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Entry Level Animal Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Care Associate/Technologist Location: Wilmington, MA 01887 Job Type: Contract-to-Hire ... in life sciences. Training will be provided for entry-level candidates, while experienced ...

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Assistant Genetic Technician

Pierre, SD · On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

This position is designed as an entry-level training role for the Genetic Technician position and ... Bachelor's degree is preferred, ideally in an agriculture or animal science discipline. * At least ...

Assistant Genetic Technician

Pierre, SD · On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

This position is designed as an entry-level training role for the Genetic Technician position and ... Bachelor's degree is preferred, ideally in an agriculture or animal science discipline. * At least ...

Assistant Genetic Technician

Pierre, SD

$36K - $37K/yr

This position is designed as an entry-level training role for the Genetic Technician position and ... Bachelor's degree is preferred, ideally in an agriculture or animal science discipline. * At least ...

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Entry Level Animal Science information

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal science in the United States is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you work at an animal hospital with no experience?

Entry level animal science positions at animal hospitals often do not require prior experience, but having basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn can improve your chances. Many entry roles involve assisting with daily tasks and may provide on-the-job training. Certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling can also be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Animal Science position, and why are they important?

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.

What is an Entry Level Animal Science job?

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.

How to work with animals with no experience?

Entry level animal science positions often require little to no prior experience, but gaining hands-on skills through volunteering, internships, or assisting with animal care can improve your chances. Basic knowledge of animal behavior, safety procedures, and proper handling techniques is helpful, and certifications such as animal first aid can be advantageous. Starting in entry-level roles like kennel assistant or farm worker provides practical experience and a foundation for future advancement.

What can you do with just an animal science degree?

An entry-level animal science degree prepares individuals for roles such as farm technician, animal caretaker, research assistant, or livestock inspector. These positions often require knowledge of animal handling, health, and nutrition, and may involve working in farms, laboratories, or veterinary settings. Additional certifications or hands-on experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

What can I do with a bachelor of animal science?

A bachelor of animal science prepares individuals for careers such as livestock manager, animal technician, or research assistant. Graduates can work in farms, laboratories, or feed companies, often utilizing skills in animal handling, nutrition, and management. Additional certifications or experience may be required for specialized roles.
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Animal Care Associate (EG)

Animal Care Associate (EG)

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

Wilmington, MA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Charles River Laboratories rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

As an Animal Care Associate for our GEMS Breed Group in Wilmington, MA.  The GEMS Animal Care Associate will learn how and continue to maintain and monitor the health, production, and physical environment of client or Charles River Laboratories (CRL) animals housed at CRL facilities. These environments may include isolators or individual ventilated cages (IVC).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform entry-level husbandry tasks, including supplying food, bedding, water and environmental enrichment.
  • Maintain rat and mouse colonies, including setting up matings, weaning and sexing of offspring, genetic sampling of animals.
  • Handle rodents (mice and rats), including restraining of animals for collection of fecal pellets, ear/tail sampling as well as tagging animals for identification.
  • Observe animals for any abnormalities or common health issues.
  • Identify and select specific animals for customer shipments, genotyping, health monitoring, matings, transfers or other various tasks as needed.
  • Learn, understand, and comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with direct supervision and instruction for most processes/tasks.
  • Learn and strictly follow all animal welfare standards and biosecurity procedures necessary to maintain isolator integrity and animal health status, including the proper sterilization and entry of supplies/animals into isolators.
  • Be detailed-oriented and enter accurate data entry into Internet Colony Management (ICM).
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal laws governing the use of research animals.
  • Ability to prioritize and execute daily tasks with guidance from supervisor(s).
  • Perform general housekeeping and adhere to EHS, safety, and ergonomic procedures.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn required computer programs, databases and other applications (i.e. ICM and Microsoft Office)
  • Be able to learn to identify issues and communicate to management and learn the importance of our CRL DNA and core values.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Role Specific Information: 

  • Location:  Wilmington, MA 
  • Schedule:  Monday - Friday - early shifts, no weekends required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience: Entry-level, no previous experience required.
  • Sufficient computer knowledge to use a tablet computer and communicate using Microsoft Applications.
  • The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
  • The ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Certification/Licensure: AALAS certification at the ALAT or above.

The hourly pay rate for this position is $18.00.  

About Research Models & Services
Fundamental to basic research and discovery is the use of in vivo models to help identify disease targets and determine potential biological pathways that regulate the condition.  As the world’s leader in the production and distribution of the highest quality research animal, with 1 out of 2 animal models produced for preclinical research globally, we understand the importance of this step. With seven decades of experience, our expertise is unmatched, allowing us to provide you with the perfect model, including disease-specific and preconditioned options, for basic research and beyond.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.


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About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947