Animal Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview The increase in the production of meat, milk and eggs is possible because of breeding farm animals. Animal technicians are responsible in feeding and breeding various kinds of animals like pigs, cattle, horses, sheep, cats, dogs, parrots and other exotic animals. Advancement in science, particularly in genetics, created more opportunities for animal technicians to use different breeding programs. It is now possible to breed animals with different appearances which are closely related genetically like the St. Bernards and the miniature poodles.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Students in high school who are interested in Agriculture and Science can be an animal technician. Classes in Business, Mechanics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Communication will help applicants to be prepared in this profession. Minimum requirements to be an animal technician is an education for nine months to two years at technician school. Most colleges and universities offer two and four year programs in animal husbandry or animal science. The courses would include animal breeding, animal physiology and instruction in genetics. Advancement in this field is easy if the applicant is certified. Certification is not necessary but there are more job opportunities and better salary is given to those who are certified.
Skills and Abilities
It is very important to have a great respect, empathy and love for animals when planning to pursue a career in this field. They should be knowledgeable with animal habits and needs. Being patient and compassionate is essential. Animal technicians should have a great interest in genetics, reproductive science and animal physiology. They are expected to interact with farmers, animal owners, animal caretakers and agricultural scientists so communication skill is vital.
Duties
Animal technicians should raise, breed and market animals. It is their duty to propagate, feed and house the animals. Their task is divided into different capacities and settings.
If they are assigned as livestock production technicians, they are responsible in breeding swine, cattle, sheep and horses while poultry production technicians breed geese, chickens, ducks and turkeys. For those involved in food-source bird production, they work on farms and oversee the production of eggs. They use time, labor and materials efficiently. They are knowledgeable in using egg processing machinery. Animal technicians are also responsible in inspecting, managing and feeding the poultry. It is their duty to conduct studies on breeding practices to improve quality of poultry products and have an efficient production.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Educational background, geographical location, agricultural background or the years of experience with working on animals are factors which would determine the salary of an animal technician. Those who breed and take care of specialty animals are expected to earn more. Modern technology and equipment helped animal production industry in developing different breeding programs. The study is continuous which would provide many job opportunities for those aspiring to be an animal technician in the future.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 510 Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 Time: 7:14 PM
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