Brand Inspector

Job Description and Duties

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

The Bureau of Livestock Identification is currently recruiting to fill a Indeterminate Brand Inspector position to cover Fresno County. This position approximately works up to 159 hours per month.

Under the supervision of the Agriculture Program Supervisor I, the Brand Inspector independently performs brand inspection of livestock at stockyards, shipping points, ranches, slaughterhouses, feedlots and facilitate livestock transfer of ownership transactions; assure lawful ownership, enforce brand registration and inspection laws. Must have knowledge of methods of branding and marketing cattle; principles and practice of animal husbandry and the operation of livestock ranches; methods of operation used by cattle thieves; apply provisions of laws and regulations designed to prevent theft of cattle, ability to detect altered brands; assist in theft and estray investigations; should be familiar with animal care standards.

As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the “essential functions” of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then CDFA is the place for you!!

Our office offers an exceptionally easy commute with straightforward access to major highways in the heart of Oakdale. The workspace is also highly convenient, sitting within walking distance of historic downtown restaurants and local coffee shops.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Field and Office Work: Duties are done outdoors at ranches, feedlots, and livestock markets, and indoors.
• Weather and Terrain: Regular exposure to outdoor weather extremes (heat and cold) and walking on muddy, rocky, or uneven ground.
• Field Safety Risks: Daily contact with large, unpredictable animals (including horned cattle), moving heavy metal gates, and noisy machinery.
• Public Interaction: Regular contact with the public, which may include handling difficult or unfriendly people during enforcement tasks.
• Travel Requirements: Frequent driving within the assigned district using a state-issued or private vehicle, with occasional travel across California for meetings.
• Equipment Used: Regular use of a state-issued cell phone, computer, and database software, as well as field tools like clippers or inspection markers.
• Public Contact: Managing potentially confrontational, unfriendly, or irate individuals during the course of regulatory law enforcement and asset seizure duties.

Outdoor Activities Include:

• Field Inspections: Conducting physical inspections of livestock directly within farms, ranches, saleyards, and related agricultural facilities.
• Terratrip Navigation: Traversing uneven, muddy, rocky, or slick terrain while conducting outdoor inspections.
• Regional & Statewide Travel: Frequently operates a state-assigned or private vehicle to navigate the assigned district, with occasional travel across California for temporary assignments, multi-agency exercises, or department meetings.

This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience of one to two years of working hands-on with commercial beef cattle on the range, at feedlots, livestock markets, processing plants, or stock pens.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Information

Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 may be disqualified.

Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.