//*To be considered for Department of Livestock positions, applicants must apply and submit any required application materials through the State of Montana Careers Website at Statecareers.mt.gov.*// This recruitment is posted as 'open until filled' with a first review of applicants on September 19, 2025. *_Materials Required of Applicants: _** * * *Cover Letter* * *Resume* * *References:* //References will be requested from finalist applicants prior to being made an offer of employment and are not required at this portion of the recruitment process. /// / *_Reasons to work for the Montana Department of Livestock:_* *Our work matters! *We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about the Department of Livestock visit our website HERE. *_Benefits of working for the Department of Livestock:_* The ability to *work* and *play* in the *beautiful state of Montana* is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! When you work for the State of Montana, the compensation for your hard work is more than just a paycheck. The State of Montana offers employees a robust total rewards package that invests in you! Here are some of the benefits: * /*Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click *//*here*//*to learn more.*/ * /*Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.*/ * /*A combination of 38 paid days off a year; including vacation, sick leave and holidays.*/ * /*Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.*/ * /*Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.*/ * /*Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click*//*here*//*to learn more.*/ * /*Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click*//*here*//*to learn more.*/ * /*Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click *//*here*//*to learn more!*/ * /*Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.*/ * /*State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.*/ **This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.* *About this Opportunity!* The*MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK*has many long-term employees who are passionate about protecting and serving the livestock industry in Montana. The Department is currently recruiting for a part-time Program Specialist who shares our passion and will assist the Livestock Loss Board and department in serving the people of Montana and meeting program and departmental goals. *Job Overview: * As an employee of the Department of Livestock, this position is the Program Specialist for the Livestock Loss Board (LLB), an autonomous quasi-judicial body that administers the programs established in MCA 2-15-3111 through 2-15-3113, with funds provided through the accounts established in MCA 81-1-110, in order to minimize losses and reimburse livestock producers for predations caused by wolves, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and black bears. The Board consists of non-salaried citizens appointed by the Governor to four-year terms and is administratively attached to the Department of Livestock. Position duties include managing multiple program and administrative related functions on behalf of the LLB. This position provides support, assists in planning and oversees the program’s policies, requirements, funding, and reporting requirements. The Program specialist executes the board’s decisions, ensures consistency and fairness, and promotes successful outcomes for livestock owners within the state of Montana. This position is staffed through the department and reports directly to the Deputy Executive Officer. This position is expected to lead by example in order to cultivate a culture of collaboration, respect, and professionalism, all of which will enhance team morale and provide quality service to the people of the State of Montana. This is a part time position that will be required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week. Typical work hours are expected to be between 20 to 30 hours per week and may be increased as needed to meet department demands. *Additional Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * * Oversee administrative aspects of programs to meet the objectives of the stakeholders. Such as processes all claims and grants and facilitating LLB meetings. * Assess program and client needs and ensure that program objectives are met. Regularly takes customer and Livestock Loss Board (LLB) member inputs and implements directed claims and grant processing improvements. * Work with community members and other stakeholders to identify necessary programs and services. Facilitates semi-annual board meetings and may attend a few livestock industry and NGO related stakeholder events. Shifts program procedures in response to LLB and management inputs. * Create and develops policies or program guidelines based on LLB direction and department supervision. * Identify, suggest, or implement improvements to programs and services. Loss valuations and prevention efforts shift with time and changing technology. This position is principally responsible for the identification of needed changes. * Prepare budget or grant documents and approve expenditures. With centralized services supervision approves and administers a small one-person operational budget and managing claims and grant funding streams and payments. * Review, interpret, and monitor compliance to guidelines, laws and regulations. Facilitates LLB review and discussion of rules, laws and policies. * Prepare reports. Tracks and reports claims and grants compliance and activities *Given the seasonality of loss claim submissions and annual prevention grant processing, this position will be tasked by Livestock management to assist with other departmental program, compliance or other duties as assigned such as: *** * May recommend, manage, and control program budgets authorized by the legislature. * May work within the program’s funding sources to ensure compliance with regulations, legislative and rule change, and secured funds * May develop needs assessments, reporting requirements, and data measurements to determine program effectiveness. * Other duties assigned may include working on special projects, providing back-up assistance to departments and other duties directed by management that are necessary to meet departmental objectives. **_Physical and Environmental Demands:_** **** Work is typically performed in a standard office environment.The individual in this position will be performing job duties in a typical office environment. This is a part time position, however, working more than 8 hours in a day to complete tasks or projects may occur on occasion. Frequent interactions with board members, the public and other department staff is common. Minimal travel may be required on occasion to attend board meetings or perform other tasks and options to telework may be approved on a case-by-case basis. **** *_Safety Culture_: * The Department of Livestock promotes a culture of employee safety within the Department, making safety a priority and everyone’s responsibility. Livestock employees will comply with the Department’s Safety Programs and the Workplace Safety Policy, observes all safety rules and applies accident prevention principles while performing duties and reports all workplace accidents or injuries to the supervisor or designee within 24 hours. *_Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors)_*- __ Required for the first day of work: * Understanding of Governance and Board Operations: Understanding board structure, roles and responsibilities, meeting protocols, and decision-making processes is crucial for smooth interaction. * This position must be able to facilitate positive working relationships with livestock producers, stakeholders, and management to foster support for LLB decisions and initiatives and align them with the Departmental goals and objectives. * Able to make decisions and provide recommendations based on data, experience, and an understanding of the organization's mission and board priorities. * Strong communication and customer service skills. * This position requires knowledge of management principles and experience related to board management, and claims and grant processing. Understanding legal and ethical considerations, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies related to the programs and board governance is important for ensuring responsible operations. * Familiarity with financial reports, budgeting processes, and funding sources is often necessary for discussing program sustainability and resource allocation with the board. * Strong computer and electronic skills, including experience with Word, Excel, and Outlook. * Good written and oral communication skills are required. * The ability to analyze program data, identify trends, assess impact, and present findings in a way that informs board decision-making. * Ability and experience to interpret regulations and in developing related policy. * Ability to use reason and logic to identify and solve problems. * Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work activities without direct supervision. * Effective time management and organization skills. * Being able to adjust to changing circumstances, address challenges proactively, and find innovative solutions when unexpected issues arise * Aligning program activities with the overall strategic goals and anticipating future challenges and opportunities. * **Minimum Qualifications (Required Education and Experience):** **** * Highschool Diploma or equivalent. * Five or more years of job-related experience in board administration or a closely related field is required. * Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case by case basis. *_Preferred:_* * A bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration is highly desired. * Livestock industry experience is also highly desired. *_Licensing:_* A valid driver’s license is required. **Title:** *Program Specialist - Livestock Loss Board- Part-Time* **Location:** *Helena* **Requisition ID:** *25142085*