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Avian Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Avian information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$24

$39

How much do avian jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for avian in Indiana is $24.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.52 and $34.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an avian?

An Avian job typically involves working with birds in various capacities, such as avian veterinarians, ornithologists, wildlife rehabilitators, or avian researchers. These professionals study bird behavior, health, conservation, and habitat needs. Some roles focus on caring for injured or endangered birds, while others work in research, education, or aviculture. Responsibilities vary by role but often include observation, data collection, medical treatment, and conservation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an avian veterinarian?

To thrive as an Avian Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, specialized training in avian medicine, and relevant licensure. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests, and avian-specific surgical instruments is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail help veterinarians effectively diagnose and treat diverse bird species while educating owners. These skills are crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of avian patients and maintaining client trust.

What are some common challenges faced by avian veterinarians when working with different bird species?

Avian veterinarians often encounter challenges due to the vast diversity among bird species, each with unique anatomy, dietary needs, and behavioral traits. Diagnosing illnesses can be complex, as birds tend to mask symptoms until a condition is advanced. Handling and restraining birds safely requires specialized skills to prevent stress or injury. Additionally, avian vets frequently educate owners on proper care and collaborate with other veterinary specialists for comprehensive treatment plans.

What is the difference between Avian vs Ornithologist?

AspectAvianOrnithologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training in bird handlingBachelor's or higher in biology, zoology, or related fields; often includes research experience
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, bird sanctuaries, or field sitesResearch labs, universities, or field studies
Industry UsageCommonly used for bird handling, conservation, and rehabilitation rolesPrimarily academic, research, and conservation careers

While both roles focus on birds, an Avian typically refers to someone involved in bird handling, rehabilitation, or conservation activities, often with practical training. An Ornithologist is a scientist specializing in the study of birds, usually with advanced degrees and research experience. The main difference lies in the level of education and focus: Avian roles are more hands-on and practical, whereas Ornithologists are research-oriented professionals.

What does an avian do?

Avian typically refers to birds or anything related to birds. In a professional context, an 'avian' job usually means roles involving the study, care, or management of birds, such as avian veterinarians, ornithologists, or avian caretakers. These professionals may work with bird health, behavior, conservation, or breeding programs. Their responsibilities can range from conducting research and monitoring wild bird populations to providing medical care and rehabilitation for injured or sick birds.
Infographic showing various Avian job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,832 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Veterinarian - Poultry Health

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states


Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Board of Animal Health:
Creating a healthy, disease-free environment for Indiana's 31 million animals is no small feat. BOAH's team of veterinarians and animal health inspectors travel to all corners of the state to investigate possible outbreaks of disease and advise animal owners about disease prevention.
Role Overview:
The Poultry Health Veterinarian is a key contributor to the Indiana Board of Animal Health's avian health programs, with a primary focus on commercial and backyard poultry health and biosecurity. This role advances statewide planning, preparedness, prevention, response, recovery, and resilience activities associated with diseases and pests of poultry. The role works with the Avian Programs Division Team and the Indiana State Poultry Association to implement the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) within Indiana. The veterinarian collaborates closely with industry partners, producers, laboratories, academic institutions, and state and federal agencies to protect animal health, safeguard the food supply, and support continuity of poultry operations.
Role Responsibilities:
  • Implementation day-to-day functions of the NPIP in Indiana, including enrollment, compliance oversight, audits/inspections, surveillance testing coordination, and certification/recertification processes.
  • Interpret and apply NPIP rules, standards, and testing protocols; provide technical guidance to producers, hatcheries, dealers, and laboratories.
  • Develop and update avian health plans, SOPs, and biosecurity guidance.
  • Conduct risk assessments and advise on disease prevention practices.
  • Design and deliver training and outreach to producers and veterinarians.
  • Coordinate surveillance activities for avian diseases.
  • Collaborate with diagnostic laboratories to ensure appropriate testing.
  • Serve as a veterinary lead during avian disease events, supporting ICS/NIMS operations.
  • Coordinate continuity-of-business practices and secure supply activities.
  • Liaise with poultry companies, industry groups, and government partners.
  • Contribute to policy development and rulemaking related to avian health.

Required Qualifications:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
  • License to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Indiana (or eligibility to obtain).
  • Accreditation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • Poultry experience is not required for this role if you are interested in poultry health and are willing to learn.

Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $80,600.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
Animal Health Oversight
  • Ensure that private veterinarians are properly testing, inspecting, and vaccinating animals.
  • Perform a variety of inspections and tests on animals to ensure that the livestock meet state and federal animal health standards.
  • Order the rejection of sale of diseased animals or animal products.
  • Assist other veterinarians in diagnosing and treating problem cases.
  • Issue quarantines for animals and ensure compliance with state livestock quarantine requirements.
  • Collect samples from livestock and prepare specimens for shipment and laboratory testing.
  • Make epidemiological studies to trace diseased animals back to the farm of origin.
  • Provide information on livestock diseases and their control to farmers and other interested organizations to promote cooperation with the state program.
  • Inspect laboratories and markets for conformity with Indiana Board of Animal Health laws and regulations.
  • Create and maintain a variety of records and reports on all phases of veterinarian activities.
  • Work with law enforcement agencies to evaluate the care of animals and provide expert advice and testimony on the condition of animals and circumstances surrounding animals.
  • Work with animal owners to improve the care of animals to conform to minimum legal standards.

Field Operations
  • Travel from home office on most workdays to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and document activities and findings.
  • Report to the agency's office for occasional meetings or events.
  • Adjust number and timing of work hours daily or weekly to accommodate operational needs, minimize expenditures for repeated visits, and allocate resources effectively.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
  • Broad knowledge of the principles and practices of veterinary medicine and the ability to identify animal diseases and symptoms.
  • Specialized knowledge of animal pathology and ability to perform procedures on animals in the diagnosis of livestock diseases.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports.
  • Extensive knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws and regulations and the principles and practices governing the control and eradication of communicable and infectious diseases in livestock.
  • Extensive knowledge of livestock industry practices in the state.
  • Ability to make epidemiological investigations in disease outbreaks.
  • Ability to secure compliance with laws and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
  • Ability to communicate tactfully and firmly with a variety of different people encountered on the job.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, farmers and livestock operators, federal government representatives, and the general public.
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary college.
  • Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Indiana, and accredited by the US Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS).

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.

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