TAHC Livestock Inspector - Dallam, Hartley, Moore,

Monthly salary: $3,730.13 - $4,780.13 per month plus state benefits. Position is located in the Amarillo Region (Dalhart, TX area); must reside in Dallam, Hartley, Moore, Sherman, or Oldham counties.

About the Role

Performs inspections at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms and ranches, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered. Conducts livestock shipment inspection activities and participates in emergency management responses to disease outbreaks.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspections at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms and ranches, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.
• Collects samples for testing from cattle, swine, equine, exotics, sheep, goats, and poultry.
• Enforces quarantines and other livestock disease control measures, including livestock shipment activities.
• Performs periodic public education contacts with community media resources and organizations.
• Participates in emergency management activities and responses to disease outbreaks as assigned.
• Maintains accurate and detailed work activity records.
• Drives extensively on a daily basis, using personal or agency vehicle.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED.
• Inspector II: General experience working with livestock.
• Inspector III: At least one (1) year of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Inspector IV: At least three (3) years of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Inspector V: At least five (5) years of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Must not have personal involvement with livestock or poultry/fowl to the extent that it creates an actual or perceived conflict of interest in executing regulatory enforcement duties.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license and safe driving record.
• Employment contingent upon acceptable criminal background check and moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (E-Verify).
• Males age 18 through 25 must present proof of Selective Service registration or exemption upon hire.

Skills

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with livestock producers, market owners/operators, local emergency management coordinators, coworkers, and others involved in animal agriculture.
• Keeping detailed written records.
• Operating a laptop computer, hand-held data collection device, GPS, and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; legible handwriting.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Safely handling livestock.
• Acquiring knowledge of laws and regulations governing livestock markets, brucellosis, and other regulatory programs and applying them to work activities.
• Traveling extensively (some overnight) and working occasional overtime as required.

Physical Requirements

• Arm, hand, shoulder, and back strength and dexterity to handle and restrain livestock, including cattle, horses, swine, small ruminants, exotic livestock, and poultry.
• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment such as chutes, portable pens, spraying equipment, trailers, and instruments weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds overhead to fill corn feeders.

Other Requirements

• Cholinesterase testing may be required monthly.
• Must be fit tested with a respirator.
• This position plays a key role in the agency's emergency management activities as a first responder, subject to rotating temporary duty assignments away from headquarters for up to two weeks at a time, potentially involving adverse conditions, irregular working hours, overtime, and duties beyond those specified.