Agricultural Technician

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Agriculture Inspector Positions in Manhattan. This recruitment is open until filled with the first review of candidates taking place on January 6, 2026.

The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. The Agricultural Sciences Division provides agricultural, environmental, and public services and protection through program administration, cooperative agreements, enforcement, regulatory and compliance services, and laboratory services.

Job Overview:

This position performs agricultural inspections of potato tubers according to established schedules. This involves application of agricultural sampling techniques to ensure the validity of samples and results. The season typically runs from February to June.

Typical Duties:

Inspectors collect agricultural samples of potato tubers, ensuring representative sampling and inspections of potato tubers to determine overall quality and grade for certification purposes. This involves inspecting representative samples and comparing characteristics (e.g., size, shape, decay, soft rot, etc.) with grading standards and tolerance levels. Compiles and calculates numerical grading results to determine overall grade and issues official certificates declaring the grade of the potatoes.

Maintains regular communications with growers to assess inspection needs, respond to questions, and provide advice and assistance related to shipping certification.

Personal vehicle travel to an assigned location and travel between inspection locations will be required. Approved mileage will be reimbursed at established government rates.

Document and report all growers, locations, miles, and time daily to record inspection activities and provide information for wages and expenses incurred. Inspectors maintain records of inspections, certifications, and related program data to ensure accuracy and availability of current information. Potato inspection seasons vary depending on location and may run from early-February or March through April and into May, hours may vary depending upon season, location, and growers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification in required discipline or ability to become certified within given timeframe.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Must be able to qualify for federal/state license for inspection of potatoes. Training will be provided to successful applicants.
• Ability to apply state and federal regulations, policies and procedures governing inspection and sampling.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically both verbally and in writing.
• Initiative to work in a self-directed and proactive manner.
• Solution driven and ability to problem solve.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the agricultural community, coworkers, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; follow oral and written instructions.
• Successful applicant(s) are required to successfully pass all Department of Agriculture specific background check(s) relevant to each position.
• Workers can be exposed to discomforts and physical annoyances: traffic, road construction, adverse weather, noise, fumes, and dust.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation and work in extreme climate environments.

Benefits:

Optional membership in a Retirement System - vesting criteria applies.