Bison Program Supervisor/Livestock Investigator- Gardiner/ West Yellowstone, Mt

To be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must upload any required application materials through the State Careers Website. 

This recruitment is posted as "open until filled" with a first review of applicants on December 6, 2023. 

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 25 miles of Gardiner, MT or 25 miles of West Yellowstone, MT.  

About this Opportunity!

The Department of Livestock is recruiting for a Bison Program Supervisor/Livestock Investigator 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 a Brucellosis Control Program Manager/Livestock Crime Investigator responsible for coordination of the Departments Bison Program and management of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) bison/disease control activities.  Duties include managing YNP bison brucellosis disease control and YNP bison herd management operations; coordinating program operations and resources; performing law enforcement and investigations.  The position plays an important role within Animal Health by providing emergency response and other field work in order to  protect animals and humans from diseases. This position supervises one Bison Program employee and part time/seasonal/short term livestock inspectors as needed. Has lead worker supervision of a variety of DOL, other agency, and contract personnel assigned to the YNP bison/brucellosis disease control program.  

Other duties include but are not limited to: 

•  Providing herd management operations.
• Coordinate and perform operations activities such as law enforcement, snow removal, offal removal, animal transportation, bison monitoring, housing, feed purchase, slaughter, auction, sale, etc. 
•  Providing oversight and direction to individuals involved in the program, negotiating the use of resources, reviewing work for attainment of objectives, and resolving problems as they arise.
• Monitor bison movements and reporting locations. 
•  Establish and maintain relationships with key personnel in a variety of agencies and organizations to facilitate communications, increase cooperation, and negotiate strategies and approaches for YNP brucellosis disease control activities. 
• Coordination of activities, and exchange information with other agencies such as the NPS, USFS, FWP, local and state law enforcement, and Native American tribes to plan and implement program operations. 
•  Perform law enforcement and investigations related to YNP brucellosis disease control and Yellowstone bison herd management, and other department enforcement and investigation activities as needed. 
• Other Animal Health field work and emergency response duties as necessary. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position requires that the incumbent live in Montana within 25 miles of Gardiner or West Yellowstone to ensure appropriate response time for emergencies and other situations. The position will involve extensive travel in excess of 1,000 miles per month. The position will also involve hazards and conditions associated with working with bison such as: exposure to extreme weather conditions, unpredictable animals, exposure to a pathogen, unpleasant sights, sounds, odors, and other risks associated with bison control work.  The position involves 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 of the position require the ability to subdue and arrest individuals.   The position is required to stop vehicles, serve search warrants and collect evidence, make arrests, issue citations, seize vehicles and other property, and independently conduct felony investigations.  The position will carry a firearm during the course of the work. As a sworn peace officer, the position may also be called upon to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with specific incidents.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

         Requires knowledge of animal behavior and accepted methods for trapping, hazing, and removal of bison; Knowledge of state, and federal laws and regulations related to disease control and a practical knowledge of animal science and herd management including disease control and eradication procedures; Supervisory/Management principles and practices; Knowledge of interviewing and research methods and techniques; laws of search and seizure; criminal behavior; requires exceptional verbal and written communication and conflict management skills.

         Skill and experience in operating snow removal equipment, and in handling a snowmobile and four-wheel ATV; Skill in the handling and care of wild animals; riding horses; and performing routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

         Ability to plan, define objectives, evaluate accomplishments, facilitate effective teamwork, and negotiate and mediate complex issues; Ability to deal with the public in a regulatory capacity; Ability to operate a personal computer and various types of software; Requires the ability to understand the concerns of, and to effectively communicate with special interest groups and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

The necessary qualifications for this position are acquired through:

• Graduation of High School or equivalent and 
•        Graduation from the law enforcement academy and POST certification, or the ability to attain POST certification within one year of hire and
• Post-secondary education or training in herd management and/or animal health and 
• at least 4 years' experience including livestock, law enforcement.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 
• Supervisory experience is preferred. 

Conditions of Employment:

•       The incumbent must be able to pass a criminal history record check including fingerprinting. 
•      Requires the ability to have and maintain a valid Montana Driver's license.
•       Remain Post Certified.
•       Qualify with firearms as prescribed by department firearms policy by attending MLEA firearms training and qualifying twice annually.