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Entry Level Animal Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and ... P1 (Quality Associate): Entry-level quality production support focused on routine batch review and ...

Entry Level Animal Science information

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$9

$15

$25

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

As of Sep 2, 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:

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.

Associate-Quality Assurance-1

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 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: Quality Associate
As a Quality Associate, you will provide critical production support to the QA Release Group and Process Team. Your primary purpose is the review and approval of developmental, new, and revised product batch records and technical documentation (e.g., for validation, deviations, change control) to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (USDA, FDA, EU, etc.). You will serve as a key resource for projects, assist with audits, and support continuous improvement goals, playing a vital part in the release of products that advance animal health.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Perform detailed review and approval of batch records and associated technical documentation for routine production, validation, and change control activities to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, and EU regulations.
  • Perform detailed review and approval of batch records and associated technical documentation for routine production, validation, and change control activities to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, and EU regulations.;margin-top:5.0pt;">Perform detailed review and approval of batch records and associated technical documentation for routine production, validation, and change control activities to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, and EU regulations.
  • Provide real-time, on-the-floor quality support for batch reviews, process auditing, and quality guidance to production personnel and the Process Team.
  • Support the deviation management process by identifying non-conformances, determining root cause, and participating in investigation report writing.
  • Assist with internal and external inspection audits by helping with preparation and response, and support the Process Team by tracking and reporting on continuous improvement goals.
  • Execute usage decisions and release transactions in SAP to manage product movement and final disposition for product release.

The Associate-QA Release ensures the compliance of biological products through the review and approval of batch records and technical documentation.
  • P1 (Quality Associate): Entry-level quality production support focused on routine batch review and maintaining basic regulatory compliance.
  • P2 (Sr. Quality Associate): Quality Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all production process flows with responsibility for the site's more complex Process Team(s).

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education:Education:Education: Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline; or a High School Diploma / GED with equivalent relevant experience.
  • Experience:Experience:Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience in a GMP-regulated environment, such as pharmaceuticals or biologics.
  • Documentation Skills:Documentation Skills:Documentation Skills: Demonstrated experience reviewing GMP-regulated documents such as batch records, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality investigations.
  • Systems Proficiency:Systems Proficiency:Systems Proficiency: Strong attention to detail; proficiency with computer systems including Microsoft Suite, SAP, and Veeva.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Direct experience in a quality assurance role reviewing and releasing batch records.
  • In-depth knowledge of USDA and EU regulatory requirements for biological products.
  • Experience with electronic quality management systems for deviations, change control, and CAPA.
  • Strong technical writing skills for authoring or reviewing investigation reports.

Additional Information:
  • Travel:Travel:Travel: None
  • Location:Location:Location: Fort Dodge, IA - On-Site Work Environment

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.

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