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Animal Health Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

NM

$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 ...

Phibro Animal Health

Material Handler

Quincy, IL

$21.25/hr

Follow safe work practices and safety procedures outlined by Phibro Animal Health * Follow quality procedures and work instructions * Set up, inspect and perform all inventory movements to the ...

Agri Beef

Cattle Health Tech

American Falls, ID · On-site

$39K - $53K/yr

Conduct pen and equipment inspections * Notify appropriate personnel regarding dead cattle and repairs/maintenance needed * Administer injections and other treatments as directed by Animal Health ...

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Animal Health Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do animal health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 and knowledge of veterinary practices are also important, and some positions require certification or licensing depending on the region or specific responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job in the animal field?

In the animal health field, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or veterinary specialists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically involve working in private practices, research, or specialized clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animal Health Inspector position, and why are they important?

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 long does it take to become a health inspector?

Becoming an Animal Health Inspector typically requires completing a relevant bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field, which takes about four years. Additionally, candidates often need to gain experience through internships or entry-level positions and may need to obtain specific certifications or licenses, which can add several months to a year depending on the requirements of the jurisdiction.

What is an Animal Health Inspector job?

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 qualifications do you need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal welfare officers typically need a relevant qualification such as a diploma or degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. They often require knowledge of animal laws and regulations, good communication skills, and may need to complete specific training or certifications related to animal handling and welfare. Experience working with animals is also beneficial for this role.
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What states have the most Animal Health Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Health Inspector jobs include:
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Animal Health Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Health Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

NM

$50K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

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.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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