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Animal Scientists

SOC 19-1011.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers animal science research, breeding program management, nutritional analysis, producer advisory services, and scientific communication across academic, government, and commercial agricultural environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Nutritional requirements of common livestock species — identify and summarize under faculty or senior scientist supervision in a university or research laboratory setting.
  2. Peer-reviewed literature on animal nutrition and breeding — read, comprehend, and extract key findings to support ongoing research projects.
  3. Animal feed composition data — compile and organize using spreadsheet software under direction in an agricultural research facility.
  4. Basic animal management practices related to feeding, housing, and sanitation — describe and apply following established laboratory or farm protocols.
  5. Research findings from supervised experiments — draft written summaries using word processing software for internal review by principal investigators.
  6. Analytical or scientific software — operate under guidance to perform routine data entry and preliminary statistical analysis of animal production datasets.
  7. Effects of standard feed rations on animal performance metrics — observe, record, and report findings within a structured trial protocol.
  8. Research methods relevant to animal science — recognize and apply foundational scientific principles when assisting with controlled experiments on small animal populations.
  9. Scientific presentations — prepare introductory slides using presentation software under mentorship for internal lab meetings or departmental seminars.
  10. Animal selection criteria and basic pedigree information — locate and retrieve from database interfaces to assist senior scientists with breeding record reviews.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Nutritive values of animal feed materials — evaluate and compare using established assay protocols and analytical software in a commercial or academic research environment.
  2. Research data on animal nutrition, breeding, or management — analyze and interpret with reduced oversight, identifying trends relevant to production efficiency improvements.
  3. Improved feeding and housing practices — develop and pilot-test within defined project scopes on production farms or research station facilities.
  4. Animal producers — advise on updated feeding regimens and husbandry techniques by synthesizing current research findings and translating them into practical recommendations.
  5. Written research reports and manuscripts — draft and revise independently for submission to peer-reviewed journals or agency stakeholders.
  6. Statistical models and scientific software — apply routinely to assess effects of management practices or environmental conditions on egg, milk, or meat quality.
  7. Parasite and disease control protocols — refine and recommend based on systematic review of trial outcomes at the herd or flock level.
  8. Research findings — communicate orally to producer groups and extension audiences, adapting technical content to non-specialist contexts.
  9. Animal breeding records — query and maintain in relational database systems, ensuring data integrity across multi-season production trials.
  10. Geographic information system tools — use to map regional distribution of animal production variables and support site-specific management studies.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex animal nutrition research programs — design and execute autonomously, integrating chemistry and biology knowledge to evaluate feed ingredient bioavailability across multiple species.
  2. Non-routine challenges in animal breeding and selection — diagnose and resolve using advanced inductive and deductive reasoning applied to multi-generational performance datasets.
  3. Comprehensive management practice improvements — develop and validate across feeding, housing, sanitation, and disease control dimensions on commercial-scale production operations.
  4. Quantitative and qualitative production data — synthesize through systems analysis to assess and optimize quality and quantity of animal products such as milk and eggs.
  5. Full research lifecycle — lead independently from hypothesis formulation through experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and peer-reviewed publication.
  6. Producer advisory engagements — conduct autonomously, delivering evidence-based guidance on emerging technologies and techniques to improve profitability and animal welfare.
  7. Animal selection and controlled breeding programs — research, design, and implement to increase genetic gain and production efficiency at the enterprise level.
  8. Research findings — present with clarity and authority to diverse audiences including scientific conferences, regulatory bodies, and agricultural industry stakeholders.
  9. Multi-variable datasets from production trials — model using advanced analytical software, identifying interaction effects between environment, genetics, and management practices.
  10. Learning strategies — apply to rapidly assimilate evolving knowledge in genomics, precision livestock farming, and feed technology for integration into ongoing research agendas.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Institutional animal science research agenda — set strategic direction for, aligning multi-year funding priorities with national food production and sustainability goals.
