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Animal Health Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Monitor animal health, welfare, and production performance within company farms * Being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of ...

IA · On-site

$21/hr

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded, global organization with a rich history in animal health and nutrition as a manufacturer and marketer of ...

IA · On-site

$21/hr

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded, global organization with a rich history in animal health and nutrition as a manufacturer and marketer of ...

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Animal Health information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$45.6K

$59.6K

How much do animal health jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health in Iowa is $45,631.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,400.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal health?

Animal health refers to the well-being and medical care of animals, both domestic and wild. Professionals in animal health, such as veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal health inspectors, work to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses in animals. They also play a key role in ensuring food safety, preventing zoonotic diseases, and promoting animal welfare. Their work settings can include veterinary clinics, farms, laboratories, and government agencies.

What are the qualifications to get an animal health job?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in animal health depend on the position as well as the skills and knowledge that you need to perform your job duties. To become a veterinarian, you must pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine, which involves spending four years in veterinary school after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Veterinary technicians typically need an associate degree in veterinary technology and a license from the state in which they work. Nutritionists and animal researchers often have a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate education in biology, animal sciences, or related subjects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal health, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Health, you need a solid background in veterinary science, animal biology, and disease management, generally supported by a degree in veterinary medicine, animal science, or related fields. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory equipment, and animal health record management systems is often required, along with certifications like RVT or DVM where applicable. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and compassion for animals and clients are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases while fostering trust and compliance among animal owners.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in animal health roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in animal health often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex illnesses, managing infectious disease outbreaks, and staying current with evolving veterinary practices. Collaboration with veterinarians, researchers, and farm staff is essential to address these issues effectively. Ongoing professional development, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to biosecurity protocols can help overcome these challenges and ensure the well-being of animals under your care.

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

The most popular types of Animal Health jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animal Health jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Animal Health job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Health job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,631 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Jr Animal Care Technician (Saturday-Monday 5:00AM-5:30PM)

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role: Junior Animal Care Technician
As the Junior Animal Care Technician, you will be part of the Animal Care team supporting the health, welfare, and husbandry of Production, Quality Control, and Research animals. In this role, you will be responsible for providing daily animal care, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring all work is performed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GxP requirements, and animal welfare standards.
Your Responsibilities
  • Provide daily care, handling, feeding, observation, and husbandry for production, quality control, and research animals.
  • Perform animal treatments, vaccinations, deworming, and other prescribed procedures while maintaining accurate GxP documentation.
  • Prepare animal facilities by cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and setting up housing for incoming animals.
  • Operate and maintain equipment including sterilizers, cage washers, farm machinery, and other facility equipment while following aseptic and sanitization procedures.
  • Maintain a safe, clean work environment and report animal health concerns or facility issues promptly.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent and AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification, or the ability to obtain ALAT certification within 18 months of employment.
  • Experience: Experience working with animals or in an animal care environment.
  • Skills: Animal care and handling experience; strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications)
  • Two (2) years of animal care experience in a production, research, or laboratory environment.
  • Successful completion of the National Career Readiness WorkKeys Assessment.
  • Experience following SOPs, GxP documentation, and aseptic techniques.
  • Mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment.
  • Experience working safely in both indoor and outdoor environments while supporting animal welfare and facility operations.

*5:00AM-5:30PM Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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