Livestock Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

o be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must submit any required application materials online through the State of Montana Careers Website at Statecareers.mt.gov. 

This position is posted as "open until filled" with a first review of applications on May 21, 2026.

Materials Required of Applicants: 

• Cover Letter: Attach a cover letter that explains your interest in working for the MT Department of Livestock and explains your experience handling livestock, roping and clipping as well as any computer experience you may have.  
• Resume
• References: Applicants will be required to provide acceptable references before a job offer is made, however are not required as part of the initial submission process. 

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 website HERE.

Benefits of working for the Department of Livestock: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is 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 then just a paycheck.  The State of Montana offers employees a robust total rewards package that invests in you!   Here are some of the benefits: 

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• A combination of 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.

• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary.  A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. - Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.

• 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.

About this Opportunity!

The Department of Livestock is recruiting for multiple Market Inspectors to work in the Billings Livestock Commission and the Public Auction Yards in Billings, MT, to assist the Department in serving the Livestock Industry. 

WHAT THIS POSITION DOES: Inspects livestock at livestock markets to document brands and other identifying characteristics which is required to be done with a handheld computer device.  Collects and reviews paperwork from the livestock owner to ensure that ownership of livestock is clear and correct. Issues inspections and permits for animals moving or changing ownership near the livestock market.  Provides clear instruction and clarification to producers when they have questions about Montana livestock regulations. The work that inspectors do protects the livestock industry from theft and disease. This position reports to the Market Supervisor and does not supervise others.

Applicants for the Market Inspector position must have the following skills: 

Experienced in quiet, safe, and efficient cattle-handling on foot and in close proximity to cattle.  Able to spend most of the day standing and walking, outside, whatever the weather.  Committed to maintaining a high standard of performance.  The work that inspectors do protects the livestock industry from theft and disease.  Patient, clear and tactful when explaining regulations to the public. Helping folks understand Livestock laws is a big priority.  Able to operate a personal computer and other handheld electronic devices.  Able to operate a motor vehicle. 

Special Information:  This position may have physical demands related to standing and walking for long periods of time (may work as much as 10 hours or more in a day).  Livestock Inspectors must have the ability to handle livestock, move quickly, climb fences, etc. in order to avoid serious injury.  Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.  Working conditions sometimes involve continued exposure to extreme weather conditions, dust, and unpleasant conditions encountered in stockyards, along with the inherent risk of injury associated with handling livestock in close proximity.

Benefits of working for the Department of Livestock: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is 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 then just a paycheck.  The State of Montana offers employees a robust total rewards package that invests in you!   Here are some of the benefits: 

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• A combination of 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.

• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary.  A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. - Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.

• 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 necessary knowledge, skills and abilities are:

• Typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and;

• Extensive experience handling, roping and clipping cattle, and the ability to demonstrate safe work habits.

Previous Department of Livestock/Market experience and/or ability to read brands is preferred.   

Applicants must pass a background check, have an acceptable driving record, and possess a valid Montana driver's license. 

*Effective March 30, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.  After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.   For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.