Livestock District Investigator- District 11 (Yellowstone, Musselshell County)

State of Montana•Billings, MT

13d•Remote

About The Position

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and tribal livestock laws and protecting the livestock industry within the specified geographical region from losses through inspection, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement. District investigators are expected to be knowledgeable in two duty areas (brands and animal health). The position is predominately responsible for law enforcement, and will be required to stop vehicles carrying livestock, serve search warrants, collect evidence from the field, make arrests, issue citations, seize vehicles, seize livestock, and independently conduct felony investigations. In addition to threats typically encountered during the performance of law enforcement activities, district investigators will also work with unpredictable range stock, and must have extensive experience working in this environment in order to take the necessary precautions. As a sworn peace officer, the position may also be called upon to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with arrests, investigations, roadblocks, etc. Additionally, this position may have responsibilities working the local Market(s) as needed. The position requires the knowledge, skills and abilities of : State and federal livestock laws and regulations, anatomy and physiology of stock (cattle, sheep, horses- including reproductive stages and breeds), livestock brands, lending institution and departmental requirements regarding liens and mortgages, ownership legal requirements, stock handling methods and techniques, the statewide brand recording system, and arithmetic. Proficiency in word processing and standard office software, basic grammar and composition, and general office procedures and practices is required. The candidate must have the ability to successfully learn and use Department specific software to conduct research on ownership, etc. The candidate must have the ability and willingness to communicate with staff, supervisor and others using electronic devices (including cell phone, handheld computer, personal computer and laptop). The ability to operate and safely drive a motor vehicle is required. Demonstrated effective leadership skills are highly important to be successful in this position. District investigators must be willing and able to adapt to changing priorities to best serve the agency and the livestock industry. The ability to work well under pressure or stress; keep a positive perspective, maintain objectivity in the face of conflict, maintain a business-like approach, and demonstrate patience and composure to others is critical. This is a field position and performs remote work. Remote work exists when the majority of work is routinely performed at a location other than a facility owned or operated by the Department. A state-owned vehicle and cell phone/service will be provided.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Graduation from the law enforcement academy and P.O.S.T certifications
5 years progressive experience in livestock law enforcement
Pass the required physical and psychological testing
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position (including maintaining an unrestricted valid driver's license, and the ability to safely drive a motor vehicle)
Must become P.O.S.T certified within 12 months after hire and qualify with firearms as prescribed by department firearms policy and continue to qualify twice annually
Must maintain residence within the boundaries of the district to which they are assigned
Knowledge of state and federal livestock laws and regulations, anatomy and physiology of stock (cattle, sheep, horses- including reproductive stages and breeds), livestock brands, lending institution and departmental requirements regarding liens and mortgages, ownership legal requirements, stock handling methods and techniques, the statewide brand recording system, and arithmetic
Proficiency in word processing and standard office software, basic grammar and composition, and general office procedures and practices
Ability to successfully learn and use Department specific software to conduct research on ownership, etc.
Ability and willingness to communicate with staff, supervisor and others using electronic devices (including cell phone, handheld computer, personal computer and laptop)
Ability to operate and safely drive a motor vehicle
Ability to work well under pressure or stress; keep a positive perspective, maintain objectivity in the face of conflict, maintain a business-like approach, and demonstrate patience and composure to others

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated effective leadership skills

Responsibilities

Enforcement of federal, state, and tribal livestock laws
Protecting the livestock industry within the specified geographical region from losses through inspection, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement
Stop vehicles carrying livestock
Serve search warrants
Collect evidence from the field
Make arrests
Issue citations
Seize vehicles
Seize livestock
Independently conduct felony investigations
Assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with arrests, investigations, roadblocks, etc.
Responsibilities working the local Market(s) as needed.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
A combination of 38 paid days off a year; including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.