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Animal Health Inspector Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

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 ...

SilverRide

Sacramento/InnovAge PACE - Driver

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

SilverRide's network of drivers provides service to riders for transit agencies, healthcare ... Your vehicle will have to pass an inspection as required by your state. * Vehicles need to be clean ...

Silver Ride

Sacramento/InnovAge PACE - Driver

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

SilverRide's network of drivers provides service to riders for transit agencies, healthcare ... Your vehicle will have to pass an inspection as required by your state. * Vehicles need to be clean ...

All JobsAnimal Health Inspector JobsAnimal Health Inspector Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

Animal Health Inspector information

See Rancho Cordova, CA salary details

$26.1K

$58.6K

$105.6K

How much do animal health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health inspector in Rancho Cordova, CA is $58,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,100.00 and $67,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Animal Health Inspector jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Health Inspector jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Cordova, CA are hiring for Animal Health Inspector jobs?

Cities near Rancho Cordova, CA with the most Animal Health Inspector job openings:

Animal Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Health Inspector job openings in Rancho Cordova, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,607 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Senior Animal Keeper

Z&A Management

Folsom, CA • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Job:
Location: NorCal Aquarium and Wildlife Adventures
Department: Husbandry  
 
Job Summary:  
The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental management of the facility’s terrestrial and aquatic animal collections. This role combines expertise in animal husbandry, nutrition, preventative medical care, environmental quality, and life support systems management. The Senior Animal Keeper supervises a team of animal care staff, collaborates with curators, veterinarians, and national husbandry teams, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, including USDA, and local animal welfare requirements.  
 
Key Responsibilities:  
Animal Health & Wellness: 
  • Oversee daily animal care, monitoring health, behavior, and wellness.  
  • Manage nutrition programs for all species, ensuring diets are appropriate, balanced, and aligned with medical and reproductive needs.  
  • Administer medications, supplements, and vaccinations per veterinary guidance and facility SOPs.  
  • Assist veterinarians during medical procedures, exams, and treatments.  
  • Coordinate quarantine and medical care for new, sick, or injured animals.  
  • Maintain accurate records of health, diet, and behavior; prepare wellness reports for management.  
Environmental Quality & Life Support Systems: 
  • Monitor and maintain environmental parameters, including water quality (pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen), temperature, humidity, air quality, and substrate conditions.  
  • Oversee and perform maintenance of life support systems, filtration, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and HVAC systems for both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.  
  • Troubleshoot environmental and LSS issues, implementing corrective actions in collaboration with curators, lead keepers, and facilities staff.  
  • Audit adherence to SOPs and regulatory standards for animal habitats and life support systems.  
Team Leadership & Training: 
  • Supervise, train, and mentor a team of animal keepers, assigning daily tasks and monitoring performance.  
  • Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous learning.  
  • Provide guidance on proper animal handling, husbandry techniques, environmental monitoring, and enrichment programs.  
Enrichment & Behavioral Care: 
  • Collaborate with curators and behavior staff to develop and implement enrichment programs that promote physical and mental well-being.  
  • Ensure enrichment aligns with dietary, medical, and regulatory requirements.  
Compliance & Reporting: 
  • Ensure all animal care and habitat management practices comply with USDA and local regulations.  
  • Maintain thorough documentation for inspections, audits, and internal reporting.  
  • Participate in weekly wellness and operational meetings to discuss animal health, environmental metrics, and operational improvements.  
  
Qualifications:  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or related field (required).  
  • Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in animal care, including terrestrial and aquatic husbandry.  
  • Proven leadership experience, including team supervision and staff training.  
  • Demonstrated experience with USDA regulations and other applicable animal welfare standards (required).  
  • Expertise in life support systems, water quality, and habitat management.  
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.  
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
 
Preferred Qualifications:  
  • Certification in water quality, life support system management, or environmental monitoring.  
  • SCUBA certification.  
  • Experience in exhibit design, conservation biology, or sustainable practices within zoological settings.  
  
Working Conditions:  
  • Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and handling animals and equipment.  
  • Work occurs indoor, including aquatic habitats.  
  • Availability for weekends, holidays, and after-hours emergencies is required.