Bison Program Specialist- Law Enforcement

To be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must apply and upload any required application materials through the State Careers Website at Statecareers.mt.gov

This recruitment is posted as "open until filled" with a first review of applicants on February 28, 2024 

Materials Required of Applicants:  

• Cover Letter- In your cover letter please describe how your education and experiences make you the best candidate for the position. 
• Resume

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!

*Notice Regarding Position Location:  The position demands require that the incumbent live in Montana within 20 minutes of West Yellowstone/ Hebgen Basin, MT.  

About this Opportunity!

The Department of Livestock is recruiting for a Bison Program Specialist/ Law Enforcement position within the Animal Health and Food Safety Division.  The Animal Health Division is responsible for the prevention, control and eradication of animal diseases.  

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for performing brucellosis disease control and herd management operations for YNP bison. This involves monitoring, testing, capture, removal, site and facility maintenance; attaining necessary permits and permission documentation; participating in interagency efforts; and preparing reports. This involves extensive contact with staff, industry, landowners, and other agencies and groups to ensure operations are coordinated effectively. Promoting and maintaining effective relationships is essential. Duties also involve performing Law Enforcement and investigations related to YNP brucellosis disease control and Yellowstone bison herd management, and other department animal health, enforcement, and investigation activities as needed.

The position requires knowledge of animal behavior and accepted methods for trapping, hazing, and removal of diseased bison; state, and federal laws and regulations related to disease control requirements; the operations and jurisdictions of various agencies involved with the issue; and a practical knowledge of animal science and herd management including basic herd health standards, and disease control and eradication procedures.

It is important to have knowledge of departmental policies and procedures; contracting and procurement principles and practices; interviewing methods and techniques; laws of search and seizure; criminal behavior; and the state and federal court and criminal justice systems. The position requires expert skill and experience in operating snow removal equipment, and in handling a snowmobile and four-wheel ATV. The position requires verbal and written communication and conflict management skills; skill in the handling and care of wild animals; riding horses; and performing routine maintenance of DOL vehicles and equipment. The position requires the ability to deal with the public in a regulatory capacity; operate a personal computer; and use a variety of research methods. The position requires the ability to understand the concerns of, and to effectively communicate with special interest groups and the public.

Working Conditions: Hazards/conditions associated with working with bison (exposure to extreme weather conditions, working with unpredictable bison, exposure to a pathogen [brucellosis], unpleasant sights, sounds, odors, and other risks associated with bison control work); and significant physical demands associated with working bison, repairing and maintaining facilities, hazing, removal, cleaning carcasses, etc. (heavy lifting, driving ATVs, snowmobiles, and riding horseback over rough terrain, continued standing, running, etc.). Law enforcement functions require the ability to subdue and arrest individuals, to stop vehicles, serve search warrants and collect evidence, make arrests, issue citations, seize vehicles and other property, and independently conduct felony investigations.

Minimum qualifications

The necessary knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through:

                      High School diploma or equivalent,  

                      2 Years' experience handling livestock. 

Preferred Qualifications:

                      Graduation from the Law Enforcement academy and P.O.S.T certifications

                      Progressive experience in livestock Law Enforcement.

                     Knowledge of techniques and practices of working with Bison.

Condition of Employment: You must pass the required physical and psychological testing. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the position (including maintaining an unrestricted valid driver's license, and the ability to safely drive a motor vehicle) and must become P.O.S.T certified within 12 months after hire and qualify with firearms as prescribed by department firearms policy and continue to qualify twice annually. The position will carry a firearm during the course of work.

Special Information: The position requires that the incumbent live within 20 minutes of West Yellowstone/ Hebgen Basin, MT.    Individuals in these positions must maintain residence within the boundaries to which they are assigned.  Once assigned, no Law Enforcment/ Investigator may move out of the boundaries. Exceptions may be made to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Review of district boundaries occur as necessary to create efficiencies as vacancies and work-load evolve.