Shell Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Statecareers.mt.gov.

This recruitment is posted as 'open until filled' with a first review of applicants on March 15, 2026. 

Materials Required of Applicants:  

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References:   Professional references will be requested from finalist applicants prior to a job offer being made, however, are not required as part of the application process at this time. 

About this Opportunity!

This position is a part-time Department of Livestock,  Egg Shell Grader that will perform necessary inspection services at the Wilcox  Farms/ Montana Egg, LLC plant in Great Falls, Montana. This position will be required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, however hours may be increased as needed to provide coverage and services. 

The incumbent is responsible for grading shell egg products in the assigned facility. Egg grading is the grouping of eggs into lots having similar characteristics as to quality, weight or color. The incumbent will take sample grades of eggs to determine if the eggs are eligible to be packed in cartons bearing the USDA grade shield. Voluntary egg grading and certification services are administered by the Poultry Programs, Grading Branch of USDA's Agriculture Marketing Services.  Grading and certification is performed by USDA-licensed graders. 

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the United States is the largest producer and exporter of eggs and egg products.  Grading according to USDA uniform standards and certification will aide Montana egg producers in the marketing and distribution of their product. 

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Performs physical and visual inspection of eggs.
• Monitors egg plant processing operations.
• Prepares and maintains reports and records.
• As an employee of the Department of Livestock, this position must maintain relationships with plant management and employees. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:  

WORK HOURS are non-standard  (Working Saturdays and some Holidays may be required on occasion as well as up to 10-11 hour shifts as needed by plant production levels and may be changed at times due to business needs. Egg  grading work requires periods of physical exertion to lift and move boxes and cartons of products often weighing over 50 pounds; prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing; two hands for shell egg assignments to perform digital examination of eggs; ability to detect abnormalities in the commodity through normal or corrected vision in at least one eye for distance, depth perception, and color; and ability to assure safety in highly-mechanized noisy environment through adequate or correctable hearing. Hand Candling is a required skill which includes the physical ability and dexterity to hold two eggs in each hand rotating and observing the eggs rapidly. Adequate color vision is required. The work environment is in a shell egg plant which involves moderate discomforts and risks such as cold temperatures of storage areas, the presence of processing equipment, moving parts and forklifts, and wet, slippery floors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

•  The incumbent must demonstrate the emotional maturity and communication skills to maintain relationships and deal with plant              management, employees and the general public in a regulatory capacity.
•   The willingness and ability to complete work independently and without supervision. 
•   Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, programs and computers. 
•   Ability to accurately fill out reports. 

(The following skills are generally acquired on the job). 

Working knowledge of the standards of quality, accuracy in interpreting quality standards and the ability to judge correct grade classification.  Graders will make many grading decisions each day and must develop an ability to make instant decisions. An understanding of the how Hand Candling Booths work in commercial grading operations.  Ability to perform hand candling with speed and accuracy as a spot check for quality determination.  Successful completion of approved USDA  training course and passing all USDA - Licensed Egg Grader testing and certification requirements is required.

 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 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!  Other fantastic benefits include:

• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities and room for professional growth

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click HERE to learn more

  • *This position may qualify for a $1.00 per hour legislatively approved pay increase in July of 2026.