Animal Sciences | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 39-2021.00

Skills

MonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCoordinationService OrientationJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEnglish Language

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingStatic StrengthNear VisionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningTrunk StrengthSpeech Recognition

Tasks

Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
Scuba dive in aquariums to perform exhibit maintenance.
Train volunteers and facility staff.

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software

Tools

Air purifying respiratorsAlgae scrapersAmmonia test kitsAnimal cagesAnimal clippersAnimal cratesAnimal handling glovesAnimal handling sleevesAnimal harnessesAnimal muzzlesAnimal nail clippersAnimal nail filesAnimal nail grindersAquarium filtersAquarium heaters

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportIndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium39-2021.00	Animal Caretakers	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Facility-wide animal care standards and protocols — establish and continuously improve to align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements across a shelter, zoo, or boarding operation.
Junior and new caretaking staff — mentor and coach in animal handling, health monitoring, and documentation using structured on-the-job training approaches.
Organizational scheduling and staffing systems — design and oversee using calendar and scheduling software to ensure adequate animal care coverage at all times.
Animal care program evaluation — lead systematic review of feeding, treatment, enrichment, and sanitation outcomes to drive measurable improvements in animal welfare.
Emergency response protocols for disease outbreak or animal injury — develop, communicate, and lead execution of facility-level contingency plans.
Relationships with veterinary professionals and external animal welfare organizations — cultivate and manage to strengthen the facility's care capabilities and community standing.
Data reporting on population health trends, treatment outcomes, and operational metrics — synthesize from spreadsheet and database tools to inform leadership decisions.
Public education and patron engagement programs — design and champion to deepen community understanding of animal behavior, habitat, and responsible care.
Budget and resource allocation for animal care supplies, medications, and equipment — oversee and optimize within organizational financial constraints.
Organizational culture of dependability, integrity, and animal welfare commitment — model and promote across all staff levels to sustain high standards of care.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.