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

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

1d•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. A state-owned vehicle and cell phone/service will be provided. 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.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
5+ years of livestock handling experience
Proven ability to rope, clip cattle and read brands
Ability to become P.O.S.T. Certified within 1 year of employment
Maintain an unrestricted valid driver's license
Ability to safely drive a motor vehicle
Proficiency in word processing and standard office software
Basic grammar and composition
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)
Must live within and maintain residence within the boundaries of the district to which they are assigned
Pass the required physical and psychological testing
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 move quickly, climb fences, etc. in order to avoid serious injury
Ability to rope and clip animals
Ability to ride horses
Ability to subdue and arrest individuals

Nice To Haves

Graduation from the law enforcement academy
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.