TAHC Livestock Inspector - Willacy

Monthly salary: $3,730.13 – $4,780.13, plus state benefits. This is a career-ladder position with progression from Inspector II to Inspector V.

About the role

Join the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and help protect the livestock industry. At TAHC, we foster teamwork, open communication, transparency, and a commitment to educating the public while safeguarding Texas livestock.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections at livestock markets, feedlots, slaughter plants, flea markets, farms, ranches, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.
• Collect samples for testing from cattle, swine, equine, exotics, sheep, goats, and poultry.
• Enforce quarantines and other livestock disease control measures, including livestock shipment activities.
• Conduct periodic public education contacts with community media resources and organizations.
• Participate in emergency management activities and responses to disease outbreaks as assigned.
• Maintain accurate and detailed work activity records.
• Drive extensively on a daily basis, using personal or agency vehicle.
• Perform 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.
• Newly hired inspectors (unless previously a TAHC Inspector or USDA Animal Health Technician) will start at the Inspector II classification and pay.
• 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.
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Employment contingent upon an 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 aged 18 through 25 must present proof of Selective Service registration or exemption upon hire.

Skills

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with livestock producers, market owners/operators, local emergency management coordinators, coworkers, and others involved in animal agriculture.
• Keep detailed written records.
• Operate a laptop computer, hand-held data collection device, global positioning system (GPS), and other necessary equipment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; legible handwriting.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Safely handle livestock.
• Acquire knowledge of laws and regulations governing livestock markets, brucellosis, and other regulatory programs and apply them to work activities.
• Travel extensively (some overnight) and work 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.
• Fit testing with a respirator will be required.
• This position is a key role in the agency’s emergency management activities. As a first responder, you may be subject to rotating temporary duty assignments away from headquarters for up to two weeks at a time, working in adverse conditions, irregular hours, overtime, and duties beyond those specified in the standard position description.