Working conditions vary from operation to operation, but certain factors always exist. Much of the work is done inside in all types of facilities. Barns, pens, and stables are the most common facilities for farm animals; nonfarm animals may be bred in private homes or housing facilities. Both types of work often require long, irregular hours and work on Sundays and holidays. The work is also sometimes dangerous, especially when large animals such as stallions and bulls are involved. Salaries are usually commensurate with the hours worked, and there are usually slack seasons when time off is given to compensate any extra hours worked. But for people with a strong desire to work with animals, long working hours or other less desirable conditions are offset by the benefits of this career.
Animal breeders and technicians are often their own bosses and make their own decisions. While this can be an asset to those who value independence, prospective animal breeders and technicians must realize that self-discipline is the most valuable trait for success.
- Agribusiness Technicians
- Agricultural Consultants
- Agricultural Equipment Technicians
- Agricultural Pilots
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Behaviorists
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Handlers
- Animal Physical Therapists
- Animal Trainers
- Aquaculturists
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Astrobiologists
- Beekeepers
- Biochemical Engineers
- Biochemists
- Bioinformatics Specialists
- Biologists
- Biomedical Engineers
- Biomedical Equipment Technicians
- Biophysicists
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Biotechnology Production Workers
- Biotechnology Research Assistants
- Botanists
- Chemists
- Climate Scientists
- CRISPR Scientists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Cytotechnologists
- Dairy Products Manufacturing Workers
- Drug Developers
- Ecologists
- Environmental Scientists
- Epidemiologists
- Epigenetics Researchers
- Farm Crop Production Technicians
- Farm Equipment Mechanics
- Farmers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Fishers
- Food Technologists
- Genetic Counselors
- Genetic Engineers
- Genetic Genealogists
- Genetic Scientists
- Grain Merchants
- Groundwater Professionals
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Laboratory Technicians and Technologists
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Marine Biologists
- Meatcutters and Meat Packers
- Medical Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Naturalists
- Neuroscientists
- Nuclear Medicine Physicians
- Nursery Owners and Managers
- Organic Farmers
- Pathologists
- Pet Shop Workers
- Pet Sitters
- Physicians
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Range Managers
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Tobacco Products Industry Workers
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technicians
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists