Weights & Measures Inspector Apprentice (Eastern Montana)

State of Montana•Opheim, MT

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

This apprenticeship offers a direct path into a meaningful public service career for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and serving their community. As a Weights and Measures Inspector Apprentice, you will help protect Montana consumers and businesses by checking scales, fuel pumps, and other measuring devices to ensure people get what they pay for and businesses compete fairly. Through a structured five-level apprenticeship, you will receive hands-on field training, mentorship from experienced inspectors, and the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career candidates and career changers from technical, mechanical, agricultural, transportation, trades, or service backgrounds who want to build a long-term career with purpose. The Weights and Measures Program promotes a fair and competitive economic environment by inspecting and certifying weighing and measuring devices used in commerce—from fuel dispensers and truck scales to retail and agricultural equipment. As an apprentice inspector, you will learn to conduct technical inspections, apply state and national standards, and provide education to Montana businesses and consumers and perform housing inspections related to the Department’s H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program. This position supports Employment Standard Division’s (ESD) mission to ensure compliance, foster public confidence, and maintain fairness in the marketplace.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply technical standards, codes, or regulations in a compliance, inspection, quality assurance, mechanical, agricultural, transportation, construction, or similar setting.
Experience explaining technical information, instructions, or findings to customers, clients, coworkers, or the public in a clear and professional manner.
Ability to organize daily work, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records with minimal supervision.
Comfort operating heavy vehicles, tools, machinery, or field equipment and eligibility to obtain a Montana Class A or B, Type 1 or 2 Commercial Driver’s License.
Fundamental understanding of mathematical principles, including algebra, as applied to measurement, calibration, and field calculations.
Montana Class A, or B type 1 or 2 Commercial Drivers License (or eligibility to obtain)
NCWM Basic Competency Liquid Measuring Devices (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Basic Competency Vehicle Tank Meters (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Basic Competency Weighing (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Package Checking - Basic (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Large Capacity Scales (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Retail Motor Fuel Dispensing (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Vehicle Tank Meters (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III (or ability to obtain)
NCWM LPG and Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid Meters (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Medium Capacity Weighing Systems (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Precision Scales (or ability to obtain)
NCWM Price Verification (or ability to obtain)
NCWM NIST Handbook 44, 130 Basic Competency (or ability to obtain)

Nice To Haves

A degree, certificate, apprenticeship, military training, or experience in technical trades, science, mathematics, agriculture, transportation, mechanics, industrial systems, or a related field may supplement professional experience but is not required.

Responsibilities

Inspect and certify devices: Test, evaluate, and document the accuracy of scales, meters, and measuring equipment used in commercial transactions. Inspect worker housing for safety and livability.
Apply laws and standards: Learn and apply laws, administrative rules, and federal handbooks (Handbooks 44, 130, and 133) governing weights and measures.
Operate specialized equipment: Safely drive and operate large trucks, service vehicles, and precision testing tools across Montana in diverse environments and weather conditions.
Educate and advise stakeholders: Explain inspection results to business owners, service technicians, and consumers, ensuring clear understanding of findings and corrective actions.
Ensure marketplace equity: Identify and correct inaccuracies to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and uphold public confidence.
Manage independent fieldwork: Plan, schedule, and complete inspection assignments with minimal supervision while maintaining clear and detailed records.
Participate in apprenticeship training: Progress through five certification levels by completing structured courses and National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) exams.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)