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Brand Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Oregon

Livestock Brand Inspector

Salem, OR · On-site

$3.5K - $4.7K/wk

Livestock Brand Inspector This recruitment has been extended The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is currently recruiting for a Livestock Brand Inspector position within the Agriculture ...

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How much do brand inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for brand inspector in the United States is $33,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $33,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Brand Inspectors?

Brand Inspectors are professionals responsible for verifying the ownership and proper identification of livestock, such as cattle and horses, by checking brands or other identification marks. Their main duties include inspecting animals at sales, auctions, or during transport to prevent theft and ensure lawful transactions. Brand Inspectors play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the livestock industry and protecting ranchers from loss due to stolen or misidentified animals.

What are some common challenges faced by Brand Inspectors during fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Brand Inspectors often work in rural or remote locations and may face challenges such as inclement weather, difficult terrain, and handling uncooperative livestock or owners. Effective communication skills and a strong understanding of livestock handling are essential to navigate these situations professionally. Inspectors should also be well-versed in state regulations to ensure accurate identification and documentation. Building rapport with ranchers and staying organized helps streamline inspections and resolve disputes efficiently.

What Does a Brand Inspector Do?

Brand inspectors work with livestock and livestock products, such as pelts, wool, hides, or carcasses in the agriculture industry. In this role, you travel to different farms and other organizations that raise or sell livestock during private sales, auctions, or sales to a slaughterhouse. Your primary responsibilities are to review documentation, such as shipping manifests or bills of sale, to verify ownership of the farm animals and inspect the physical brands on each animal or animal materials. You may also be required to check other forms of documentation. For example, a brand inspector checks vaccination records of the animal and verifies the credentials, insurance, and bonding of buyers and sellers during a transaction. Brand inspectors may work for government agencies or private organizations.

What is the difference between Brand Inspector vs Livestock Inspector?

AspectBrand InspectorLivestock Inspector
Required CredentialsBrand inspection certification, sometimes state-specificAnimal health and safety certifications, possibly USDA or state licenses
Work EnvironmentRanches, livestock markets, inspection stationsFarms, livestock facilities, inspection sites
Employer & Industry UsageState agencies, livestock associationsGovernment agencies, agricultural organizations

Both roles involve livestock oversight, but Brand Inspectors focus on verifying brand markings for ownership, while Livestock Inspectors emphasize animal health and safety. The roles often overlap in agricultural settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Brand Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Brand Inspector, you need a solid understanding of livestock identification, state regulations, and investigative procedures, often supported by experience in agriculture or law enforcement. Familiarity with livestock databases, inspection reporting software, and mobile communication devices is typically required. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication skills help build trust with ranchers and ensure accurate documentation. These skills are crucial for preventing livestock theft, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting the interests of producers and markets.
More about Brand Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Brand Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Brand Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Brand Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Brand Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Brand Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Brand Inspector jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Brand Inspector jobs? For Brand Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Brand Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brand Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,564 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Brand Inspector

Department of Food & Agriculture

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$3.8K - $4.7K/mo

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
The Bureau of Livestock Identification is currently recruiting to fill (2) Indeterminate Brand Inspector positions to cover Stanislaus County. This position approximately works up to 159 hours per month.
Under the supervision of the Agriculture Program Supervisor I, the Brand Inspector independently performs brand inspection of livestock at stockyards, shipping points, ranches, slaughterhouses, feedlots and facilitate livestock transfer of ownership transactions; assure lawful ownership, enforce brand registration and inspection laws. Must have knowledge of methods of branding and marketing cattle; principles and practice of animal husbandry and the operation of livestock ranches; methods of operation used by cattle thieves; apply provisions of laws and regulations designed to prevent theft of cattle, ability to detect altered brands; assist in theft and estray investigations; should be familiar with animal care standards.
As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the "essential functions" of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!
Our office offers an exceptionally easy commute with straightforward access to major highways in the heart of Oakdale. The workspace is also highly convenient, sitting within walking distance of historic downtown restaurants and local coffee shops.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
  • Field and Office Work: Duties are done outdoors at ranches, feedlots, and livestock markets, and indoors.
  • Weather and Terrain: Regular exposure to outdoor weather extremes (heat and cold) and walking on muddy, rocky, or uneven ground.
  • Field Safety Risks: Daily contact with large, unpredictable animals (including horned cattle), moving heavy metal gates, and noisy machinery.
  • Public Interaction: Regular contact with the public, which may include handling difficult or unfriendly people during enforcement tasks.
  • Travel Requirements: Frequent driving within the assigned district using a state-issued or private vehicle, with occasional travel across California for meetings.
  • Equipment Used: Regular use of a state-issued cell phone, computer, and database software, as well as field tools like clippers or inspection markers.
  • Public Contact: Managing potentially confrontational, unfriendly, or irate individuals during the course of regulatory law enforcement and asset seizure duties.
Outdoor Activities Include:
  • Field Inspections: Conducting physical inspections of livestock directly within farms, ranches, saleyards, and related agricultural facilities.
  • Terratrip Navigation: Traversing uneven, muddy, rocky, or slick terrain while conducting outdoor inspections.
  • Regional & Statewide Travel: Frequently operates a state-assigned or private vehicle to navigate the assigned district, with occasional travel across California for temporary assignments, multi-agency exercises, or department meetings.
Environmental Hazards and Exposure:
  • Animal Interaction: Maintaining constant contact with animals of unpredictable sizes, behaviors, and temperaments, including close proximity to the head and legs of horned cattle.
  • Physical Hazards: Navigating high-risk environments containing stampeding livestock, rapidly moving heavy metal gates, active slaughter establishments, and heavy industrial machinery.
  • Specialized Tools: Handling potentially hazardous instruments, including knives, medical needles, clippers, and related veterinary/inspection tools.
This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • BRAND INSPECTOR
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525367
Position #(s):
014-183-0303-XXX
Working Title:
Brand Inspector
Classification:
BRAND INSPECTOR $3,885.96 - $4,762.05
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
Stanislaus County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent Intermittent - 1500 Hours
Department Information
The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Through ongoing inspection and investigative services, the Bureau of Livestock Identification protects cattle owners in California against loss of animals by theft, straying or misappropriation. The Bureau's program consists of registration of livestock brands; inspection of cattle for lawful possession prior to transportation, sale, or slaughter, and recording of the information obtained by such inspections; and assisting local law enforcement with investigations and prosecutions involving cattle theft. These activities are financed, in their entirety, through brand registration and inspection fees paid by the livestock owners.
CDFA - AHFSS - Bureau Of Livestock Identification
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/4/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-525367
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch JC-525367
1220 N Street, Room 242
Sacramento , CA 95814
ELECTRONIC APPLICATION IS PREFERRED. All mail or drop-off applications must include JC-525367
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Experience of one to two years of working hands-on with commercial beef cattle on the range, at feedlots, livestock markets, processing plants, or stock pens.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Alexus Fox
(916) 469-6616
alexus.fox@cdfa.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information
Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 may be disqualified.
Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.
If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.
Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.
Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.
This position may require a medical clearance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

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