  2. Cross-disciplinary research teams — lead and mentor, building competency in animal nutrition, genetics, and management across graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior scientists.
  3. Novel animal management systems — conceptualize and champion at the organizational scale, translating breakthrough research into industry-wide practice changes affecting producers nationally or globally.
  4. Scientific knowledge transfer — architect systems for disseminating research outcomes to producers, policymakers, and the public through publications, extension platforms, and media.
  5. Animal breeding and selection policy — influence through expert testimony, advisory committee participation, and authorship of authoritative guidelines adopted by industry or government bodies.
  6. Large-scale research collaborations — negotiate and administer across universities, government agencies, and private sector partners, managing budgets, timelines, and intellectual property.
  7. Organizational research capability — evaluate systematically using systems evaluation principles, identifying gaps in technology, personnel, or infrastructure and driving corrective investment.
  8. Emerging risks in animal disease, nutrition, or environmental sustainability — anticipate through horizon-scanning and translate into proactive research initiatives that protect national food systems.
  9. Ethical and regulatory standards for animal research and production — champion and embed across organizational culture, integrating integrity and attention to detail into institutional governance.
  10. Innovation pipelines linking genomic, computational, and field research — design and oversee, ensuring CAD software, GIS platforms, and analytical tools are fully leveraged to accelerate scientific discovery.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Literature triage — uses an AI assistant to surface and summarize relevant journal articles on animal nutrition or disease control, then reads and verifies each source independently before incorporating findings into research notes Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Feed formulation drafting — delegates initial nutrient-balance calculations and feed material comparisons to an AI tool, then cross-checks outputs against established nutritional standards before recommending rations to producers Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Research writing assistance — directs an AI assistant to produce first-draft sections of scientific reports or extension communications, retaining responsibility for accuracy of data interpretation and species-specific claims Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Complex problem decomposition — structures multi-variable animal management challenges (nutrition, housing, parasite load) as explicit prompts for an AI reasoning tool, evaluates the proposed solutions against field trial data, and refines recommendations before advising producers Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Protocol design acceleration — uses AI to generate candidate experimental designs for breeding or nutrition studies, then applies domain expertise to select controls, sample sizes, and outcome metrics that the AI cannot independently validate Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Time-intensive synthesis delegation — assigns literature meta-synthesis and data aggregation tasks to AI, recovering substantial research hours that are redirected toward hypothesis refinement and stakeholder consultation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous pipeline oversight — architects multi-step AI workflows that ingest production records, flag nutritional deficiencies, and draft intervention reports, while maintaining scientific authorship over all findings communicated to the broader research community Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. AI output auditing — establishes laboratory- or program-level standards for validating AI-generated animal science outputs, identifying systematic error patterns in model responses related to species-specific physiology or regulatory constraints Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-domain knowledge integration — directs AI agents to synthesize data across genomics, epidemiology, and feed science datasets, then applies expert judgment to reconcile conflicting signals and produce actionable breeding or management recommendations WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 82
Augment share: 8.2%
Time saved: 78.3%
AI autonomy: 3.63
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication13 statements
Emerging
  1. Research findings summary — drafts basic written summaries of animal nutrition or breeding study outcomes for internal review audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer interaction — conveys straightforward husbandry recommendations to livestock producers using accessible, non-technical language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Scientific literature engagement — reads and paraphrases peer-reviewed animal science publications to build foundational domain knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research report composition — writes structured reports on feeding trials or management practice studies with clear methodology and results sections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer advisory communication — explains improved feeding, housing, or disease control practices to producers with increasing clarity and responsiveness to questions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary listening — actively listens during cross-functional team discussions on animal biology, chemistry, or food production challenges to synthesize multiple expert perspectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Scientific manuscript preparation — authors publication-ready research papers on animal nutrition, breeding, or management for peer-reviewed journals with precise scientific language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Public and stakeholder presentation — delivers oral research findings to diverse audiences including producers, regulatory bodies, and the general public, adapting technical depth to audience expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Grant and technical proposal writing — composes persuasive, evidence-grounded proposals for research funding on animal production improvement initiatives O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Data-driven advisory communication — translates complex experimental results on feed quality, parasite control, or processing methods into actionable producer guidance O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Thought leadership dissemination — presents landmark findings on animal selection, breeding efficiency, or nutritive feed values at national scientific conferences and in high-impact journals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-sector communication strategy — designs communication frameworks that bridge scientific community outputs with industry adoption among producers and policymakers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentored science communication — coaches early-career animal scientists in translating complex biological and chemical research into clear written and oral formats for varied audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership11 statements
