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Animal Science Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Specialist

Auburn, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Auburn, ME

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

South Portland, ME · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Auburn, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

South Portland, ME · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Care Specialist

Auburn, ME

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Animal Technician

Portland, ME · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Minimum 1 2 years of experience in small animal practice including surgery * Excellent communication skills with clients and colleagues * Comfortable using practice management software and diagnostic ...

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Animal Science information

See Portland, ME salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal science in Portland, ME is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal science?

Animal science is the study of the biology, care, and management of animals that are under human control, such as livestock, companion animals, and laboratory animals. It covers topics like animal nutrition, genetics, physiology, behavior, and welfare. Professionals in this field work to improve animal health, productivity, and well-being, often contributing to food production, research, and public health. Careers in animal science can include roles in research, agriculture, veterinary support, and animal welfare organizations.

What are animal science jobs?

Animal science jobs include veterinarians, biologists, agricultural researchers, and livestock management positions. There are also opportunities in nutrition, breeding, animal behavior, food processing and manufacturing, and education. Your duties in an animal science job may vary significantly depending on the position. As a veterinarian, for example, your primary responsibilities are to provide medical care for animals, but you may also aid in research to support clinical breakthroughs, herd health, and other facets of animal science.

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

To thrive as an Animal Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, animal physiology, genetics, and nutrition, typically supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications like Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) are commonly required. Strong observation skills, critical thinking, and effective communication make candidates stand out in research and collaboration settings. These skills ensure accurate research, ethical animal care, and the advancement of agricultural or biomedical goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in animal science often encounter challenges such as balancing animal welfare with productivity goals, staying updated with rapidly evolving research, and managing biosecurity risks. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, effective collaboration with veterinarians and other specialists, and adherence to ethical and safety standards. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for working with diverse teams, including farm staff, researchers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure best practices are consistently implemented.

Is animal science a useful degree?

Animal science is a useful degree for careers in livestock management, research, veterinary assistance, and the agricultural industry. It provides knowledge of animal biology, nutrition, and husbandry, often requiring hands-on experience and certifications. Graduates can work in farms, laboratories, or regulatory agencies, with job prospects depending on specialization and location.

What can I be with an animal science degree?

An animal science degree prepares individuals for careers such as animal technician, livestock manager, research scientist, or veterinarian technician. It provides knowledge of animal biology, management, and nutrition, often requiring hands-on experience and certifications for certain roles.

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Animal Science jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Animal Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Science job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,808 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Lab Animal Tech I - MaineHealth Institute for Research

Scarborough, ME • On-site


Maine Medical Center

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

551st of 1,064 rated hospitals

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


$20.27 - $24.36/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description
MaineHealth Institute for Research
Service/Maintenance Support
Req #: 86951
Posting Position Summary:
This Lab Animal Tech I position is designed for someone interested in participating in the day-to-day operation of the MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) Animal Facility, under general supervision of the Animal Facility Manager. The MHIR Animal Facility supports research projects from over 20 Principal Investigator-driven research labs. We have world-class scientists working on the most advanced biomedical problems. The Lab Animal Tech in this position works on a team to help ensure proper care and humane treatment of approximately 10,000 mice during their use in our research. The MHIR Animal Facility is proudly and fully accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).
This position is a full-time, onsite, benefitted role at our Scarborough, ME research facility.
Learn more about the MaineHealth Institute for Research in this short video !
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  1. Education: Associate degree in an Animal Science or Veterinary program preferred.
  2. License/Certifications: N/A
  3. Experience: N/A
  4. Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Ability to follow written and oral instructions and maintain accurate, legible records Interpersonal skills necessary to maintain effective communications.

Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources-so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $20.27 to $24.36 per hour.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact [email protected]
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to [email protected] .
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.

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