Brand Inspector

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is scheduled for September 8, 2026. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before September 7, 2026. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The WSDA Animal Services Division is dedicated to the protection, promotion and enhancement of animal health, wellness and wellbeing. The division works to promote the economic vitality of the livestock industry by minimizing exposure to animal diseases and providing owner asset protection through ownership inspections and livestock identification at state, national and international levels. The division safeguards the citizens of Washington by identifying and limiting the exposure to zoonotic diseases through disease surveillance, livestock identification and traceability.

The Livestock Identification Program support economic vitality of Washington's livestock industries by providing asset protection and supporting disease traceability standards. The program verifies ownership and title status through livestock inspections and recorded brands; deterring theft and fraud by denying an outlet for untitled animals.

This position performs ownership inspection of cattle and horses at livestock markets, slaughter plants, feedlots and other locations as required. This position also assists with completing change of ownership transactions at Washington's livened public livestock markets.

WSDA is recruiting for a part-time permanent Brand Inspector 1 position within the Animal Services Division. The Brand Inspector 1 position is approved for a home duty station in Benton and Franklin County, WA. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is:
Range 39 Step A $42,780 - Step L $55,596 annually.

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Conducts ownership inspections of livestock when offered for sale or prior to movement out of state. Creates records of all inspections and work-related activities on a daily basis. Collects livestock inspection fees from customers and remits those fees to the WSDA main office in Olympia.

• Visually inspect livestock for brands at sales yards, feedlots, slaughter plants, pastures, receiving stations, and in transport to verify ownership and to ensure compliance with the livestock identification regulations.
• Conduct inspection at private residences and events to include working with and interacting with youth.
• Issue brand inspection certificates using a mobile electronic device (Apple iPad) to purchaser of livestock and inspects livestock back tags for proof of positive ownership and for brand verification at sales yards.
• Impound livestock or proceeds of the sale of livestock if the consignor does not provide sufficient proof of ownership at the time of sale.
• Assist the compliance program with livestock theft cases and to detect illegal movement of possession of livestock, as needed.
• Observe animals and report suspected diseased animals to Animal Services Division and checks market facilities for sanitation conditions.
• Engage with the public in explaining livestock inspection regulations, WSDA policies and…