Sanitarian- Milk and Egg Inspection

To be considered for Department of Livestock positions applicants must apply and submit any required application materials through the State of Montana Careers Website at .

This recruitment is posted as open until filled with a first review of applicants on January 5th 2025

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter:

  In your cover letter please briefly explain how your background has prepared you to be successful as a Montana Department of Livestock Sanitarian. If you have completed the required microbiology course for Sanitarian licensure in MT please provide/attach an unofficial transcript to verify completion of the course.

• Resume
• References:References will be required by applicants prior to an offer of employment however are not required as part of the initial submission process.

About this Opportunity!

If you are passionate about food safety and the Livestock Industry This could be your opportunity to see all the best places in Montana while working in an important public health role as a Sanitarian with the Department of Livestock.

Bureau Overview: The Meat Milk & Egg Inspection Bureau functions to ensure dairy producers and dairy processing plants meet all requirements for shipping raw milk and finished milk products out of state and ensure that all egg producers graders and handlers meet the requirements of the Agricultural Marketing Service. The Bureau investigates complaints and outbreaks of disease related to any dairy products eggs or egg products and provides consultative services to sanitarians businesses and citizens throughout the State as well as administrates environmental protection disease prevention and investigations (inspection & intervention) to ensure that FDA and USDA requirements are met.

Department sanitarians conduct environmental inspections and reviews of licensed and regulated establishments and programs to evaluate their ability to provide safe products to the public.Sanitarians must respond to and investigate consumer complaints of licensed and regulated establishments under the jurisdiction of sanitarians. Research study and recommend measures to help protect consumers and workers from environmentally hazardous work methods processes or materials. Prepare reports and letters of sanitarians findings of public health inspections and investigations. Approve and issue operating permits licenses renewals and site approvals for businesses and programs under jurisdiction of sanitarians. Assess and determine public health materials and training needs by collecting and analyzing data. Collaborate with specialists to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment. May develop and implement education and training programs for regulatory environmental and public health compliance.

This specific Sanitarian position with the Department of Livestock will provide sanitarian services to the Milk and Egg industry within an assigned area.

*Notice Regarding location: Due to the work demands this position will be required to live in the Billings Bozeman or Helena MT areas or within a reasonable distance in the surrounding areas in order to provide appropriate level of services for our industry partners. Living within 15 miles of these cities is preferred. Other locations will be considered on a case by case basis and dependent on qualified applicants.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position involves extensive travel throughout the state most likely in excess of 1000 miles per month. The position also involves hazards and physical demands associated with conducting inspections of milk and egg producers and processors including exposure to chemicals bending stooping climbing potential exposure to pathogens lifting 50 pounds or more etc. Assigned to Yellowstone and Gallatin counties the sanitarian will be required to cover other areas of the state as needed by the team. This is a field position that requires you livea reasonable distance (30 minutes from Billings or Livingston) preferable along the I-90 corridor.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• The incumbent must demonstrate the emotional maturity customer service and communication skills to maintain relationships and deal with plant management employees and the general public in a regulatory capacity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The willingness and ability to complete work independently and without supervision.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment.
• Proficient using computers and programs such as Word and Outlook.
• Ability to accurately and timely fill out reports.
• Must be able to operate state vehicles under a variety of road conditions and maintain a good driving record.

Reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:

Our work matters! We are proud of the work we do to find out more about the Department of Livestock visit our websiteat or click HERE.

Your Total Rewards Package as a State of Montana Employee:

When you work for the State of Montana the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. Our robust total rewards package invests in your long-term well-being and success. Other Benefits include:

• 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% - 9.07% 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.

  • This position may be eligible for a statutory base pay increase effective on July 1 2026.

Why Montana

Work Hard. Play Harder: Montana consistently ranks as a premier place to live offering a perfect blend of a friendly vibrant small-town atmosphere and unparalleled access to the Rocky Mountains and world-class outdoor recreation (skiing hiking fishing and more). If you seek a professional challenge alongside an exceptional quality of life this is your chance.

Qualifications (Required Education and Experience):

• B.S. in Environmental Health Biology Chemistry or a directly related field. Completed microbiology course from an accredited university program.
• Must have a current Montana Registered Sanitarian License or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire.
• Prior experience in a role where providing excellent oral and written communication skills and proven ability to operate a personal computer using programs such as: WORD EXCEL email and other database software.

• Ability to successfully complete any required USDA training courses and testing within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience providing sanitarian or Milk or Egg inspection services in a regulatory environment is preferred.
• 1 year experience working as Sanitarian

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to operate state vehicles under a variety of road conditions and maintain a good driving record.
• Must live in the assigned and agreed upon area on the first day of employment

*-To be considered for this position please complete the online application and attach your resume and a cover your cover letter please briefly explain how your background has prepared you to be successful as aMontana Department of Livestock Sanitarian. You will also need to provide/attach an unofficial transcript to verify completion of the required microbiology course.