Administrative Purchasing Technician- Helena

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 March 1, 2026.

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.

About this opportunity: The MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK has many long-term employees who are passionate about the mission of protecting and serving the livestock industry in Montana. Currently the Department is recruiting for an individual who not only shares our passion for the industry but is looking for a position that offers a variety in the duties performed and loves to multitask. If this sounds like you, then the Administrative Purchasing Technician in the Department’s Central Services Division may be right for you!

Job Overview: This position is located in the Centralized Services Division of the Department of Livestock and is responsible for a number of important tasks that assist the department in meeting its goals. These duties include: purchasing, accounting, deposits, inventory management, mail distribution, and safety coordination all while ensuring compliance with relevant directives policy or statute.

You’re the Perfect Fit If:

• You thrive on variety: one minute you’re at your desk with a spreadsheet, and the next you’re in the storeroom unboxing a shipment of supplies.
• You’re a "Doer": You don’t just see a problem; you solve it—whether that's finding a back-ordered item or fixing a safety issue.
• You’re Detail-Oriented: You take pride in a job well done, accuracy and an organized warehouse.
• You enjoy a job that keeps you moving (making deliveries, unboxing, organizing, and lifting up to 60 lbs).
• Passion: A desire to serve the Montana livestock industry and work with a dedicated, long-term team.

If you're looking for a role that offers variety and the opportunity to manage multiple aspects of a department, apply now to join our team!

Assigned Duties and Responsibilities:

Purchasing and Procurement:

• This position sources everything the department needs to function—from law enforcement gear and radios to specialized veterinary and lab equipment. You’ll handle the "detective work" of finding the best vendors and ensuring we stay within state policy.

• Manage the purchasing of the department’s equipment and supplies, ensure compliance with Department of Administration policies.

Inventory and Supplies Management:

• This position is a logistics Lead: Managing, tracking and documenting and maintaining the storeroom, keeps the department organized through various means and ensures proper policy and guidelines are followed when ordering supplies.

• Mail and Deliveries: Handles mail distribution and delivering supplies within the department. Ensure that vital supplies get shipped across the state to Livestock employees, (including to our Bozeman Lab).

Accounting:

• This position assists with processing vouchers, handles deposits and accounts payable. Assists the finance team cross the finish line during the end-of-year fiscal close and other financial/accounting related tasks.

Safety Coordination:

• This position is the department’s Safety Coordinator. In conjunction with Human Resources, this position is the safety champion and runs quarterly safety meetings, coordinates evacuation drills, spot potential hazards, and assists with building security.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilitie

• Understanding of or the ability to quickly learn the Department’s and the Department of Administration’s purchasing policies and procedures.

• Familiarity with purchasing principles and the ability to learn State of Montana (SABHRS) systems.

• Proficient with Microsoft applications including Excel and Word.

• Ability to conduct safety meetings and enforce safety guidelines.

• Proficient in inventory management and mail handling.

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to run office equipment and data tracking software.

• Ability to use sound judgment and make decisions based on multiple factors.

• Ability to take ownership and accountability for work results.

The functions of this position are performed in a mostly normal office environment. The supply and mail work involves physical demands associated with heavy lifting and, delivering supplies to all locations within the department, operating a dolly and motor vehicle, unpacking, and climbing ladders to reach shelves. The work may also involve exposure to weather conditions and will involve occasional exposure to samples submitted for rabies testing. Work requires occasional lifting, at times up to 60 lbs.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 3-5 years of experience in office management, purchasing, supply, and asset management, or performing other relevant administrative duties.

• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience working in State Of Montana Systems and knowledge of State of Montana purchasing, procurement or accounting procedures and policies.

• Associates degree or completed higher education courses or certificates in Business Administration or similar program.