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Animal Health Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Animal Health Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

As an Animal Welfare Inspector. As an assistant to a veterinarian who works with livestock. In ... healthcare to a range of non-domestic animals and provide clinical laboratory support through ...

Veterinarian NF-04

Andrews, MD · On-site +1

$101K - $110K/yr

Ability to obtain/renew United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) accreditation within first 60-days of employment. * Ability to work occasional ...

Clinical Veterinarian

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74 - $82/hr

Participate in IACUC semi-annual inspections. * Sign health certificates/shipping documents ... Propose animal care program refinements. * Train trainers and/or provide oversight of training ...

Clinical Veterinarian

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$102 - $113/hr

Participate in IACUC semi-annual inspections. * Maintain continuing education (CE) & licensure ... animal health and care questions from clients. * Assist with data collection/analysis for R&D ...

Outdoor Technician-Lake and Pond

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$37K - $38K/yr

Conduct regular inspections of aquatic habitats to assess the health and welfare of aquatic life ... Maintain accurate records of water quality data, equipment maintenance logs, and animal health ...

QA Mechanical Inspector

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$27 - $35.75/hr

General or highly specialized animal spaces and all associated support areas. Current Good ... Health, Dental, and Vision Plans 100% Company-Paid Disability & Group Life Flexible Spending ...

QA Mechanical Inspector

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$27 - $35.75/hr

Recognized as an ENR Top 100 CM Firm, AFG's portfolio includes Healthcare & Laboratories, Federal ... General or highly specialized animal spaces and all associated support areas. * Current Good ...

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Animal Health Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.7K

$62.2K

$112.1K

How much do animal health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health inspector in Washington, DC is $62,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $71,900.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Health Inspector jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Health Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Animal Health Inspector job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,224 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Animal Health Technician

Smithsonian

Washington, DC • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Department of Wildlife Health Sciences (WHS) at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Responsibilities The Animal Health Technician is responsible for providing veterinary technical, clinical, and laboratory support for the health care of NZP's non-domestic animal collection, ensuring effective hospital operations and medical program delivery. In this position, you will: Provide technical support to veterinarians and consultants in areas such as animal anesthesia, treatment, surgery, dentistry, radiology, and preventative medicine. Monitor hospital equipment and notifies the appropriate departments for servicing when necessary. Assist veterinary staff with taking and developing radiographs for diagnostic purposes, collecting blood, urine, or fecal samples, preparing blood smears, performing diagnostic tests, and completing clinical pathology forms. Assist in maintenance of medical and surgical records. Manage inventory and supplies by following standard operating procedures for ordering, purchasing, and restocking Requirements Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work: As a laborer, manager, or owner of a livestock ranch or farm involving direct work with livestock. With livestock in a feed lot. As a Livestock Market Inspector. As an Animal Welfare Inspector. As an assistant to a veterinarian who works with livestock. In addition to the basic qualification requirement above: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-XX level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing veterinary technical support in delivering healthcare to a range of non-domestic animals and provide clinical laboratory support through record maintenance and equipment management. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Or Education: To qualify at the GS-09 grade level based on education, applicants must successfully complete 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the work of the position. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Education Additional Information This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.


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