Job Description

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 November 20, 2025.
Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References: Please provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

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 .
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 then 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

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

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
to learn more. * Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click
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 base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
About this Opportunity!
The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) seeks applications for a veterinary microbiologist section head to join our team. MVDL exists as a bureau within the Animal Health and Food Safety Division of the Montana Department of Livestock, and is a full-service, AAVLD-accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The laboratory performs approximately 170,000 tests per year on a wide variety of domestic and non-domestic animal species. For more information on the laboratory, please contact: . We seek applicants with demonstrated interest and expertise in multiple subfields of diagnostic veterinary microbiology, as well as management experience.
As a manager/section head, the Veterinary Microbiologist Section Head will play critical role in providing leadership guidance, and support to their team. 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 position has 8 direct reports where typical duties include but are not limited to hiring, managing and assessing employee performance, managing employee work schedules, and responding to employee questions and concerns.
Job Overview:
Upon joining our team, the successful candidate will provide management and technical oversight to the microbiology, virology, serology, and molecular diagnostics sections of the laboratory. Responsibilities will include:

• Provision of relevant microbiology subject matter expertise to laboratory section staff.
• Active participation in the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures, records, forms, and necessary documentation for laboratory sections to ensure compliance within the MVDL Quality Management System and with the requirements of national accrediting bodies.
• Understanding, troubleshooting, and interpreting a wide variety of automated, manual, and classical diagnostic testing modalities, including but not limited to: cell culture and virus growth/titration, antibody titer testing, ELISA, fluorescence microscopy, RT-PCR, bacterial and fungal culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, complement fixation testing, agglutination tests, point of care assays, and endoparasite and ectoparasite identification.
• Identification and review of assay/equipment performance and technical data, review of associated non-conformances, and provision of solutions and monitoring plans as necessary to ensure quality results.
• Identification of the need for new testing assays and equipment, and coordination of research, development, and validation of new test offerings.
• Oversight over and participation in proficiency testing, training, and response for National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and state/federally regulated animal diseases and surveillance programs.
• Coordination and regular communication with the State Veterinarian's office regarding reportable disease detections and disease investigations.
• Supervision, mentorship, and training of volunteers, fellows, and undergraduate and veterinary students.
• DVM candidates will also engage in client consultation with submitting veterinarians and livestock producers to provide clinical context and interpretation of diagnostic test results and provide case guidance and diagnostic planning.

Although not formally associated with Montana State University, the MVDL is located on the Montana State University (MSU) campus, and there may be opportunities for interaction with university faculty and students, depending on interest. MVDL is a relatively small diagnostic lab, but is poised for growth, with multiple current and upcoming advances in client service and outreach. The Department of Livestock is currently constructing a new, state of the art diagnostic laboratory building adjacent to our current location on the campus of MSU that will significantly enhance the lab's biosecurity and functionality.
Location:
The Bozeman area is consistently ranked among the most desirable places to live in the nation. A small, friendly, college-town atmosphere paired with many conveniences typically only available in much larger cities, as well as an abundance of nearby outdoor recreation, make this region an ideal place to settle.
Qualifications
Qualifications- Minimum Requirements:
Qualified applicants will have a minimum of:

• A DVM and relevant experience working in the field of veterinary microbiology.
• Montana Veterinary Licensure: Candidates must be able to obtain licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Montana within 6 months of hire.

Prior experience where providing accurate information and articulate written and verbal communication was required.
Preferred applicants will have:

• A DVM and have (or be eligible for) specialty board certification in microbiology by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM).
• 2-5 years veterinary diagnostic laboratory experience.

Prior Management Experience
The State of Montana does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.

Skills Required