out of the pigs from the facility
    • Responsible for whole herd vaccinations
    • Moving animals within the facility

General Duties for All Production Units:

  • Moving animals within the facility
  • Ensuring that animals have feed and water
  • Feeding and watering animals, by using the automatic or manual systems available
  • Examining animals to detect illness and injuries, Follow-up with proper treatment or euthanasia as necessary
  • Vaccinating animals by utilizing vaccine in drinking water, feed or using syringes and hypodermic needles as dictated by the farm specific protocol
  • Maintains proper hygiene in facilities
  • Minor repairs to equipment, buildings, crates, and pens
  • As necessary, euthanizing animals using company approved techniques
  • Recording/maintaining production and medication data as required

Supervisory Responsibilities Dependent on the level of experience and need, this will be determined on a case-by-case basis

Qualifications Basic knowledge of swine anatomy, swine production methods, people management principles, leadership techniques and resource management

Educations and/or Experience Graduate with a 4-year degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Animal Breeding, Animal Husbandry or other acceptable degree in related field of study

Language skills Basic/Novice written, and oral English abilities preferred.

Mathematical skills Basic/Intermediate math skills required.

Reasoning ability Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Must also follow instructions.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations None

Physical demands Often - Significant - Seldom

Lifting 1-5 pounds - X

Lifting 6-10 pounds - X

Lifting 11-25 pounds - X

Lifting 26-50 pounds - X

Lifting 51-100 pounds - X

Lifting 100 or more pounds - X

Carrying 1-5 pounds - X

Carrying 6-10 pounds - X

Carrying 11-25 pounds - X

Carrying 26-50 pounds - X

Carrying 51-100 pounds - X

Carrying 100 or more pounds - X

Ascending stairs - X

Descending stairs - X

Ascending ladders - X

Descending ladders - X

Sitting - X

Walking - X

Standing - X

Stopping - X

Kneeling - X

Bending - X

Squatting - X

Climbing - X

Pushing - X

Pulling - X

Twisting - X

Reaching above shoulders - X

Reaching below shoulders - X

Exposure to changes in temp. - X

Exposure to changes in Humidity - X

Exposure to dust - X

Exposure to fumes - X

Exposure to odors - X

Far Vision - X

Near Vision - X

Hearing - X

Talking - X

Depth Perception - X

Repetitive actions w/left hand - X

Repetitive actions w/right hand - X

Repetitive actions w/left foot - X

Repetitive action w/right foot - X

Work environment The temperature inside the facility will vary depending on the weather. Employees will come into contact with feed dust and the body fluids of animals that will include, but not limited to blood, saliva, mucus, urine, fecal matter, etc.

This job description may not be all-inclusive and may be subject to change.

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