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Animal Genetics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Back Crew Laborer

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$16.15 - $18/hr

Select Genetics, presents a solid platform to serve customers on a national and international scale ... Following all animal welfare and biosecurity protocols and procedures of the department during ...

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Animal Genetics information

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$9

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$27

How much do animal genetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal genetics in Virginia is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal geneticist?

Animal geneticists are scientists who study the genes, heredity, and variation in animals. They work to understand how traits are passed from one generation to the next and how these traits can be managed or improved for purposes such as agriculture, conservation, and disease prevention. Animal geneticists may work in research, breeding programs, academia, or in industry settings, using both traditional breeding methods and advanced biotechnology. Their work helps improve animal health, productivity, and adaptability to changing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal geneticist?

To thrive as an Animal Geneticist, you need a strong background in genetics, biology, data analysis, and typically a degree in animal science or a related field, often with advanced study (MSc or PhD). Familiarity with laboratory techniques, genetic analysis software, and bioinformatics tools is commonly required, alongside knowledge of statistical modeling. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on research projects and convey complex findings. These competencies enable animal geneticists to advance breeding programs, improve animal health, and contribute to scientific innovations in agriculture and veterinary fields.

How does collaboration typically work between animal geneticists and other professionals in the field?

Animal geneticists frequently collaborate with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, breeders, and laboratory technicians to achieve shared goals such as improving animal health, productivity, and genetic traits. Teamwork often involves regular meetings, joint research projects, and data sharing to integrate genetic findings with practical breeding or management strategies. Effective communication is key, as geneticists must explain complex genetic concepts to colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative environment helps ensure that scientific advancements are translated into real-world improvements in animal agriculture or conservation.

What is the difference between Animal Genetics vs Animal Breeding?

AspectAnimal GeneticsAnimal Breeding
Required CredentialsDegree in Genetics, Animal Science, or related field; laboratory skillsDegree in Animal Science, Breeding, or related; practical breeding experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, universitiesFarms, breeding programs, fieldwork
Industry UsageResearch, genetic improvement, molecular analysisSelective breeding, herd improvement, livestock production

Animal Genetics focuses on understanding and manipulating the genetic makeup of animals through research and laboratory work, while Animal Breeding emphasizes applying breeding techniques to improve livestock traits in practical settings. Both roles are essential in livestock industries but differ mainly in their approach—scientific research versus applied breeding practices.

How much money do animal geneticists make?

Animal geneticists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those in research and academia may offer higher compensation, especially with specialized skills in genetics and bioinformatics.

How to become an animal geneticist?

To become an animal geneticist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in animal genetics or a similar specialization. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, and developing skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis are important for career advancement.
Infographic showing various Animal Genetics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Research Associate Animal Technician -- Open Pool

Colorado State University

Painter, VA

$47K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Colorado State University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

466th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary

This position performs routine and specialized animal husbandry and sanitation in support of animal based research and teaching. All duties are performed according to SOPs to meet regulations and guidelines.


https://www.research.colostate.edu/lar/


Salary Range

$47,327 to $69,327


Essential Job Duties
  • Handle and care for a wide variety of animals including rodents, wildlife species, aquatic animals, livestock, dogs, cats, birds, etc. following all applicable regulations, guidelines, and SOPs.
  • Assess animal welfare and environmental parameters daily. Identify, report, and respond to any abnormalities.
  • Provide appropriate feed, water, housing conditions, prescribed medical treatments, and environmental enrichment.
  • Disinfect and sanitize animal holding areas and equipment while adhering to established biosafety and biosecurity practices including working with BSL2 and BSL3 pathogens.
  • Maintain complete, detailed records related to animal husbandry, veterinary care, and facility maintenance.

Conditions of Employment
  • Pre-employment background check including motor vehicle, sensitive conditions.
  • Valid drivers license.
  • Weekends and holidays are required on a rotation.
  • Enrollment in the occupational health program is required including vaccinations and tests.
  • Ability to stand for long periods, bend, kneel, lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to properly fit and wear an N-95 face mask. This may require shaving.

Supervision

N/A.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 1 year of relevant, vertebrate animal experience, or an Associate's degree with 2 or more years of relevant, vertebrate animal experience.
  • 6+ months of professional or volunteer experience performing vertebrate animal husbandry (providing food, water, enrichment, cleaning, and sanitation).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with a variety of animal species.
  • Experience working in a research setting, biomedical research preferred.
  • ALAS certification (ALAT,LATor LATg).
  • Experience or training related to ABSL2 and ABSL3 biocontainment.
  • Experience performing animal welfare assessment and monitoring environmental conditions.
  • 1+ year's professional or volunteer experience performing vertebrate animal husbandry (providing food, water, enrichment, cleaning, sanitation, etc.) with multiple animal species.
  • Experience following SOP's, protocols or other procedural guidelines.
  • Experience with generating and maintain records such as medical, inventory, maintenance logs, etc.
  • A degree in a related field such as animal sciences, veterinary technology, zoology, etc.

Application Instructions

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. This is an evergreen posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available.


This pool will expire on December 31, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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