Emerging
  1. Research task ownership — takes initiative in completing assigned components of animal nutrition or breeding studies without requiring step-by-step supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Lab protocol adherence and prompting — follows established sanitation and animal management protocols and alerts supervisors to procedural gaps or safety concerns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Small team coordination — organizes the daily work of research assistants or technicians supporting feeding trials or environmental condition studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer program leadership — leads local outreach efforts to advise producers on improved animal production techniques and tracks adoption outcomes O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Research agenda contribution — proposes study designs for investigating management practices or feed materials and advocates for their inclusion in lab or station priorities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Principal investigator responsibility — leads multi-phase research projects on animal breeding, nutrition, or disease control from conception through publication and stakeholder dissemination Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional team direction — guides interdisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, and agricultural technicians toward shared research milestones Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Program development leadership — develops and implements improved animal production programs adopted at the farm, station, or institutional level O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research program vision — establishes the long-term scientific direction of an animal science program, allocating resources and aligning team efforts to advance breeding efficiency or nutritional science Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field-wide influence — champions policy or industry-standard changes based on accumulated research evidence, influencing animal production practices at regional or national scale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Talent pipeline development — identifies and cultivates the next generation of animal scientists through mentorship, graduate advising, and professional development programming Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes personal knowledge deficits in animal biology, chemistry, or food production and selects appropriate literature or coursework to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Experimental error reflection — reviews own data collection procedures after trials to identify where observational or measurement errors may have occurred Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Study design self-evaluation — assesses the strengths and limitations of one's own research designs for animal nutrition or breeding studies before and during execution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback integration — incorporates peer review, supervisor critique, and producer feedback to adjust research approaches and communication strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Knowledge mapping — maintains an evolving awareness of personal expertise boundaries across biology, mathematics, and chemistry as applied to animal science problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Iterative research calibration — monitors ongoing feeding or management trials for methodological drift and self-corrects experimental procedures to maintain validity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary learning planning — deliberately builds competence in adjacent fields such as genomics or food technology to strengthen animal breeding and production research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Epistemic leadership — models transparent reasoning about the limits of current animal science evidence and teaches colleagues to distinguish robust findings from preliminary results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Research portfolio reflection — conducts systematic retrospective analysis of a full body of animal science research to identify intellectual blind spots and future inquiry directions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Data observation — identifies patterns in basic animal performance metrics such as growth rate, feed consumption, or egg production under varying management conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature validity check — distinguishes between primary research sources and secondary summaries when reviewing animal nutrition or breeding literature Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental hypothesis evaluation — assesses whether proposed study designs for animal feed or environmental condition trials adequately test stated hypotheses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption identification — surfaces unstated assumptions in producer claims about feed efficacy or breeding outcomes and evaluates their empirical basis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Statistical reasoning — interprets descriptive and inferential statistics from feeding or management studies to determine significance and practical relevance O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Causal inference analysis — distinguishes correlation from causation when evaluating effects of processing methods, feed formulations, or housing conditions on animal product quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Competing evidence adjudication — weighs conflicting research findings on parasite control, nutritional requirements, or breeding selection to form evidence-based recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Complex problem decomposition — breaks multifaceted animal production challenges into researchable components and prioritizes investigative focus based on likely impact Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-wide evidence synthesis — critically synthesizes decades of animal science literature to identify foundational truths, contested claims, and productive research frontiers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Judgment under uncertainty — makes and defends high-stakes recommendations on animal selection programs or nutritional standards when evidence is incomplete or conflicting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Methodological critique leadership — evaluates and publicly challenges flawed research designs or overstated conclusions in the