Brand Inspector 1

State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture; Washington; On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Teleworking

Job summary

The State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture is hiring a part-time Brand Inspector 1 to conduct ownership inspections of cattle and horses at livestock markets and related locations. You will collect fees, document inspections, and issue brand certificates using an iPad.

Preferred candidates have 3 years in livestock-related work and familiarity with Apple devices and MS Office; a valid WA driver’s license is required. The role supports animal health, safety, and traceability across markets.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct ownership inspections of livestock at sales yards, feedlots, and related sites.
• Create records of inspections and collect inspection fees.
• Issue brand inspection certificates using a mobile device and verify ownership.
• Assist with changing of ownership transactions and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Livestock inspection experience

Apple iPad familiarity

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid driver's license

Tools

Apple iPad

Apple iPhone

Job description

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.

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.

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.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, whichmayinclude 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 herefor more information.
• 12 paidHolidays & 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.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [e-mail].

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.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free [phone]. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.