Career Development Grid

If you are interested in a career in animal husbandry, becoming a first-line supervisor or manager-supervisor is a great way to advance in this field. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the work of animal husbandry workers, ensuring that livestock is well-cared for and that workers are following safety protocols.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a first-line supervisor or manager-supervisor in animal husbandry, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in animal science, animal husbandry, or a related field. Some employers may accept an associate’s degree or even a high school diploma, but having a higher level of education can increase your chances of landing a supervisory role.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
As a first-line supervisor or manager-supervisor in animal husbandry, your job duties may include overseeing the care of livestock, managing workers, creating schedules, monitoring animal health, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. You may also be responsible for record-keeping, budgeting, and purchasing supplies.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for first-line supervisors and manager-supervisors in animal husbandry can vary depending on the industry and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers was $50,080 in May 2020.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
With experience and additional education, you may be able to advance to higher-level management positions or even start your own animal husbandry business.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing animal husbandry workers is the physical demands of the job. To overcome this, it’s important to maintain good physical health and practice proper lifting techniques. Another challenge can be managing workers who may have varying levels of experience or language barriers. Effective communication and training can help overcome these challenges.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience in animal husbandry, consider internships or entry-level positions in this field. Building a network can also be beneficial, as you may be able to learn from experienced professionals and hear about job opportunities.
Job Prospects and Future Outlook:
The job prospects for first-line supervisors and manager-supervisors in animal husbandry are expected to be stable in the coming years, as the demand for livestock products continues to grow.
Skills and Qualities for Success:
To succeed in this career, you should have strong leadership skills, be detail-oriented, and have a passion for animal care. Good communication skills

The education and training required for a career as a First-Line Supervisor or Manager-Supervisor in Animal Husbandry Workers vary depending on the employer and the specific job duties. However, most employers prefer candidates who have a combination of education and experience in animal husbandry.
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for this position. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary education in animal science, agriculture, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field may be required for more advanced positions.
Experience in animal husbandry is also important for this career. Candidates may gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. Additionally, some employers may require certification or licensure in specific areas of animal husbandry, such as dairy production or livestock management.
In summary, a combination of education and experience is required for a career as a First-Line Supervisor or Manager-Supervisor in Animal Husbandry Workers. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field may be preferred for more advanced positions. Experience in animal husbandry and certification or licensure in specific areas may also be required.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a First-Line Supervisor or Manager-Supervisor in Animal Husbandry Workers include:
1. Supervising and coordinating the work of animal husbandry workers, including farmhands, livestock workers, and animal caretakers.
2. Scheduling and assigning work to employees, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
3. Monitoring animal health and welfare, and ensuring that animals are fed, watered, and housed properly.
4. Maintaining records of animal health, breeding, and production, and ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
5. Overseeing the maintenance of animal housing facilities, equipment, and supplies, and ensuring that all facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained.
6. Developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and workers.
7. Providing training and guidance to animal husbandry workers, and ensuring that all employees are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties.
8. Collaborating with veterinarians, researchers, and other professionals to develop and implement animal health and welfare programs.
9. Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
10. Managing budgets and financial resources, and ensuring that all expenditures are within budgetary constraints.

The earning potential for First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors in Animal Husbandry Workers can vary depending on the specific industry and location.
In the short term, entry-level positions in this field typically pay around minimum wage or slightly above. However, as individuals gain experience and move into supervisory roles, they can expect to earn higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for first-line supervisors of animal husbandry workers was $50,090 as of May 2020.
In the long term, the earning potential for this career can increase significantly with additional education and experience. Those who advance to higher-level management positions or start their own animal husbandry businesses can potentially earn six-figure salaries. Additionally, there may be opportunities to earn additional income through bonuses or profit-sharing arrangements.

The opportunities for career advancement in the field of First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors of Animal Husbandry Workers are quite good. With experience and additional education, individuals can move up the career ladder to higher-level management positions. Some potential career advancement opportunities include:
1. Senior Supervisor: As a senior supervisor, individuals will be responsible for overseeing a larger team of animal husbandry workers and ensuring that all operations are running smoothly.
2. Farm Manager: A farm manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a farm, including animal husbandry, crop production, and facility maintenance.
3. Agricultural Operations Manager: An agricultural operations manager oversees the entire agricultural operation, including animal husbandry, crop production, and farm maintenance.
4. Agricultural Consultant: An agricultural consultant provides expert advice and guidance to farmers and agricultural businesses on a wide range of topics, including animal husbandry, crop production, and farm management.
5. Agricultural Researcher: An agricultural researcher conducts research and experiments to develop new techniques and technologies for animal husbandry and crop production.
Overall, there are many opportunities for career advancement in the field of First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors of Animal Husbandry Workers, and individuals with the right combination of skills, experience, and education can build rewarding and fulfilling careers in this field.

