Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist- Section Head

State of Montana; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 136,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Leave & Holidays

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) seeks a Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist-Section Head to lead diagnostic pathology and supervise laboratory sections in Bozeman. The role emphasizes accurate, timely diagnoses, client consultation, and coordination of ancillary testing within a state agency laboratory.

Responsibilities include providing leadership guidance, hiring and performance management, and fostering a collaborative, professional work culture for staff.

Qualifications

• ACVP board certification or board eligibility in anatomic pathology.
• Eligibility for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Montana within 6 months of hire.
• Relevant experience as a diagnostic veterinary pathologist.
• Excellence in written and oral communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross and histologic pathology evaluations and interpretations.
• Participate in client consultation and coordinate ancillary testing on cases.
• Supervise one or more laboratory sections depending on interest and aptitude.
• Lead by example to cultivate collaboration, respect, and professionalism.

Skills

Board certification in anatomic path

Licensure eligibility

Diagnostic veterinary pathology exp.

Written and oral communication

Job description

Job Description - Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist- Section Head (26142799)

Position Title:

Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist- Section Head - ( 26142799 )

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 recruitment is posted as 'open until filled' with a first review of applicants on November 13, 2026.

Materials Required of Applicant

Resume

*Note on References: References will be required by any finalist applicants prior to receiving a formal offer of employment from the department, however are not required as part of the application process at this time.

About this Opportunity:

Lead Diagnostic Excellence in Big Sky Country!

The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) seeks applications for a diagnostic Anatomic Pathologist position. MVDL exists as a bureau within the Animal Health and Food Safety Division of the Montana Department of Livestock, and is a full-service, AAVLD-accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The laboratory performs approximately 170,000 tests per year on a wide variety of domestic and non-domestic animal species. For more information on the laboratory, please contact: [e-mail] or Human resources for the Department at [e-mail].

We seek applicants with a strong interest in diagnostic pathology and client service, as well as demonstrated experience and confidence in veterinary pathology and accurate, timely diagnosis. Upon joining our team, the successful candidate will perform gross and histologic pathology evaluations and interpretations, participate in client consultation, and coordinate ancillary testing on cases. This position will have supervisory responsibilities for one or more laboratory sections depending on interest and aptitude.

As a Manager/Section Head with the Department, this position will play a critical role in providing leadership guidance, and support to their teammates. This position is expected to lead by example in order to cultivate a culture of collaboration, respect, and professionalism all of which will enhance team morale, and provide quality service to the people of the State of Montana. This position has direct reports where typical duties include but are not limited to hiring, managing and accessing employee performance, managing employee work schedules, and responding to employee questions and concerns.

Scientific & Technical Leadership

Diagnostic Mastery: Provide authoritative subject matter expertise and technical oversight.

Assay Innovation: Identify, research, and coordinate the development and validation of new testing assays and cutting-edge equipment to continually enhance MVDL's service offerings.

Quality & Compliance: Troubleshoot, review, and interpret complex technical data, non-conformances, and performance metrics. Actively participate in the development and rigorous revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure full compliance with MVDL Quality Management System and AAVLD accreditation requirements.

Reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:

Our work matters! We are proud of the work we do.

Your Total Rewards Package as a State of Montana Employee:

When you work for the State of Montana, the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. Our robust total rewards package invests in your long-term well-being and success. Other Benefits include:

Health Coverage: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, and EAP.

Retirement: Choice between two retirement plans with a strong employer contribution (8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary).

Work/Life Balance: A combination of 38 paid days off a year (vacation, sick leave, and holidays). Partial telework or hybrid schedules may be available.

Career Growth: Significant opportunities for career progression, training, and professional development.

Financial Benefits: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and potential longevity raises with continuous service.

On-Site Benefits: Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.

Although not formally associated with Montana State University (MSU), MVDL's new state of the art facility is located on the MSU campus, and there are opportunities for interactions with university faculty and students, depending on interest. MVDL is a relatively small diagnostic lab, but is poised for growth, with multiple current and upcoming advances in client service and outreach. MVDL has constructed a new, state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory building with new lab equipment and outstanding research ability. Loan repayment (competitive through USDA VMLRP) has been provided for veterinary professionals at the laboratory in the past, and new employees would also be eligible for this program. The Bozeman area is consistently ranked among the most desirable places to live in the nation. A small, friendly, college-town atmosphere paired with many conveniences typically only available in much larger cities, as well as an abundance of nearby outdoor recreation, make this region an ideal place to settle.

Qualifications- Minimum Requirements:

Education, Experience and Licensure requirements. Qualified applicants will have:

• (2) Specialty board certification or board eligibility in anatomic pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP),
• (3) Eligibility for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Montana within 6 months of hire, and
• (4) Relevant experience working as a diagnostic veterinary pathologist. Excellence in written and oral communication is expected.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

150,675.00 - 150,675.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Bozeman Agency : Department of Livestock Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Nov 4, 2026, 12:24:42 AM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume

Contact

Contact Name : Human Resources | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone]

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.