Montana
Overview
To be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must apply and submit any required application materials through the State Of Montana Careers Website at Statecareers.mt.gov.
This position is posted as 'Open Until Filled' with a first review of Application on October 17, 2025.
Materials Required of Applicants:
Please submit the following through the State of Montana Careers website:
Resume.
Cover Letter
- In your cover letter please briefly explain how your background has prepared you to be successful as a Montana Department of Livestock Sanitarian including any managerial or leadership experience. If you have completed the required microbiology course for Sanitarian licensure in MT, please provide/attach an unofficial transcript to verify completion of the course.
References
- References will be required by finalist applicants prior to being made an offer for employment for this position, however are not required as part of the application submission process at this time.
*Helpful Tip: When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Please note that any attachments not requested will not be reviewed by the selection panel.
Reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:
Our work matters! We are proud of the work we do. To learn more about the Department of Livestock visit our website.
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!
When you work for the State of Montana, the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. The State of Montana offers employees a robust total rewards package that invests in you. Here are some of the benefits:
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
– learn more.
Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
A combination of 38 paid days off a year; including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary, plus an optional 457(b) plan.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness – employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
*This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
About this Opportunity!
The Department of Livestock is looking for a motivated and passionate safety leader to join the Meat Milk and Egg Inspection Bureau as a Sanitarian Supervisor.
Notice of Location:
The preferred location for this position is Helena, however applicants residing within 30 miles of Great Falls and Bozeman would also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Meat Milk and Egg Inspection Bureau's purpose is to ensure that meat and poultry products slaughtered, processed, and stored in Montana meet state and federal requirements through product and site inspections, licensing, and laboratory testing. This work is done in cooperation with other state and federal agencies.
Department sanitarians conduct environmental inspections and reviews of licensed and regulated establishments and programs to evaluate their ability to provide safe products to the public. Sanitarians must respond to and investigate consumer complaints of licensed and regulated establishments under the jurisdiction of sanitarians. Research, study, and recommend measures to help protect consumers and workers from environmentally hazardous work methods, processes, or materials. Prepare reports and letters of sanitarians’ findings of public health inspections and investigations. Approve and issue operating permits, licenses, renewals, and site approvals for businesses and programs under jurisdiction of sanitarians. Assess and determine public health materials and training needs by collecting and analyzing data. Collaborate with specialists to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment. May develop and implement education and training programs for regulatory environmental and public health compliance.
This specific position of Sanitarian Supervisor, in addition to performing the above listed compliance duties will also act as a secondary Enforcement, Investigations, and Analysis Officer within the bureau. These duties include providing training and guidance to staff within the bureau on a number of food safety related topics as well as conducting FSA's at establishments inspected by the department throughout Montana. This position provides direct supervision to other staff which includes performance management, work distribution, hiring, firing and employee development related duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The position works in both a standard office environment as well as onsite in facility establishments to perform work, training or investigations. Travel up to 50% can be expected to various plants throughout the state. The position also involves hazards and physical demands associated with conducting inspections of milk and egg producers and processors including exposure to chemicals, bending, stooping, climbing, and potential exposure to pathogens. The position also involves exposure to potential hazardous pathogens when conducting training on inspections of carcasses, as well as threat of injury while inspecting/working around unpredictable live animals. The work also involves periodic exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds and odors while training or working in slaughter and processing operations. Additional hazards include exposure to sterilizers, steam lines, hoists, hanging meat, slick floors, knives, hooks, etc. and other possible job hazards relating to equipment used in a meat processing establishment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The Sanitarian Supervisor will have knowledge of the principles and practices of public health administration, microbiology, disease control, and biostatistics. The position also requires knowledge, skills and abilities related to food processing technology, manufacturing processes, food labeling and nutritional labeling standards, FDA and USDA program regulations, food and drug toxicology, food infection and toxin illness characteristics, training and statistical methods, and excellent communication skills.