The biggest challenges facing First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors in Animal Husbandry Workers include:
1. Managing a diverse workforce: Supervisors in animal husbandry workers are responsible for managing a team of workers who come from diverse backgrounds and have different skill sets. Managing such a diverse workforce can be challenging, as it requires effective communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
2. Ensuring animal welfare: First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors in Animal Husbandry Workers are responsible for ensuring the welfare of the animals in their care. This requires knowledge of animal behavior, health, and nutrition, as well as the ability to identify and address any issues that may arise.
3. Meeting production goals: Supervisors in animal husbandry workers are responsible for meeting production goals while ensuring the welfare of the animals in their care. This can be challenging, as it requires balancing the needs of the animals with the demands of the business.
To overcome these challenges, First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors in Animal Husbandry Workers can:
1. Develop effective communication skills: Effective communication is key to managing a diverse workforce. Supervisors should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with their team members, as well as listen to their concerns and feedback.
2. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices: The animal husbandry industry is constantly evolving, and supervisors must stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices to ensure the welfare of the animals in their care and meet production goals.
3. Develop leadership skills: Effective leadership is essential for managing a team of workers. Supervisors should be able to motivate, inspire, and guide their team members to achieve their goals.
4. Seek out training and development opportunities: Supervisors should seek out training and development opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge. This can include attending industry conferences, taking courses, or seeking mentorship from experienced supervisors.

There are several ways to gain experience and build a network in the field of animal husbandry and management:
1. Internships or apprenticeships: Look for opportunities to intern or apprentice with a farm or animal husbandry business. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build relationships with people in the industry.
2. Volunteer work: Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or farm. This can help you gain experience working with animals and also provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field.
3. Join professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Animal Breeders or the American Society of Animal Science can provide you with access to industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
4. Attend industry events: Attend conferences, trade shows, and other events related to animal husbandry and management. This can help you learn about the latest trends and technologies in the industry and also provide opportunities to meet and network with professionals in the field.
5. Build relationships with industry professionals: Reach out to professionals in the field and ask for informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities. Building relationships with people in the industry can help you learn about job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the field.

The job prospects for First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors in Animal Husbandry Workers are expected to remain stable in the near future. Animal husbandry is a growing industry, and there will always be a need for skilled workers to manage and supervise the care of animals on farms, ranches, and other facilities.
However, there may be some changes in the job market as technology advances and automation becomes more prevalent in the industry. This could lead to a decrease in the number of jobs available for manual laborers, but an increase in demand for workers with technical skills and knowledge of automated systems.
Overall, the job prospects for First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors in Animal Husbandry Workers are likely to remain strong, but it is important for individuals interested in this career to stay informed about industry trends and developments to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the changing job market.

The most important skills and qualities for someone to succeed as a First-Line Supervisor or Manager-Supervisor in Animal Husbandry Workers include:
1. Knowledge of animal behavior and husbandry practices: A supervisor in animal husbandry must have a deep understanding of animal behavior and husbandry practices to ensure the proper care and handling of animals.
2. Leadership skills: Supervisors must be able to manage and motivate a team of animal husbandry workers to ensure the smooth running of operations.
3. Communication skills: Good communication skills are essential to ensure that instructions are clearly understood and that any issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
4. Attention to detail: Supervisors must be detail-oriented to ensure that all aspects of animal care and welfare are being properly managed.
5. Problem-solving skills: Supervisors must be able to identify and resolve problems quickly and effectively to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.
6. Physical stamina: Animal husbandry work can be physically demanding, and supervisors must be able to work long hours and perform tasks that require physical strength and endurance.
7. Flexibility: The work of animal husbandry can be unpredictable, and supervisors must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively under pressure.

The career of First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors – Animal Husbandry Workers is in demand in the following sectors or industries:
1. Agriculture and farming: This industry is the primary sector for animal husbandry workers, and first-line supervisors and manager-supervisors are required to oversee the daily operations of animal care and management.
2. Food processing and manufacturing: Animal husbandry workers are responsible for providing high-quality raw materials to the food processing and manufacturing industry. Supervisors are required to ensure the quality and safety of animal products for human consumption.
3. Veterinary services: The veterinary industry requires animal husbandry workers to assist in the care and treatment of animals. First-line supervisors and manager-supervisors are needed to manage the veterinary staff and ensure the efficient operation of the facility.
4. Research and development: Animal husbandry workers are employed in research and development facilities to assist in the study of animal genetics, nutrition, and behavior. Supervisors are required to manage the research team and ensure the accuracy of data collection.
5. Education and training: Animal husbandry workers are employed in educational institutions to teach and train students in animal care and management. Supervisors are required to manage the educational staff and ensure the quality of education provided to students.

Some common misconceptions about being a First-Line Supervisor or Manager-Supervisor in Animal Husbandry Workers include:
1. It’s an easy job: Many people assume that supervising animal husbandry workers involves simply giving orders and overseeing their work. However, this role requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and expertise in animal care and management.
2. It’s all about working with animals: While working with animals is a significant part of this job, First-Line Supervisors and Manager-Supervisors also have to manage budgets, schedules, staffing, and other administrative tasks.
3. It doesn’t require education or training: Although it’s possible to start as an entry-level worker and work your way up to a supervisory position, most employers prefer candidates with a degree in animal science, agriculture, or a related field. Additionally, they may require several years of experience working with animals.
The reality is that being a First-Line Supervisor or Manager-Supervisor in Animal Husbandry Workers is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a combination of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. These professionals are responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of animals, as well as managing a team of workers and meeting production goals. They must have a deep understanding of animal behavior, nutrition, genetics, and health, as well as excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, they must keep up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to ensure the success of their operations.