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The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a seasonal Agricultural Technician in Plentywood to sample grain and other crops. Position is posted as full-time, but persons interested in possible part-time opportunities should apply. Successful candidate will be offered training opportunities to increase skills and pay. Position is open until filled with first review of candidates May 3, 2021.

The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.

The State Grain Laboratory, with locations in Great Falls & Plentywood, is responsible for the operation of a statewide grain and commodity inspection program. Accurate and unbiased sampling inspections and testing are performed in compliance with federal and state grain standards. The State Grain Laboratory is the only federally designated, official grain inspection service in the state of Montana. The purpose of official grain inspection is to certify the type and grade of crops for setting market values under federal standards issued by USGA/AMA.

Job Overview:

Grain Samplers start from the lab in Plentywood. While at each elevator, crop samples are taken from rail cars, trucks and totes or bags. The samples are then returned to the lab after completing the assigned route. The routes and crops being collected vary each day.

The State Grain Laboratory uses on-the-job training methods during the normal paid work hours.

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Minimum Qualifications:

• Good driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The State Grain Laboratory has a peak work season starting at the end of July and lasting until early January. During these months, employees may be asked to work 10 hours a day and up to seven days a week to provide timely customer service. During off-peak season, from January to July, employees may be asked to work a reduced work week.

Overtime is paid at 1.5 times base rate.

Lunch time is paid while in route and collecting samples.

Sampling is performed outdoors on railcars and trucks, indoors for totes and bags.

Workers can be exposed to discomforts and physical annoyances: traffic, road construction, adverse weather, noise, fumes, and dust.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.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.!*!The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's 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.