Agricultural Technician

Posted 2 weeks ago
State of Montana, Plentywood, MT, Openings : 1,
Apply Here Job Description : Agricultural Technician – ( 24141255 )

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for an 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 &amp 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.


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.


Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : 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.
Salary: $ 17.55 – 17.55 Hourly
Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Retirement Plan Optional
Number of Openings : 1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Variable Job Type : Standard Shift : Day Job Travel : Yes, 50 % of the Time
Primary Location : Plentywood
Agency : Department of Agriculture Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees
Posting Date : Apr 25, 2024, 2:31:28 PM Closing Date (based on your computers timezone) : Ongoing Required Application Materials : None
Contact Name : Traci Merzlak | Contact Email : Traci.merzlak@mt.gov | Contact Phone : 406-444-3145 Last Date For Apply: 2024-07-26 00:00:00 Job Type : FULL_TIME, Employment Type : FULL_TIMEApply Here