Salary: $15.89 – $20.98 Hourly
Location: Multiple Locations – Central Washington, WA
Job Type: Part Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-05066
Closing: Continuous

AGRICULTURE – A Cornerstone of Washington’s Economy
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The Livestock Identification Program within the Animal Services Division is hiring for a permanent part-time Brand Inspector 1! The WSDA Animal Services Division is dedicated to protecting the health and economic vitality of our livestock industry. The Livestock Identification Program aids in that mission by providing asset protection for the livestock industry by recording brands, licensing feedlots and public livestock markets, and by conducting surveillance and inspection of livestock at time of sale and upon out of state movement. As the Brand Inspector 1 within the Livestock Identification Program, you will be  as our leading advocate for asset protection and theft deterrence within the livestock industry. Tasked with inspecting and regulating registered brands and ownership within the state’s livestock market and slaughter facilities. This position will work at the Stockland Livestock Exchange in Davenport, Washington on Monday’s, and as needed on Sunday’s. The Brand Inspector will also work at the Lewiston Livestock Market as needed. This position will also be expected to perform field inspections of livestock on as-required basis resulting from appointments made by customers in the positions geographic area.  

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a permanent part-time Brand Inspector 1 position within the Animal Services Division. This position is approved for a home office residing in Benton, Yakima, Kittitas, or Klickitat County to ensure excellent service delivery to the local livestock community. This position is represented by Washington Federation of State Employees. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $15.89 Step B – $20.45 Step L hourly. 

Duties
Some of what you’ll do, includes:

  • Visually inspect livestock for brands at sales yards, feedlots, slaughter plants, pastures,
    receiving stations, and in transport to verify ownership and to ensure compliance with the livestock identification regulations.
  • Issue brand inspection certificates using a mobile electronic device (iPad) to
    purchaser of livestock and inspects livestock back tags for proof of positive ownership and for brand verification at sales yards.
  • Impounds livestock or proceeds of the sale of livestock if the consignor does not provide sufficient proof of ownership at the time of sale.
  • Occasionally assists the compliance program with livestock theft cases and to detect illegal movement of possession of livestock.
  • Observes animals and reports suspected diseased animals to Animal Services Division and checks market facilities for sanitation conditions.
  • Engages with the public in explaining livestock inspection regulations, WSDA policies and procedures regarding the Livestock Identification Program.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Valid state driver’s license.
  • Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions and in close proximity to sometimes dangerous livestock.
  • Must be able to walk, climb, lift up to 25lbs, bend, twist, stoop, and be agile enough to evade large livestock if necessary.
  • Must have flexibility to work on short notice and/or for an extended period of time, including early mornings and late nights. 
  • Must be able to visually determine whether livestock are branded or not.
    If a brand is present, must be able to visually identify the brand and
    determine ownership.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

  • Three (3) years of full-time experience in raising, transporting, selling, or slaughtering livestock or in brand inspection.
  • Working knowledge of mobile electronic devices (iPad/iPhone) and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.

How to apply 
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

· Current resume detailing experience and education.

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3996214/brand-inspector-1-part-time

Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3996214/brand-inspector-1-part-time

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