animal science literature through peer review and commentary Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Research team integration — contributes reliably to assigned tasks within multi-person animal science research groups, meeting deadlines and communicating progress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-unit cooperation — works cooperatively with animal care staff and laboratory technicians on routine data collection and sample processing tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Interdisciplinary project participation — collaborates productively with chemists, veterinarians, and food scientists on studies examining feed composition or animal product quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer partnership building — develops working relationships with livestock producers to co-design studies or pilot improved management practices on operational farms O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict navigation — addresses differing scientific interpretations within research teams through evidence-focused dialogue rather than positional argument Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-institutional research coordination — manages collaborative animal science projects across universities, government agencies, or industry partners, aligning methods and data-sharing protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Diverse stakeholder engagement — integrates perspectives from producers, consumers, regulators, and scientists into research design and dissemination strategies for animal production improvements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consortium leadership — builds and sustains large-scale research collaborations across disciplines and sectors to address complex challenges in animal nutrition, breeding, or food production Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative culture modeling — establishes norms for inclusive, transparent, and credit-sharing scientific collaboration within animal science departments or research stations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Research integrity baseline — accurately records raw data from animal trials and feeding studies without alteration or selective omission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional responsibility — fulfills assigned research duties reliably and reports concerns about animal welfare or data quality to supervisors promptly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical research conduct — applies IACUC protocols and institutional guidelines governing animal use in research consistently and without shortcuts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Transparent reporting — discloses methodological limitations and null findings in research reports rather than presenting only favorable results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Producer trust-building — maintains honest communication with producers about the evidence base and limitations of recommended animal production practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research accountability — takes full responsibility for the validity and integrity of published findings on animal nutrition, breeding, or management, including retracting or correcting errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict of interest management — identifies and discloses potential conflicts between funding sources and research conclusions in animal production studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Animal welfare advocacy — consistently prioritizes humane treatment standards in research design and producer advisement even when production efficiency pressures exist Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific ethics leadership — shapes institutional or professional society standards for ethical conduct in animal science research, authorship, and data stewardship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Public trust stewardship — upholds the credibility of animal science as a field through rigorous, transparent, and societally responsible conduct in all professional contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Alternative hypothesis generation — proposes multiple possible explanations for unexpected outcomes in animal feeding or breeding trials rather than defaulting to a single interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Analogical problem framing — draws on knowledge from adjacent biological or chemical domains to suggest fresh approaches to animal nutrition or management questions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Novel study design development — designs non-standard experimental approaches to investigate underexplored variables in animal product quality or production efficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feed formulation innovation — combines knowledge of nutritive values and animal requirements to propose unconventional or cost-effective feed material combinations for testing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Integrated systems innovation — creates novel animal management frameworks that combine feeding, housing, sanitation, and disease control variables in synergistic ways not previously studied Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology application creativity — identifies and adapts emerging tools such as genomic selection, precision feeding systems, or sensor-based monitoring for animal science research contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Producer solution design — develops creative, context-specific production improvement strategies for producers facing unique environmental, economic, or species-specific constraints O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm-shifting research — generates foundational insights into animal genetics, nutrition, or physiology that reframe how the scientific community approaches production efficiency or product quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary innovation brokering — brings together concepts from food science, computational biology, and animal science to pioneer new research domains or applied production systems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Challenge acceptance — engages willingly with difficult statistical analyses or unfamiliar biological concepts encountered in animal science graduate work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback receptivity — accepts critique of early research designs or written reports on animal studies and revises work accordingly without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback reframing — treats inconclusive or failed feeding trials as informative data points that refine future experimental design rather than as personal failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill stretch pursuit — voluntarily seeks training in emerging areas such as bioinformatics or precision livestock farming to expand research capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Persistent inquiry — sustains multi-year research programs on complex animal breeding or nutritional questions despite slow progress or funding interruptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive methodology — revises research approaches mid-study in response to unexpected animal performance data or changing production conditions without abandoning core scientific rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer learning integration — systematically incorporates new findings from the animal science literature and conference feedback to evolve research questions and methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture cultivation — establishes research environments where failure, iteration, and intellectual risk-taking are normalized and rewarded among animal science teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Career-long mastery orientation — models sustained curiosity and skill development across a full career in animal science, continuously expanding into new species, production systems, or analytical methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attentive observation — maintains focused, methodical attention when monitoring animal behavior, health indicators, or feed consumption patterns during research trials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in fieldwork — manages frustration or distress responses when animal research yields unexpected or distressing outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional experimental presence — brings deliberate focus to each stage of animal study execution, reducing procedural errors in data collection and sample handling Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-aware producer advising — recognizes producer emotional states around production losses or animal health crises and adjusts advisory tone and pacing accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustained concentration in complex analysis — maintains high-quality analytical attention across extended data interpretation sessions involving large animal production datasets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective decision-making — pauses to examine assumptions and emotional influences before making recommendations on animal selection programs or feed formulation changes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Ethical presence — attends carefully to animal welfare signals during research to ensure humane treatment standards are upheld in moment-to-moment practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Contemplative research leadership — cultivates intentional, reflective scientific culture within animal science teams, reducing reactive decision-making and improving methodological rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive mindful responsiveness — demonstrates consistent equanimity and situational awareness when navigating high-pressure research crises, regulatory scrutiny, or public controversy around animal production practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Research persistence — continues data collection and literature review tasks in animal science studies despite early-stage uncertainty about outcomes or hypotheses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity tolerance — proceeds with foundational feeding or breeding study tasks when overall research direction is not yet fully defined Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained effort through long study cycles — maintains research quality and engagement across multi-month or multi-year animal production studies with limited interim results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rejection resilience — resubmits grant proposals and research manuscripts on animal nutrition or breeding topics after rejection, incorporating reviewer feedback constructively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes perseverance — continues advancing complex animal selection or nutritional intervention research through funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, or inconclusive findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversarial environment navigation — maintains scientific rigor and professional composure when producer communities, industry sponsors, or policymakers resist evidence-based animal production recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Courageous scientific dissent — publicly challenges prevailing but insufficiently evidenced practices in animal feeding, breeding, or disease control when data warrants it Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Decade-scale research commitment — sustains the intellectual and institutional effort required to resolve foundational questions in animal nutrition or genetics over an entire career Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Resilient field advancement — rebuilds research programs or producer trust after major setbacks such as disease outbreaks, retracted studies, or institutional disruption, demonstrating exemplary professional endurance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors65 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Animal Anatomist · Animal Behaviorist · Animal Biologist · Animal Geneticist · Animal Nutrition Consultant · Animal Nutritionist · Animal Scientist · Bacteriologist · Beef Cattle Nutritionist · Beef Cattle Specialist · Behaviorist · Companion Animal Nutritionist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingScienceActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningSystems AnalysisMonitoringMathematicsSystems EvaluationTime ManagementLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationInstructingService OrientationManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionNegotiation
Knowledge domains
BiologyMathematicsEnglish LanguageChemistryFood ProductionEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsSales and MarketingAdministration and Management
Abilities
Speech ClarityInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingCategory Flexibility
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityInnovationAttention to DetailDependabilityAchievement OrientationIntegrity
Technology
Computer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareGeographic information systemSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareHuman resources software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  2. Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
  3. Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
  4. Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
  5. Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
  6. Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
  7. Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
CIP education codes
01.000001.031001.090101.090201.090301.090401.090501.090701.099901.110601.810301.810501.810601.810701.810801.810901.811001.811101.819930.3401

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.