Embark on a Career as a Mounted Patrol Inspector with the USDA

Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for the outdoors and horsemanship with a vital mission to protect American agriculture? The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is currently hiring for the position of Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector).

Job Responsibilities: Life in the Saddle

As a Mounted Patrol Inspector, your work is performed in some of the most rugged and remote sectors of the United States. Your daily tasks will include:

Horseback Patrols: Independently navigating remote terrain to monitor fences and livestock activity.
Disease Surveillance: Conducting inspections to identify potential disease carriers or illegal livestock movement.
Investigation: Interviewing livestock owners and gathering physical evidence to track smuggled or stray animals.
Biosecurity Maintenance: Overseeing the disinfection of vehicles and equipment to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, candidates must demonstrate a high level of competency in both veterinary support and field operations. Key requirements include:

Selective Placement Factor: You must be proficient in riding horseback in rough, remote terrain and possess the ability to track, rope, and subdue unpredictable livestock independently.
Specialized Experience: One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in agricultural settings (ranch, farm, feedlot).
Physical Fitness: The job requires lifting over 100 pounds, climbing, running, and working under unpleasant conditions.

Comparison of Qualifications

Qualification Type	Requirement Details
Experience	1 Year of specialized (GS-06 equivalent) experience
Education	18 Semester hours of graduate study in related agricultural fields
Horsemanship	Ability to ride, track, and rope in remote terrain

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $50,460 to $76,476 per year. Please note that final salary determination depends on the specific duty location and local cost-of-living adjustments.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:

Participation in the Federal Employee Retirement System.
Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Job stability in a critical national agency.

Application Tips

Your Resume Matters: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use this space to detail your experience with livestock and equestrian work clearly.
Meet the Cut-offs: This is an open continuous announcement. The first cut-off is June 15, 2026. Applying before this date ensures your application is reviewed in the first cycle.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to complete the USA Hire competency-based assessments, which are a mandatory part of the evaluation process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where are the positions located? A: There are multiple openings across 20 counties in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas along the border.

Q: Will I need to take a drug test? A: Yes, this position requires a drug test as a condition of employment.

Q: Is there promotion potential? A: Yes, this position carries promotion potential to the GS-08 level.

If you are a dedicated individual with the skills to manage livestock in challenging environments, this role is a unique opportunity to serve the public interest while working in the field. Don't miss your chance to join the APHIS team and help secure the health of American agriculture.

Why This Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector) Job Matters

Are you a skilled equestrian ready to make a tangible impact on national biosecurity? Join the USDA as a Mounted Patrol Inspector and help safeguard the U.S. border.

Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector) Job Overview

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking dedicated individuals for the role of Animal Health Technician, specifically as a Mounted Patrol Inspector. Often referred to as 'Tick Riders,' these professionals perform vital duties by patrolling remote and rugged terrain along the U.S.-Mexico border on horseback. Your mission will be to identify, track, and manage potential disease vectors and stray livestock, ensuring the health of America’s agricultural infrastructure. This is an open continuous announcement with multiple openings across Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Requirements for Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to ride horseback effectively in rough, remote terrain.
Skill in tracking, roping, and subduing wild or unpredictable livestock.
Completion of one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or higher.
Ability to pass a drug test.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks, including lifting over 100 pounds.
Compliance with a 1-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)

Relevant graduate-level education in fields such as Animal Science, Equine Production, Veterinary studies, or Agricultural Economics.
Demonstrated experience in a feedlot, farm, or ranch environment.
Strong communication skills for interviewing livestock owners and documenting findings.
Experience in identifying and mitigating livestock health risks.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal retirement pension plan.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
✓Participation in federal emergency response programs.

💡 How to Apply Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector) Job

Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant work history and equestrian experience.
Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and any necessary documentation (e.g., transcripts, veteran documents) before the cut-off dates.
Complete the USA Hire assessment if notified via email.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly highlights your horseback riding and livestock handling experience.
Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire to ensure they align with the accomplishments listed in your resume.
Submit early: the first cut-off is June 15, 2026, with subsequent cut-offs throughout the summer.
Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit; extra pages will result in immediate disqualification.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'Tick Rider'?

A Mounted Patrol Inspector, colloquially known as a 'Tick Rider,' is responsible for patrolling the border on horseback to identify and prevent the movement of diseased or stray livestock, which helps prevent the spread of parasites like ticks into the U.S.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the selectee.

What is the physical expectation for this role?

The job is highly physical. You must be able to ride horses in rough terrain, lift over 100 pounds, and perform tasks like roping and restraining large animals.

Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service

The USDA APHIS is the primary federal agency responsible for safeguarding the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. By managing the domestic and international movement of agricultural products, the agency plays a crucial role in protecting our national food supply and ecosystem. Employees at APHIS are often at the front lines of emergency response, ensuring that the American people remain protected from animal-borne diseases and pests.