Additional specific areas of knowledge required by the Sanitarian Supervisor include: knowledge of conducting a HACCP program for dairy processing and manufacturing plants, including identifying high risk areas for cross contamination and tracing product and cleaning solution flow through diagrams and plant facilities; GMP for all cultured and manufactured dairy products; knowledge of 3A standards for acceptable materials; sweet water and glycol coolant systems; steam systems and culinary steam applications; non compressed air systems; animal husbandry as it relates to mastitis control; animal lactating cycles; and animal grooming requirements.
The incumbent must have the ability to deal with the public in a regulatory capacity, diffuse potentially violent situations, and remain calm and professional in hostile conditions; ability to monitor for public health risks from disease, infections, and non-hygienic practices; the ability to collect pertinent facts in situations where persons under investigation are less than forthright, and apply the information to assess potential health risk; and be capable of judging the appropriate action for the situation to condemn or embargo, retain, recall, or regrade non-compliant products.
Additional KSA's:
Ability to analyze large amounts of data and take appropriate enforcement actions.
Knowledge of food inspections and HACCP.
Ability to interpret regulations.
Ability and experience in developing related policy.
Strong computer and electronic skills, including data entry.
Effective time management and organization skills.
Strong attention to detail and observation skills.
Strong troubleshooting skills.
Ability to use reason and logic to identify and solve problems.
Ability to lead, instruct and facilitate collaboration with others.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work activities without direct supervision.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
The position requires the ability to assess program resources and industry risk, develop priorities and goals, perform planning and program monitoring, negotiate, and solve problems.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The necessary knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:
Bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field from an accredited program and three years public health sanitarian experience.
Continuing education in milk sanitation (e.g., FDA 302 & 501 courses).
Equivalent combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Supervisory or Leadership experience in a work setting.
Licensing:
A valid driver’s license is required.
Applicant must be a current Registered Sanitarian.
Preferred Qualifications:
1 or more years' of supervisory experience.
State Ratings Officer certification.
Master’s degree in Public Health, Food Science, or Veterinary Medicine.
Experience in application of regulations to ensure safe food production with a focus on meat products including animal slaughter and meat processing.
Experience with HACCP design and application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position is posted as 'Open Until Filled' with a first review of Application on October 17, 2025.
Materials Required of Applicants:
Please submit the following through the State of Montana Careers website:
Resume.
Cover Letter
- In your cover letter please briefly explain how your background has prepared you to be successful as a Montana Department of Livestock Sanitarian including any managerial or leadership experience. If you have completed the required microbiology course for Sanitarian licensure in MT, please provide/attach an unofficial transcript to verify completion of the course.
References
- References will be required by finalist applicants prior to being made an offer for employment for this position, however are not required as part of the application submission process at this time.
*Helpful Tip: When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Please note that any attachments not requested will not be reviewed by the selection panel.
Reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:
Our work matters! We are proud of the work we do. To learn more about the Department of Livestock visit our website.
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!
When you work for the State of Montana, the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. The State of Montana offers employees a robust total rewards package that invests in you. Here are some of the benefits:
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
– learn more.
Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
A combination of 38 paid days off a year; including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary, plus an optional 457(b) plan.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness – employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
*This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
About this Opportunity!
The Department of Livestock is looking for a motivated and passionate safety leader to join the Meat Milk and Egg Inspection Bureau as a Sanitarian Supervisor.
Notice of Location:
The preferred location for this position is Helena, however applicants residing within 30 miles of Great Falls and Bozeman would also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Meat Milk and Egg Inspection Bureau's purpose is to ensure that meat and poultry products slaughtered, processed, and stored in Montana meet state and federal requirements through product and site inspections, licensing, and laboratory testing. This work is done in cooperation with other state and federal agencies.
Department sanitarians conduct environmental inspections and reviews of licensed and regulated establishments and programs to evaluate their ability to provide safe products to the public. Sanitarians must respond to and investigate consumer complaints of licensed and regulated establishments under the jurisdiction of sanitarians. Research, study, and recommend measures to help protect consumers and workers from environmentally hazardous work methods, processes, or materials. Prepare reports and letters of sanitarians’ findings of public health inspections and investigations. Approve and issue operating permits, licenses, renewals, and site approvals for businesses and programs under jurisdiction of sanitarians. Assess and determine public health materials and training needs by collecting and analyzing data. Collaborate with specialists to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment. May develop and implement education and training programs for regulatory environmental and public health compliance.
