Description

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 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 Toppenish Livestock Auction in Toppenish, Washington at least 3 days per week, the current schedule being Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Other work during the week will be a customized schedule through generated appointments based on needs of livestock customers within the employee’s 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.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

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 identiff 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.

Supplemental Information

• 
  Current resume detailing experience and education
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes and should be requested a minimum of (7) seven days prior to the first day of employment. Accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.