Animal health managers care for the needs of different animals. This may include feeding, medicating, treating, and monitoring livestock performance. Individuals in this position should have a high regard for animal welfare and promote proper health care. Animal health managers will likely need to clean livestock areas, use a number of different equipment types, and ensure quality control is met at all times. This role can sometimes include long hours due to different animal needs. Animal health managers need to be attentive and responsive to the animals they care for. They should be knowledgeable on animal behavior so they know what to watch for regarding sickness, disease, etc. Individuals in this position should be tolerant of odors. They should also be comfortable with the presence of unhealthy animals.
The duties of an animal health manager can vary depending on where they work and what animals they work with. Some basic duties are outlined below.
Most animal health workers, as well as animal health managers have to clean and maintain animal shelters which mean that it may be an unpleasant environment to work in. They usually work outdoors and in high levels of humidity. As managers, physical work is put to a minimum which means that the manager can work conveniently indoors at a clean workplace area or office. Animal care managers work a typical 40 hour a week schedule which rarely requires overtime shifts.
The average salary of an animal health manager is KSH150,000 per month which will greatly depend on the institute or foundation, location and experience of the manager. Benefits are also put to a minimum except in cases of registration with government compensations.
An animal health manager should have a degree related to animal science, animal studies, animal welfare, animal management, veterinary science, or zoology. Practical experience working with animals will help individuals entering this profession. Typical employers of animal health managers include: Agricultural colleges, Livestock consulting firms, Zoos, Veterinarians, Animal farmers
Animal care managers must possess a two-year degree related to veterinary and obtain several years of experience taking care of all kinds of animals. Experience in management or supervisory is essential. Desirable qualifications include wildlife knowledge and treating all types of animals.
