Livestock Investigator- District 16 (Hill, Blaine, Phillips Counties)

State of Montana•Malta, MT

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Livestock Investigator enforces federal, state, and tribal livestock laws and protects the livestock industry in District 16, covering Hill, Blaine, and Phillips Counties. The investigator works primarily in law enforcement and is expected to be knowledgeable in both brands and animal health. Duties include stopping vehicles carrying livestock, serving search warrants, gathering evidence, making arrests, issuing citations, seizing vehicles and livestock, and independently conducting felony investigations. The investigator may also assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with arrests, investigations, roadblocks, and related activities. The position additionally includes responsibilities as the Chinook Market Supervisor. The role requires knowledge of livestock laws and regulations, livestock anatomy and physiology, brands, ownership requirements, liens and mortgages, stock handling, the statewide brand recording system, and arithmetic. It also requires office software and communication skills, the ability to learn Department-specific software, safely operate a motor vehicle, demonstrate effective leadership, and adapt to changing priorities while working professionally under pressure. This is a field position involving remote work. The investigator must live within the assigned district; residence reasonably near Chinook, Montana, is preferred. Occasional overnight travel is required. A state-owned vehicle and cell phone/service are provided. Employment conditions include passing physical and psychological testing, maintaining an unrestricted valid driver's license, becoming P.O.S.T. certified within 12 months after hire, carrying a firearm while working, and qualifying with firearms twice annually.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5 years of livestock-handling experience, including demonstrated ability to rope, clip cattle, and read brands.
Ability to become P.O.S.T. certified within 1 year of employment.
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.
Carry a firearm during work and qualify with firearms as prescribed by Department policy, including twice-annual qualification.
Ability to safely handle livestock, rope and clip animals, ride horses, move quickly, climb fences, and subdue and arrest individuals.
Ability to safely drive extensively, including more than 1,500 miles per month in a state-owned vehicle.
Knowledge of livestock laws and regulations; livestock anatomy and physiology, including reproductive stages and breeds; livestock brands; liens and mortgages; ownership requirements; stock handling methods; the statewide brand recording system; and arithmetic.
Proficiency in word processing, standard office software, basic grammar and composition, and general office procedures.
Ability to learn and use Department-specific software for research, including ownership research.
Ability and willingness to communicate with staff, supervisors, and others using electronic devices, including cell phones, handheld computers, personal computers, and laptops.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work well under pressure, maintain objectivity during conflict, 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. certification.
Progressive experience in livestock law enforcement.
Prior experience with the Department of Livestock.

Responsibilities

Enforce federal, state, and tribal livestock laws and regulations and protect the livestock industry in the assigned district.
Conduct inspections, surveillance, investigations, and enforcement activities related to livestock.
Stop vehicles carrying livestock; serve search warrants; collect field evidence; make arrests; issue citations; seize vehicles and livestock; and independently conduct felony investigations.
Assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with arrests, investigations, roadblocks, and related activities as needed.
Perform duties as the Chinook Market Supervisor.
Work with livestock in range environments and take precautions to avoid injury.
Travel within the state and occasionally travel overnight as required.