License & Registration Specialist - (26141929)
The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Licensing & Registration Specialist. First review of applicants will be on August 11, 2026. Position is open until filled.
The Montana Department of Agriculture operates more than 30 programs. These include regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers and the environment, as well as development and marketing programs to foster growth in Montana agriculture. Our agency is serving Montana agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.
The Agricultural Sciences Division provide agricultural producers and consumers, commodity and environmental protection through the administration of the Montana laws and rules in the areas of pesticides, groundwater monitoring, noxious weed control, feeds, fertilizers, seed, anhydrous ammonia, grain commodity dealers, commodity warehousemen, nurseries, produce, mint, honey bees, alfalfa leaf cutting bees and other services including organic certification, pest management consulting, laboratory analysis, pest surveys, export certification and quarantines.
Job Overview:
Responsibilities include a full range of duties associated with assessing certification for licensing commercial, non-commercial, governmental and private pesticide applicators; assist in the development of effective training manuals and licensure tests that assure competency levels to protect the public and environment; process license applications ; and assists section supervisor in developing and carrying out short- and long-range goals and objectives for special projects associated with specific program areas. This position also works closely with department staff, Montana State University Extension Service, tribal government representatives, state agencies, other pesticide State Lead Agencies, and federal government agencies.
As the Licensing & Registration Specialist, you will:
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Confer with, interview, and evaluate applicants, officials, applications, records, and documents to gather information about eligibility for or liability issues with licenses.
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Issue licenses to individuals meeting standards.
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Advise licensees, other individuals, and groups concerning licensing, permits, and regulations.
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Prepare reports of activities, evaluations, recommendations, or decisions.
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Report law or regulation violations to appropriate personnel, boards, or agencies.
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Prepare correspondence to inform concerned parties of licensing decisions or appeals processes.
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May warn violators of infractions or penalties and initiate actions, such as license suspension, fines, revocation, or other penalties.
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Participate in the development of procedures, policies, and administrative rules for licensing.
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Examine financial and legal documents, inspection reports, official statements and certifications, or other relevant documents related to licensing.
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Train and mentor other staff and the public about licensing requirements, inspections, and regulations.
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Coordinate licensing investigation and inspection tasks with other agencies and the public.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
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Works in an office environment. Work hours are generally 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The position is generally sedentary in nature, but incumbent typically performs some light stretching, reaching, twisting, stooping, and bending when working with files and performing routine office duties.
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Fluctuation in workload may require more than a 40-hour work week.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of customer service standards and techniques, applicant licensing methods and techniques for multiple programs, and applicable State and federal laws and licensing requirements.
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Knowledge of pesticide use and pesticide sites to determine necessary category(s) for licensure.
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Ability to recognize need for new category development to meet site specifications.
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Knowledge of applicable State laws, rules and licensing requirements is required, but may be part of a training assignment if needed.
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Knowledge of State and Agency accounting, record keeping, and administrative policies and procedures; and business communications (e.g., professional document formats, composition, spelling, grammar, etc.).
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Skills in data analysis including standard statistics, trend analysis, and related professional reporting for the agency, legislature, legislative working committees, industry, and the general public.
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Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically both verbally and in writing.
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Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
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Knowledge of Montana Agriculture.
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Knowledge of the principles and practices of repository database systems and typical office software programs (Excel, Word, etc.).
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Attention to detail.
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Initiative to work in a self-directed and proactive manner.
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Ability to handle difficult situations with the public.
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Solution driven and ability to problem solve.
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Ability to handle competing priorities with sensitive time frames while completing high-quality work.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field.
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Three years of job-related work experience in compliance or licensing, procurement and contract administration, or program administration.
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Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits:
Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package! Upon date of hire, employees working at least half-time for more than six months are eligible for:
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Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
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Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, and EAP.
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Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
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15 working days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10 paid holidays per year.
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Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
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Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.77% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. Vesting criteria applies.
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.
E-Verify: This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/
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: $ 27.96 - 27.96 Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings: 1
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees
Posting Date: Jul 28, 2026, 11:16:56 AM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Traci Merzlak |
Contact Email: [email protected] |
Contact Phone: 406-444-3145
Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the 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.
