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

State of Montana • Great Falls, VA

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). 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.
Overnight Travel: 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.

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
• maintain an unrestricted valid driver's license
• 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
• District Investigators must maintain residence within the boundaries of the district to which they are assigned

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.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, and EAP.
• Retirement: Choice between two retirement plans with a strong employer contribution (8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary).
• Work/Life Balance: A combination of 38 paid days off a year (vacation, sick leave, and holidays). Partial telework or hybrid schedules may be available.
• Career Growth: Significant opportunities for career progression, training, and professional development.
• Financial Benefits: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and potential longevity raises with continuous service.
• On-Site Benefits: Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees