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Animal Health Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

IA · 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)

IA · 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 ...

Phibro Animal Health Corporation

IA · On-site

$21/hr

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded ... Performs regular safety inspections and makes recommendations for improvement. * Checks calibration ...

Phibro Animal Health Corporation

IA · On-site

$21/hr

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded ... Performs regular safety inspections and makes recommendations for improvement. * Checks calibration ...

Versova

Farm Compliance Specialist

Clarion, IA · On-site

... inspections related to animal health, welfare, biosecurity, environmental compliance, and customer standards * Support corrective action activities resulting from internal audits, regulatory ...

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Animal Health Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$23K

$51.6K

$93K

How much do animal health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health inspector in Iowa is $51,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $59,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Animal Health Inspector jobs in Iowa?

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

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

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

Animal Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Health Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,602 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Animal Health Technician (Animal Identification Coordinator)

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

IA • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

If selected as an Animal Identification Coordinator, you will be assigned to Veterinary Services, Field Operations and will be responsible for identifying the herd of origin through the use of the animal identification program within an assigned geographic territory.
One vacancy is available in either Colorado or Wyoming. Additionally, there is one vacancy available in each of the other states listed in the announcement.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
FOR THE GS-08 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Gathers information from individuals or organizations that owned or handled animals prior to the animals being identified as a reactor and traces the movement of the animals back to the herd of origin using the animal identification program.
  • Reviews inventory of supplies and equipment used in animal identification programs to ensure sufficient inventory for effective program operations.
  • Monitors all activities in support of the animal identification program (i.e., ear tags, vaccination tags, bangle tags, reactor tags, back tags, etc.).
  • Works with officials and employees in the livestock industry, other Federal Agencies, State diagnostic laboratories and other interested persons to explain the requirements of the animal identification program.
  • Reviews forms, health certificates, herd record and laboratory reports from Food Safety and Inspection Service or contractors for completeness and accuracy of program identification procedures.
OR Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two years of progressively higher level graduate level education leading to such a degree 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-08 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:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER

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