Brand Inspector 1

State of Washington

Pasco (WA)

On-site

USD 43,000 - 56,000

Part time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Teleworking

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is hiring a part-time Brand Inspector 1 for the Animal Services Division. The role covers ownership inspections at markets and related sites, with a home duty station in Benton and Franklin County, WA. Competitive starting salary and benefits apply; WFSE represented.

Applicants must meet high school equivalency and obtain a WA driver’s license. Prior livestock/brand inspection is preferred. Salary ranges up to $55,596 with progressive increases.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent/experience.
Must acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
Three years of full-time livestock or brand inspection experience (preferred).
Experience with Apple iPad/iPhone and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Conduct ownership inspections of livestock offered for sale or prior to movement out of state and record inspections daily.
Visually inspect livestock for brands at sales yards, feedlots, slaughter plants, and transport to verify ownership and compliance with regulations.
Inspect at private residences and events, interacting with youth as needed.
Issue brand inspection certificates using mobile devices and verify ownership with back tags.

Skills

Livestock experience

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Apple iPad / iPhone

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

This recruitment is open until filled.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

This recruitment is open until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled for September 8, 2026. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before September 7, 2026. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

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 agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Opportunity

The WSDA Animal Services Division is dedicated to the protection, promotion and enhancement of animal health, wellness and wellbeing. The division works to promote the economic vitality of the livestock industry by minimizing exposure to animal diseases and providing owner asset protection through ownership inspections and livestock identification at state, national and international levels. The division safeguards the citizens of Washington by identifying and limiting the exposure to zoonotic diseases through disease surveillance, livestock identification and traceability.

The Livestock Identification Program support economic vitality of Washington's livestock industries by providing asset protection and supporting disease traceability standards. The program verifies ownership and title status through livestock inspections and recorded brands; deterring theft and fraud by denying an outlet for untitled animals.

This position performs ownership inspection of cattle and horses at livestock markets, slaughter plants, feedlots and other locations as required. This position also assists with completing change of ownership transactions at Washington's livened public livestock markets.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a part-time permanent Brand Inspector 1 position within the Animal Services Division. The Brand Inspector 1 position is approved for a home duty station in Benton and Franklin County, WA. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union.

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 for this position is: Range 39 Step A $42,780 - Step L $55,596 annually.

Duties

What to Expect

Some Of The Various Responsibilities Within This Role

Conducts ownership inspections of livestock when offered for sale or prior to movement out of state. Creates records of all inspections and work-related activities on a daily basis. Collects livestock inspection fees from customers and remits those fees to the WSDA main office in Olympia.
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.
Conduct inspection at private residences and events to include working with and interacting with youth.
Issue brand inspection certificates using a mobile electronic device (Apple iPad) to purchaser of livestock and inspects livestock back tags for proof of positive ownership and for brand verification at sales yards.
Impound livestock or proceeds of the sale of livestock if the consignor does not provide sufficient proof of ownership at the time of sale.
Assist the compliance program with livestock theft cases and to detect illegal movement of possession of livestock, as needed.
Observe animals and report suspected diseased animals to Animal Services Division and checks market facilities for sanitation conditions.
Engage with the public in explaining livestock inspection regulations, WSDA policies and procedures regarding the Livestock Identification Program.
Provide customer service and often represents the agency in customer service interactions.
Collect required fees and issues brand inspection certificates.
Drive agency vehicle upon request for livestock inspections.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent/experience.
Must acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.

Preferred/Desired

Three (3) years of full-time experience in raising, transporting, selling or slaughtering livestock or in brand inspection.
Working knowledge of electronic devices (Apple iPad, Apple iPhone) and experience with Microsoft office suite.

Supplemental Information

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.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in play status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in play status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in play status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in play status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in play status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in play status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

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Please let us know where you learned about this job opportunity.

To be considered for this position you must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Have you attached or included these documents to your application?

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent/experience?

Do you possess a valid state driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to your first day of employment?

Do you have experience with brand inspection or raising, transporting, selling, or slaughtering livestock? If so, please briefly describe your experience. If this does not apply to you, please type N/A in the box below.

Are you involved with any animal/livestock organizations? If you are, please provide the names of the organizations with which you are involved. If this does not apply, please type N/A in the box below.