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Entry Level Animal Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Animal Science information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

$25

How much do entry level animal science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal science in Iowa is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $15.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal science?

An entry-level animal science job typically involves working with animals in research, agriculture, veterinary support, or animal care settings. These roles may include responsibilities such as feeding, handling, monitoring animal health, collecting data, or assisting with medical procedures. They are often found in farms, laboratories, zoos, or veterinary clinics and provide essential experience for advancing in the field. Employers may require a degree in animal science or related fields, along with hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work.

What types of daily responsibilities can I expect in an entry level animal science position?

As an Entry Level Animal Science professional, your daily tasks may include feeding and monitoring animals, assisting with data collection for research projects, cleaning enclosures, and supporting veterinarians or senior scientists during procedures. You may also maintain records, observe animal behavior, and help ensure compliance with health and welfare standards. Team collaboration is common, especially when working in farm, research, or laboratory settings, where clear communication supports animal well-being and project success. These responsibilities provide valuable hands-on experience and can serve as a strong foundation for career advancement within animal science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level animal science position?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Science professional, a foundational knowledge of animal biology, physiology, and husbandry, usually gained through a relevant degree or coursework, is essential. Basic proficiency with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and compliance with safety protocols or animal care certifications may be required depending on the employer. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help individuals excel when collaborating with veterinarians, researchers, or farm staff. These skills ensure effective care and management of animals, accurate data collection, and a safe, productive work environment.

Are entry level animal science jobs in demand?

Entry level animal science jobs are generally in demand due to ongoing needs in agriculture, research, and conservation sectors. These roles often require basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or animal handling licenses, making them accessible to recent graduates and those with relevant internships or volunteer experience.

Is entry level animal science a useful degree?

An entry level animal science degree provides foundational knowledge in animal biology, management, and nutrition, which can lead to careers in farming, research, or animal care. The degree often supports entry-level positions that may require hands-on skills, certifications, or internships to enhance employability.

What can you do with just an entry level animal science degree?

An entry level animal science degree prepares individuals for roles such as farm technician, animal caretaker, or research assistant. These positions often involve hands-on work with livestock or laboratory animals and may require basic knowledge of animal health, handling, and record-keeping. Certifications in animal handling or safety can enhance job prospects.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Science jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Animal Science jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Science jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Science jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Science job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,573 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Safety and Quality Associate Supervisor- Osceola, IA

Hormel Foods Corporation

Osceola, IA

$57K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Food Safety and Quality Associate/Supervisor - Osceola, IA

Job Purpose

Supports management in the implementation of food safety and food quality processes and procedures. Trains and manages 4-6 quality auditors.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, direct and train employees to achieve quality standards
  • Manage product quality
  • Creates and maintains an engaged and team-oriented work force to improve business results
  • Consults with management, providing leadership on quality and food safety in the manufacturing facility
  • Oversees sanitation procedures and food safety
  • This position is very hands-on - Food Safety and Quality Supervisors are usually in the production area "on their feet" about 60% of the shift

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Management, Business Administration, or a related field with a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA, 3.0 preferred, OR 5+ years of relevant supervisory experience 
  • Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States
  • Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa
  • Must be comfortable with the preparation and consumption of a variety of Hormel Foods Products, which may include but not limited to, pork, beef, chicken, turkey, and nuts
  • Must be open to relocation
  • Facilitated clear and effective communication across cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment, ensuring seamless collaboration and prompt resolution of issues by utilizing thorough verbal and written formats
  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
  • applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions)


 

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. 

Hours

This is a full-time, salaried position.

Location

  • This is an on-site position based out of our production facility in Osceola, IA.

Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote entry level career opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

  • The base hiring pay range for this role is between $57,900-$81,100 per year, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location. 
  • Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses
  • Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

Training

Training is hands-on and consists of supervisory training and courses in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Total Quality Control (TQC), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)

Advancement

The Food Safety and Quality career path may include advancing to a higher-level quality management positions at your current location, another facility, subsidiary location, or the Corporate Office

Hormel Foods' "promote-from-within" philosophy rewards outstanding performance


 

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.


Hormel logo

About Hormel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $11 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin's®, Columbus®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" list for the 12 years, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement -- Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ -- to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, MN, US

Year founded

1891