Livestock Investigator - District 14 (Cascade, N. Lewis and Clark and Teton Counties)

State of Montana•Vaughn, MT

2d•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). Upon hire, District Investigators must live within and maintain residence within the boundaries of the district to which they are assigned. The position requires 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 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. The success of our program is dependent upon teamwork which will occasionally require overnight travel. 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. Our work matters! Our work supports and protects the livestock industry. We are proud of our work and the contribution we make to the Montana way of life. Please read on to find out about this opportunity to join our law enforcement team! To find out more about the Department of Livestock visit our website HERE.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
5+ years of livestock handling experience, including but not limited to the proven ability to rope, clip cattle and read brands.
Ability to become P.O.S.T. Certified within 1 year of employment.
Must pass the required physical and psychological testing.
Must be able 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.
Extensive experience working in an environment with unpredictable range stock.
Ability to operate and safely drive a motor vehicle.
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).
Knowledge of state and federal livestock laws and regulations
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of stock (cattle, sheep, horses- including reproductive stages and breeds)
Knowledge of livestock brands
Knowledge of lending institution and departmental requirements regarding liens and mortgages
Knowledge of ownership legal requirements
Knowledge of stock handling methods and techniques
Knowledge of the statewide brand recording system
Knowledge of arithmetic

Nice To Haves

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

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.