TAHC Livestock Inspector - Ectoparasite Response (

About the role

This is a full-time, temporary position currently funded through August 31, 2027. Continuation beyond this date is dependent on the availability of permanent funding. Performs moderately complex (journey-level) inspections of ectoparasites including Cattle Fever Ticks, New World Screwworms (NWS) and other livestock pests and diseases. Performs inspections at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms and ranches, and at other places where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May require irregular working hours, overtime, and occasional weekends.

Responsibilities

• Performs inspections for signs of ectoparasites at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms and ranches, and at other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.
• Monitors and surveys livestock to identify ectoparasite infestations early to help prevent the spread. Reports any suspects of ectoparasite infestation to appropriate veterinarian staff and management.
• Collects samples for testing from cattle, swine, equine, exotics, sheep, goats and poultry.
• Collaborates with state and federal agencies to assist with control measures, including but not limited to release of sterile males to NWS populations.
• Enforces quarantines and other livestock disease control measures, including livestock shipment activities.
• Provides education to the livestock producers and the general public on ectoparasites and the importance of early detection and reporting.
• Performs periodic public education contacts with community media resources and organizations.
• Serves in a primary active role 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 a personal or agency vehicle. May travel outside of Laredo region.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from standard senior high school or GED.

• Inspector II: Must have general experience working with livestock.
• Inspector III: Must have at least one (1) year of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Inspector IV: Must have at least three (3) years of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.
• Inspector V: Must have at least five (5) years of livestock experience working as a TAHC Livestock Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician.

Note: TAHC Animal Health Inspectors cannot 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 or in any way restricts ability to carry out disease program activities.

Skills

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with livestock producers, market owners/operators, local area emergency management coordinators, coworkers, and others involved in animal agriculture.
• Keeping detailed written records.
• Operating a laptop computer, hand-held data collection device, global positioning system (GPS), and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Legible handwriting.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to safely handle livestock.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the laws and regulations governing livestock markets, brucellosis, and other regulatory programs and to apply regulations to work activities.
• Ability to travel extensively (some overnight) and to work occasional overtime as required.

Physical requirements

• Must have arm, hand, shoulder and back strength and dexterity to be able to handle and restrain livestock, including cattle, horses, swine, small ruminants, exotic forms of livestock, and poultry.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver equipment such as chutes, portable pens, spraying equipment, trailers, and instruments weighing up to 50 pounds used for restraining and testing large animals.
• Must also be able to lift 50 pounds overhead to fill corn feeders.

Schedule

• Regular days off fluctuate depending upon workload.
• May require irregular working hours, overtime, and occasional weekends.

Pay

Monthly salary range: $3,730.13 – $4,780.13 per month, plus state benefits.