Aide Mercantile Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $25.17 - $30.20 Hourly
Location : Sterling, CO
Job Type: Temporary (9 months or less)
Job Number: BAA-09521-08062026
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: Markets Division
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 4:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: Sterling, CO
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Contact Mary Hunt at (303)869-9006 or mary.hunt@state.co.us
Type of Announcement: This is a temporary position. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
Who we are:
Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.
Mission:
The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.
Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect
CDA Wildly Important Goals:
To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals:"

• Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access
• Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders
• Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
• Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy
• Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website.
Equal Opportunity
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi.
Description of Job
This is a temporary position that will be for 9 months or less.
Primary Duties:

• Attends regular and special livestock auctions at Brush and/or Sterling auctions on weekdays to collect
  market information; special auctions occur on Fridays, or as posted by the auction house.
• Dates of Special Sales are posted by auction house and may fall on weekdays or weekend days.
• Will attend sales virtually as needed to maximize price reporting data.
• Established and/or maintains working relationships with market operators, livestock buyers and sellers.
• Evaluates cattle using specific USDA standards and guidelines for certification for Chicago Mercantile Exchange specification.
• Analyzes and compiles market information into written reports; uses state issued equipment (laptop or tablet) to enter and upload market information to USDA using USDA's online system.
• Compares current sale information to recent sales to understand trends.
• Summarizes market information in permanent records.
• Releases daily, weekly, and any special reports.
• Performs required agency administrative tasks including utilizing the state timekeeping system for completing weekly time sheets and approving hours worked.
• Remains up to date on required trainings and information in order to perform job properly.
• Attends meeting and functions as necessary and required by the Markets Division Director.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Salary:
HOURLY
$25.17 - $30.20
Ability to work a flexible schedule; hours each week vary depending on the size of the sale and reporting priorities
Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment with , Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!
Minimum Requirements:
Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

• Previous experience working with market information from livestock sales.
• Basic computer skills, ability to operate a laptop, tablet, and utilize required software and applications.
• Must have ability to remotely join virtual meetings
• Basic understanding of sale barn auctions and logistics
• Must be able to sit, stand, and perform all duties of this position while working in an environment with uneven footing, surrounded by livestock, and noise.
• Must be able to input data and generate reports through USDA platforms and portals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with USDA.
• Experience working with Auction Houses particularly regarding livestock.
• Relevant experience working for the State of Colorado.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position is not a full-time position and is expected to work 20 hours per week
• Be highly organized and able to maintain clear and reliable records.
• Physically capable of safely working long hours, in all weather conditions.
• Current Colorado Driver's license with a clean driving record. Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check.

Important Information:
Part of, or the entire selection process for this position, will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.
Please submit the following:

• Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
• OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application. Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to mary.hunt@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
• DD214 (if applicable)
• Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed:

• Technical Competence - Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience - Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
• Job Fit - Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

Supplemental Information
Important Information:Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.
All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
ADAAA Accommodations:
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.
The Department of Agriculture is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Mary Hunt, at or call 303-869-9006.
E-Verify
CDA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.