Definition

Inspects livestock at sales yards, feed lots, slaughter houses, ranches, processing plants, gathering stations, and in transport to establish ownership and to assure compliance with Livestock Identification Act; assists in livestock theft prevention program.

Typical Work

Inspects livestock or hides for brand and other identification marks at sales yards, feedlots, slaughter houses, ranches, processing plants, and gathering stations to establish ownership and right of possession; checks weighing stations and transport vehicles to detect illegal movement or possession of livestock;

Issues brand inspection certificate to purchaser of livestock;

Inspects livestock back tags for proof of positive ownership and for brand verification;

Issues citations to detected misdemeanors; impounds unidentified livestock or receipts of sales until positive identification is established;

Observes animals and reports suspected diseased animals to Animal Industry Division and checks market facilities for sanitation conditions;

Assists law enforcement agencies in investigation and identification of stolen or strayed livestock; observes operations and reports suspected violations of Commission Merchants Act;

Maintains public relations with livestock industry to promote understanding and compliance with livestock identification laws and regulations;

Conducts surveillance of custom slaughter operations to determine identification of livestock;

Collects inspection fees and other funds; makes inspection and financial reports and transmits funds to the Regulatory Division;

Writes clear and concise inspection and investigation reports;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: breeds of cattle, sheep, and horses; methods, procedures and techniques used in identification, transportation, sale and slaughter of livestock.

Ability to: learn agricultural laws and regulations; rules of evidence and laws of arrest; make field investigations to gather evidence and insure compliance with state laws relating to livestock, recognize rights of citizens, use mature judgment and achieve complete rapport with clients; write and speak clearly, concisely, accurately and informatively; receive, account for and transmit funds; travel frequently and for extended periods.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

AND

Three years of full time experience in raising, transporting, selling or slaughtering livestock or in brand inspection.

One year of law enforcement, military service or work involving direct public contact may be substituted for one year of livestock experience.

Class Specification History

New class Effective April 4, 1969
Revised minimum qualifications February 8, 1979
Revised definition and minimum qualifications, title change (formerly Brand Inspectors and general revision) October 12, 1979
New class code: (formerly 44410) effective July 1, 2007.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017; 32 increased to 33.