Livestock Investigator- District 9 (Beaverhead/ West Madison County)

State of Montana•Dillon, MT

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Livestock Investigator enforces federal, state, and tribal livestock laws and protects the livestock industry within the assigned district through inspection, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement. Investigators are expected to be knowledgeable in both brands and animal health, with the role focused primarily on law enforcement. Duties include stopping vehicles carrying livestock, serving search warrants, collecting field evidence, making arrests, issuing citations, seizing vehicles and livestock, and independently conducting felony investigations. The investigator may assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with arrests, investigations, and roadblocks, and also has responsibilities at the Dillon Market. This is a field position involving remote work. The investigator must live within the boundaries of the assigned district; living within a reasonable distance of Dillon, Montana, is preferred. A state-owned vehicle and cell phone/service are provided. Occasional overnight travel is required to support teamwork and program operations. The position requires knowledge of livestock laws and regulations; livestock anatomy, physiology, breeds, and reproductive stages; brands and the statewide brand recording system; livestock ownership, liens, and mortgages; stock handling; and arithmetic. It also requires proficiency with word processing and standard office software, basic writing and composition, and general office practices. The investigator must be able to learn and use Department-specific software and communicate using electronic devices. Effective leadership, adaptability, composure under pressure, objectivity, patience, and safe motor vehicle operation are important. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least five years of livestock-handling experience, and the ability to become P.O.S.T. certified within one year of employment. Employment is contingent on passing required physical and psychological testing, meeting the position's essential functions, maintaining an unrestricted valid driver's license, becoming P.O.S.T. certified within 12 months after hire, and qualifying with firearms as prescribed by Department policy and twice annually thereafter. The investigator carries a firearm while working.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least five years of livestock-handling experience, including the ability to rope, clip cattle, and read brands.
Ability to become P.O.S.T. certified within 12 months after hire.
Pass required physical and psychological testing and be able to perform the essential functions of the position.
Maintain an unrestricted valid driver's license and safely operate a motor vehicle.
Qualify with firearms as prescribed by Department policy and continue to qualify twice annually.
Ability to safely handle livestock and work in an unpredictable range-stock environment.
Knowledge of livestock laws and regulations, livestock anatomy and physiology, brands, ownership requirements, liens and mortgages, stock handling, and arithmetic.
Proficiency in word processing and standard office software, basic grammar and composition, and general office procedures.
Ability to learn and use Department-specific software and communicate through electronic devices.
Effective leadership, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure, maintain objectivity, and demonstrate patience and composure.
Maintain residence within the boundaries of the assigned district.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a law enforcement academy and P.O.S.T. certifications.
Progressive experience in livestock law enforcement.
Prior experience with the Department.

Responsibilities

Enforce federal, state, and tribal livestock laws and regulations within the assigned district.
Protect the livestock industry through inspection, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement.
Perform work in both livestock brands and animal health duty areas.
Stop vehicles carrying livestock, serve search warrants, collect field evidence, make arrests, issue citations, and seize vehicles and livestock.
Independently conduct felony investigations.
Assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with arrests, investigations, roadblocks, and related activities as needed.
Perform duties at the Dillon Market.
Use Department-specific software and electronic devices to research ownership and communicate with staff, supervisors, and others.
Travel as needed, including occasional overnight travel, and maintain residence within the assigned district.
Carry a firearm while working and meet Department firearms qualification requirements.