Required Qualifications:
The necessary knowledge skills and abilities are typically acquired through:
High School diploma or equivalent
Graduation from the law enforcement academy and P.O.S.T certifications and;
5 years progressive experience in livestock law enforcement.
Other combinations of education and or experience may be considered on a case-by- case basis.
Condition of Employment:You must pass the required physical and psychological testing. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the position (including maintaining an unrestricted valid drivers license and the ability to safely drive a motor vehicle) and 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. The position will carry a firearm during the course of work. Working Environment and Physical Demands: This position involves physical demands including: extensive travel (driving in excess of 1500 miles per month in state-owned vehicle) standing walking and running for long periods of timehandlinglivestock ability to move quickly climb fences order to avoid serious injury the ability to rope and clip animals ride horses and subdue and arrest individuals.
Residence Requirement:District Investigators must maintain residence within the boundaries of the district to which they are assigned. Once assigned no district investigator may move out of the boundaries of their district. Exceptions may be made to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Review of district boundaries occur as necessary to create efficiencies as vacancies and work-load evolve.
Applicant Notice & Verification of Information:My signature (electronic included) and submission of the Application for Employment certifies that the information provided on my Application for Employment and attached to my Application for Employment including but not limited to resumes letters of reference transcripts and diplomas are true and complete and any misstatements or omission of material facts in the application or the hiring process may result in discontinuing of the hiring process or termination of employment no matter when discovered.
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.To be considered for Department of Livestock positions applicants must complete and submit their application online as well as upload any required application materials.
* This position is posted as open until filled with a first review of applications on January 7 2026.
Materials Required of Applicants:
Cover Letter: In your cover letter please give insight into what aspects of this position interest you the most and how your education experience and qualities will help you excel in this position.
Resume: Please be specific about your experiences and be sure to include your skills in handling cattle and law enforcement.
References:References will be requested to finalist applicants prior to being made an offer of employment however are not required at this portion of the recruitment process.
About this Opportunity!
Notice Regarding Location: District Investigators must maintain residence anywhere within the boundaries of the district and may have responsibilities assisting in local markets. The preferred locations for this position are Yellowstone or Musselshell County. Other locations may be considered on a case-by- case basis.
Job Overview: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 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 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. Additionally this position may have responsibilities working the local Market(s) as needed.
The position requires the knowledge skills and abilities of :
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.
Reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:Our work matters! Our work supports and protects the livestock industry. We are proud of our work and the contribution we make to the Montana way of life. Please read on to find out about this opportunity to join our law enforcement team! To find out more about the Department of Livestock visit our websiteHERE.
Benefits of working for the Department of Livestock:The ability toworkandplayin thebeautiful state of Montanais one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity!
When you work for the State of Montana the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. The State of Montana offers employees a robust total rewards package that invests in you! Here are some of the benefits:
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
*This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1 2026.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry wants to help both employees and employers to be happy on the job. We take seriously our mission to promote and protect the well-being of Montana's workers, employers and citizens, and to uphold their rights and responsibilities. Our agenc ... View more