P1P1 — Entry-Level Professional
Entry Support
Works under direct supervision to perform routine animal husbandry tasks and basic facility maintenance.
What this level means
New to role or field; performs basic tasks under supervision
- Scope
- Own tasks within a defined component
- Autonomy
- Close supervision; work reviewed frequently
- Complexity
- Routine problems with known solutions
- Impact
- Own deliverables
- Decision rights
- Few independent decisions; escalates the rest
- Leadership
- None — building the craft
- Typical experience
- 0–2 yrs
What you'd do
- Provide daily care for research animals
- Perform regular health checks
- Change and sanitize cages
- Assist in maintaining facility cleanliness
- Report any animal health issues to supervisors
- Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations
- Document daily care activities
- Participate in training sessions
- Assist in basic facility maintenance
- Support research staff as needed
- Perform routine animal care
- Sanitize animal enclosures
- Document care activities
- Report health issues
- Assist in facility upkeep
Skills, knowledge & tools
- Animal care techniques
- Sanitization procedures
- Basic record-keeping
- Compliance adherence
- Facility maintenance
- Observation and reporting
- Interpersonal skills
- Time management
- Animal welfare regulations
- Basic animal biology
- Husbandry practices
- Standard operating procedures
- Facility maintenance protocols
- Health and safety standards
- Basic veterinary care
- Research facility operations
- Understanding of basic animal husbandry
- Ability to learn and follow SOPs
- Strong observational skills
- Attention to detail
- Basic problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Adaptability
What good looks like
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification or course work in lab animal or veterinary assistant training
- Basic understanding of animal care
- Willingness to learn
- Good communication skills
Common titles
Entry Support
What it pays
Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are being recalibrated across all survey sources and will return shortly.
O*NET / SOC: 39-2021.00 — Animal Caretakers