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Animal Health Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

Charles River

Animal Health Technician I

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

In the Animal Health Technician I role, you will maintain, monitor and document animal health and ... Receive, inspect and put away incoming animals; ensure and provide for sentinel animals in each ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$55K/yr

... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ... health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$55K/yr

... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ... health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA · On-site

$55K/yr

... Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program ... health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science ...

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Maintain thorough documentation for inspections, audits, and internal reporting. * Participate in weekly wellness and operational meetings to discuss animal health, environmental metrics, and ...

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All JobsAnimal Health Inspector JobsAnimal Health Inspector Jobs in California

Animal Health Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do animal health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal health inspector?

An Animal Health Inspector ensures the health and welfare of animals by enforcing regulations, conducting inspections, and investigating disease outbreaks. They work with farms, pet stores, animal shelters, and other facilities to ensure compliance with animal health standards. Inspectors may also educate the public and animal owners on proper care and disease prevention. Their role helps prevent the spread of animal diseases and protects public health.

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

To thrive as an Animal Health Inspector, you need knowledge of animal health regulations, disease identification, and inspection procedures, often backed by a degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory reporting systems, and relevant certification (such as USDA accreditation) is frequently required. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and effective communication help inspectors work well with both animal owners and regulatory agencies. These skills are essential to ensure animal welfare, public health, and compliance with government standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal health inspectors on the job?

Animal Health Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing biosecurity risks when moving between various facilities, documenting complex health or regulatory issues, and handling sensitive situations with animal owners or facility managers. The role can also involve responding to emerging disease outbreaks, which requires quick thinking and adaptability. Inspectors must balance upholding regulations with educating stakeholders, all while working both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams. These challenges make the role dynamic but also deeply rewarding for those passionate about animal welfare and public health.

How hard is it to become an animal health inspector?

Becoming an animal health inspector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Candidates often need to complete on-the-job training and may need to obtain relevant certifications or licenses, depending on the region. The role involves understanding animal health regulations, inspection procedures, and sometimes working irregular hours or in challenging environments.

How to become an animal health inspector?

To become an animal health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Relevant experience with animals, knowledge of veterinary practices, and certification or licensing requirements vary by region but may include passing exams and completing training programs. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are also important for inspecting and ensuring animal health and safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Health Inspector jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animal Health Inspector jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Health Inspector jobs in California?

For Animal Health Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Health Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Health Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Health Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Health Inspector job openings:

Animal Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Health Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 295 rated public sector bodies

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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