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Entry Level Animal Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ... Provides guidance to entry level co-workers. Core Capabilities : Supporting Colleagues : Develops ...

Animal Care Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ... Provides guidance to entry level co-workers. Core Capabilities : Supporting Colleagues : Develops ...

Research Assistant 1

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

This environment brings together clinicians, basic scientists, engineers and statisticians in close ... This is seen an entry-level career position with significant growth potential as the candidate ...

JOB SUMMARY Operate cage wash machinery in order to sanitize primary animal holding cages, support ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

JOB SUMMARY Operate cage wash machinery in order to sanitize primary animal holding cages, support ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

JOB SUMMARY Operate cage wash machinery in order to sanitize primary animal holding cages, support ... World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific ...

Entry Level Animal Science information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$15

$24

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal science in Tennessee is $15.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $15.29 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Animal Science jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Animal Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Science job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,475 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Animal Care Technician

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 254 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
ACUP - DAC Operations Management
Job Summary:
Utilizes technical animal husbandry skills with respect to the care and management of multiple and/or specialized animal colonies, with occasional guidance. Demonstrates knowledge of compliance with existing regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Participates in the cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
• Provides routine care of research animals. Performs daily checks for animal health and welfare and ensures adequate supply levels in animal quarters.
• Monitors and reports on environmental room and housing conditions.
• Recognizes and reports clinical abnormalities and/or irregularities in lab animals. Learns the variations among laboratory animals and modes of disease control.
• Euthanizes all species according to established regulations.
• Maintains accurate and prompt records in accordance with outlined procedures. Report areas of noncompliance.
• Assists in training of staff in general procedures.
• Understands and complies with operating and regulatory requirements related to care of laboratory animals.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
• Laboratory Animal Diseases (Fundamental Awareness): Knowledge of and experience with laboratory animal diseases, outbreaks, methods of spread, and methods of limiting disease.
• Animal Care Knowledge (Intermediate): Knowledgeable on the needs, treatment, and husbandry for different animal species. Able to ensure their welfare, nutrition, and safety.
• Judgement and Decision-Making (Novice): Able to make decisions effectively and accurately in an environment which may be fast-paced or changing. Considers a wide range of alternatives, including those which may fall outside of the scope of the task at hand, before making a decision.
• Regulatory Compliance (Novice): Demonstrates knowledge of the appropriate rules and regulations and apply them in difficult, stressful and complex situations. Able to interpret and explain rules and regulations that are ambiguous or unclear. Directs others in interpreting rules and regulations on the job and trains others in them.
• Planning (Novice): Plans work to complete projects on time. Competently handles multiple assignments simultaneously. Able to be flexible to meet changing customer needs with minimal disruption and loss of productivity. Uses time efficiently.
• Customer Service (Intermediate): A continuing focus on the needs and requirements of customers, anticipating their needs, remaining sensitive to customers while performing services for them, responsive to customer needs.
• Communication (Intermediate): Clearly, effectively and respectfully communicates to employees or customers.
Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation's longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.
World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.
Aligning with Vanderbilt Health's Strategic Directions, the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professional guidance to enable the trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training for all the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.
Core Accountabilities:
* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications :
Work Experience :
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level :
Less than 1 year
Education :
High School Diploma or GED (Required)
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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