CDA-Brand Inspector Sterling District (Technician II)

State of Colorado; Sterling (CO); Remote; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Remote work opportunities

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

State of Colorado is seeking a Brand Inspector to inspect livestock, verify ownership, and ensure compliance with brand laws across the Northeastern District (Sterling Area). The role requires reading brands, handling cattle, and providing excellent customer service in a dynamic outdoor environment.

Applicants must live in the district and have a valid CO driver's license, with the ability to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of full-time experience working with cattle.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to read brands on livestock and work with livestock in various settings.

Responsibilities

• Physically brand inspect livestock and alternative livestock for sale, transport or slaughter to ensure valid title.
• Maintain and inspect state-issued vehicle and district property.
• Schedule inspections for efficient service in the district.
• Audit ownership documents to certify legal title or possession of livestock.
• Assist in investigations and enforce brand inspection laws as required.

Skills

Brand inspection

Livestock handling

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Google Docs

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

Core Values:

Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals:"

• Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access
• Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders
• Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
• Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy
• Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website.

What you get from us:

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
• Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
• Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
• Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program State of Health
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

Equal Opportunity

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi

Organizational Purpose:

The Division of Brand Inspection’s primary responsibility is to protect the livestock industry from loss by theft, illegal butchering or straying of livestock. Colorado brand inspectors are charged with inspecting and verifying ownership on all cattle and horses in Colorado that change ownership, are transported over 75 miles within the state, are transported out of the state, or are transported to slaughter.

Major Objectives of the Position:

Position will physically brand inspect livestock and alternative livestock offered for sale, transport, or slaughter prior to shipment or change of ownership to ensure valid legal title. The position will ensure proper use, care, and maintenance of the state-assigned vehicle and other division property in the district, and schedule inspection appointments to ensure the most efficient time management and the best possible service to the area. Position audits proof of ownership documents, or legal contracts to certify legal title or possession of livestock, and takes control of questionable ownership of livestock as mandated by Colorado statute. Position issues inspection certificates and compiles permanent records of inspection activities to confirm and document statutory compliance. Position is responsible for the district's permanent record and for affirming and verifying market and slaughter plant compliance with State regulations within the district's jurisdiction. Position computes and reconciles inspection fees, minimum charges, horse permit fees, beef board fees, horse board fees, and mileage costs. Position investigates stray livestock to certify legal owner and proper compliance with statute concerning the sale and reconciliation of all proceeds and expenses as they relate to strays. Position applies applicable board rules and policies, utilizes type III police power, and assists in brand prosecution cases; collaborates on investigations with local law enforcement or the District Attorney, and, in some instances, arrests suspects and initiates livestock stops on public roads.

Primary Duties:

• Physically brand inspect livestock and alternative livestock offered for sale, transport or slaughter prior to shipment or change of ownership to ensure valid legal title.
• Implement proper use, care and maintenance of the state assigned vehicle and other division property in the district.
• Schedule inspection appointments to guarantee most efficient time management for the best possible service to the area.
• Audits proof of ownership documents or legal contracts to certify legal title or possession of livestock.
• Position may take control of questionable ownership livestock as mandated by Colorado statute upon direction from the immediate supervisor.
• Issues inspection certificates and compiles permanent record of inspection activities to confirm and document statutory compliance.
• Is responsible for the district permanent record and affirms and verifies market and slaughter plant compliance to State regulation within jurisdiction as directed from the immediate supervisor.
• Position computes and reconciles inspection fees, minimum charges, horse permit fees, beef board fees, horse board fees and mileage costs.

State Equipment, Forms & Time Management:

• Maintain a state bank account for deposit of all inspection, beef council, and horse board fees, and keep accurate records that track all deposits, withdrawals and interest payments.
• Send the monthly bank statement, deposit slips, and check to the Brand Office by the 15th of the following month and make a minimum of one deposit per week of fees collected.
• Remit inspection fees from this account to the Brand Office with their monthly inspection reports.
• Complete multiple forms and turn them in monthly, including but not limited to: certificates and permits completed foreach day of the month; dock cards; balance sheets, etc.
• Vehicle provided must be kept in good repair and appearance and have the oil changed on the vehicle at manufacturer recommended mileage intervals.

Estray Livestock - Missing & Stolen Livestock:

• Assists in investigation of estray livestock to certify legal owner and proper compliance with statute concerning the sale and reconciliation of all proceeds and expenses as they relate to strays as directed in the Brand Inspector manual.
• Position should immediately notify the Brand Commissioner if the livestock are suspected to be stolen. Position may also advise the caller to contact the local Sheriff’s office to file a theft report.
• Position may need to assist the Sheriff’s office in any investigation upon approval from the Brand Commissioner.
• The inspector should advise the caller that if the missing or stolen livestock are recovered to notify the inspector immediately.
• Enforcement
• Position may be asked to make road stops in accordance with Brands Division procedures.
• Determine the origin and destination of livestock and examines the ownership and health documents on animals being transported.
• Verify that the markings and brands on the animals in the trailer match the documents presented.
• May ask for assistance from the State Patrol if there are any problems with the vehicle registrations or the driver’s license for the driver of the vehicle.
• May issue a violation warning, or a summons and complaint notice to anyone who has violated the brand inspection laws as per Colorado Revised Statutes.

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

This position is remote, located in the Northeastern District (Sterling Area).

Skills-based Hiring:

This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!

Salary Range:

Salary: HOURLY

$21.33 - $25.60

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the minimum of the range.

Minimum Requirements:

• Two (2) years of full-time experience working with cattle. Part-time work will be pro-rated.

Lived Experience Qualification:

• Experience working with cattle that is voluntary or on your own family ranch:
  • Please enter it into the work experience section of your application.
  • You may receive credit from the age of 16 and over.
  • You must give dates and the number of hours worked, as well as job duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant years of state service;

Conditions of Employment:

• Must live in the assigned territory.
• Must have and maintain a valid CO Driver's License.
• Must have the ability to read brands on livestock.
• Must be able to work a varied work schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to move with agility, dexterity, and speed around livestock and the ability to rapidly climb gates or fences.
• Must be able to work inside and outside as needed in inclement weather.

Required Competencies:

• Ability to work with livestock, including physically working with livestock in a variety of settings and reading brands.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, in person and over the phone
• Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation.
• Detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.
• Proficiency in the use of Google email, Google Docs, databases, and the use of other electronic system(s).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Highly resourceful team player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position, will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience, and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Factors that will be assessed:

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

ADAAA Accommodations:

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

E-Verify:

CDA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support:

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.