This specific position of Sanitarian Supervisor, in addition to performing the above listed compliance duties will also act as a secondary Enforcement, Investigations, and Analysis Officer within the bureau. These duties include providing training and guidance to staff within the bureau on a number of food safety related topics as well as conducting FSA's at establishments inspected by the department throughout Montana. This position provides direct supervision to other staff which includes performance management, work distribution, hiring, firing and employee development related duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The position works in both a standard office environment as well as onsite in facility establishments to perform work, training or investigations. Travel up to 50% can be expected to various plants throughout the state. The position also involves hazards and physical demands associated with conducting inspections of milk and egg producers and processors including exposure to chemicals, bending, stooping, climbing, and potential exposure to pathogens. The position also involves exposure to potential hazardous pathogens when conducting training on inspections of carcasses, as well as threat of injury while inspecting/working around unpredictable live animals. The work also involves periodic exposure to unpleasant sights, sounds and odors while training or working in slaughter and processing operations. Additional hazards include exposure to sterilizers, steam lines, hoists, hanging meat, slick floors, knives, hooks, etc. and other possible job hazards relating to equipment used in a meat processing establishment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The Sanitarian Supervisor will have knowledge of the principles and practices of public health administration, microbiology, disease control, and biostatistics. The position also requires knowledge, skills and abilities related to food processing technology, manufacturing processes, food labeling and nutritional labeling standards, FDA and USDA program regulations, food and drug toxicology, food infection and toxin illness characteristics, training and statistical methods, and excellent communication skills.
Additional specific areas of knowledge required by the Sanitarian Supervisor include: knowledge of conducting a HACCP program for dairy processing and manufacturing plants, including identifying high risk areas for cross contamination and tracing product and cleaning solution flow through diagrams and plant facilities; GMP for all cultured and manufactured dairy products; knowledge of 3A standards for acceptable materials; sweet water and glycol coolant systems; steam systems and culinary steam applications; non compressed air systems; animal husbandry as it relates to mastitis control; animal lactating cycles; and animal grooming requirements.
The incumbent must have the ability to deal with the public in a regulatory capacity, diffuse potentially violent situations, and remain calm and professional in hostile conditions; ability to monitor for public health risks from disease, infections, and non-hygienic practices; the ability to collect pertinent facts in situations where persons under investigation are less than forthright, and apply the information to assess potential health risk; and be capable of judging the appropriate action for the situation to condemn or embargo, retain, recall, or regrade non-compliant products.
Additional KSA's:
Ability to analyze large amounts of data and take appropriate enforcement actions.
Knowledge of food inspections and HACCP.
Ability to interpret regulations.
Ability and experience in developing related policy.
Strong computer and electronic skills, including data entry.
Effective time management and organization skills.
Strong attention to detail and observation skills.
Strong troubleshooting skills.
Ability to use reason and logic to identify and solve problems.
Ability to lead, instruct and facilitate collaboration with others.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work activities without direct supervision.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
The position requires the ability to assess program resources and industry risk, develop priorities and goals, perform planning and program monitoring, negotiate, and solve problems.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The necessary knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:
Bachelor's degree in environmental health or a related field from an accredited program and three years public health sanitarian experience.
Continuing education in milk sanitation (e.g., FDA 302 & 501 courses).
Equivalent combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Supervisory or Leadership experience in a work setting.
Licensing:
A valid driver’s license is required.
Applicant must be a current Registered Sanitarian.
Preferred Qualifications:
1 or more years' of supervisory experience.
State Ratings Officer certification.
Master’s degree in Public Health, Food Science, or Veterinary Medicine.
Experience in application of regulations to ensure safe food production with a focus on meat products including animal slaughter and meat processing.
Experience with HACCP design and application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr