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Animal Genetics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

Inotiv

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Livermore, CA

$24/hr

$24.00 per hour We are seeking an Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position ... genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by ...

Inotiv

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Livermore, CA

$24/hr

$24.00 per hour We are seeking an Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position ... genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by ...

Inotiv

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Livermore, CA · On-site

$24/hr

$24.00 per hour We are seeking an Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position ... genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by ...

Inotiv

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Livermore, CA · On-site

$24/hr

$24.00 per hour We are seeking an Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position ... genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by ...

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Animal Genetics information

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How much do animal genetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal genetics in California is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal geneticist?

Animal geneticists are scientists who study the genes, heredity, and variation in animals. They work to understand how traits are passed from one generation to the next and how these traits can be managed or improved for purposes such as agriculture, conservation, and disease prevention. Animal geneticists may work in research, breeding programs, academia, or in industry settings, using both traditional breeding methods and advanced biotechnology. Their work helps improve animal health, productivity, and adaptability to changing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal geneticist?

To thrive as an Animal Geneticist, you need a strong background in genetics, biology, data analysis, and typically a degree in animal science or a related field, often with advanced study (MSc or PhD). Familiarity with laboratory techniques, genetic analysis software, and bioinformatics tools is commonly required, alongside knowledge of statistical modeling. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on research projects and convey complex findings. These competencies enable animal geneticists to advance breeding programs, improve animal health, and contribute to scientific innovations in agriculture and veterinary fields.

How does collaboration typically work between animal geneticists and other professionals in the field?

Animal geneticists frequently collaborate with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, breeders, and laboratory technicians to achieve shared goals such as improving animal health, productivity, and genetic traits. Teamwork often involves regular meetings, joint research projects, and data sharing to integrate genetic findings with practical breeding or management strategies. Effective communication is key, as geneticists must explain complex genetic concepts to colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative environment helps ensure that scientific advancements are translated into real-world improvements in animal agriculture or conservation.

What is the difference between Animal Genetics vs Animal Breeding?

AspectAnimal GeneticsAnimal Breeding
Required CredentialsDegree in Genetics, Animal Science, or related field; laboratory skillsDegree in Animal Science, Breeding, or related; practical breeding experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, universitiesFarms, breeding programs, fieldwork
Industry UsageResearch, genetic improvement, molecular analysisSelective breeding, herd improvement, livestock production

Animal Genetics focuses on understanding and manipulating the genetic makeup of animals through research and laboratory work, while Animal Breeding emphasizes applying breeding techniques to improve livestock traits in practical settings. Both roles are essential in livestock industries but differ mainly in their approach—scientific research versus applied breeding practices.

How much money do animal geneticists make?

Animal geneticists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those in research and academia may offer higher compensation, especially with specialized skills in genetics and bioinformatics.

How to become an animal geneticist?

To become an animal geneticist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in animal genetics or a similar specialization. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, and developing skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis are important for career advancement.

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Genetics jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Genetics job openings:

Animal Genetics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Genetics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 853 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector along the United States-Mexico border.
This Open Continuous Announcement allows acceptance of applications for 90 days with eligible applicants being referred as vacancies occur. The first cut-off for applications is June 15. Additional cut-off dates are projected for: July 13, 2026; August 10, 2026; September 2, 2026.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the cut-off date following your application submission (see Additional Information for dates), including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification requirement. By confirming you meet the selective placement factor you are also acknowledging that you will provide enough detail in your resume to describe your experience performing the full range of activities described in the selective factor.

Applicants must have knowledge, skill and ability to ride horseback sufficient to track, rope, and subdue wild, and/or fractious, unpredictable livestock in rough and remote terrain for the purpose of inspecting, apprehending, and treating, stray, diseased, and/or distressed animals. This work is completed independently.


FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included experience inspecting the premises for irregularities.
  • Interviewing livestock owners and other involved parties to obtain information for investigations and documents findings.
  • Reading and interpreting records and reports to determine applicable information and courses of action.
  • Monitor the activity of livestock to identify risk, inspects and detects problem areas.
OR
Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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