Weights & Measures Inspector Apprentice (Eastern Montana)
🔍 McCone, Montana, United States
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- 26141986 Requisition #
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- 2 days ago Post Date
Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26141986&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FDenver
If you like hands-on work, problem-solving, and serving your community, this apprenticeship offers a direct path into a meaningful public service career. As a Weights and Measures Inspector Apprentice, you will help protect Montana consumers and businesses by checking scales, fuel pumps, and other measuring devices to ensure people get what they pay for and businesses compete fairly. Through a structured five-level apprenticeship, you will receive hands-on field training, mentorship from experienced inspectors, and the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career candidates and career changers from technical, mechanical, agricultural, transportation, trades, or service backgrounds who want to build a long-term career with purpose.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.
It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Weights and Measures Program promotes a fair and competitive economic environment by inspecting and certifying weighing and measuring devices used in commerce—from fuel dispensers and truck scales to retail and agricultural equipment.
As an apprentice inspector, you will learn to conduct technical inspections, apply state and national standards, and provide education to Montana businesses and consumers and perform housing inspections related to the Department’s H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program. This position supports Employment Standard Division’s (ESD) mission to ensure compliance, foster public confidence, and maintain fairness in the marketplace.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Earn while you learn: Build a career through a structured public-service apprenticeship that combines paid work, hands-on field experience, formal training, and increasing responsibility over time. Public-service apprenticeships are a proven approach for developing skilled workers in high-demand roles.
- Gain respected credentials: Work toward nationally recognized NCWM certifications that demonstrate knowledge of U.S. weights and measures standards and can support long-term career growth. NCWM states that its Professional Certification Program provides confidence that an individual has a strong understanding of U.S. weights and measures standards.
- Do meaningful work: Help make sure consumers get what they pay for and businesses operate on a level playing field. Consumer protection agencies consistently describe weights and measures work as ensuring fairness and trust in the marketplace.
- Build technical skills: Develop practical expertise in inspections, testing, calibration, documentation, equipment operation, regulatory application, and field-based problem solving through real-world experience. Weights and measures apprentice roles commonly include inspection, testing, use of specialized equipment, and preparation of reports and findings.
- Grow into a long-term career: Start in an apprenticeship designed to build confidence, technical ability, and independence, with a pathway to more advanced inspection work and future advancement. Apprenticeship and inspector career pathways often begin with supervised field learning and progress into more independent technical work.
- Work across Montana: Spend time in the field, visit a wide range of businesses and communities, and build a career that combines public service, travel, variety, and hands-on work rather than sitting at a desk all day. State inspector postings commonly describe this work as field-based and centered on inspections at commercial locations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Inspect and certify devices: Test, evaluate, and document the accuracy of scales, meters, and measuring equipment used in commercial transactions. Inspect worker housing for safety and livability.
- Apply laws and standards: Learn and apply laws, administrative rules, and federal handbooks (Handbooks 44, 130, and 133) governing weights and measures.
- Operate specialized equipment: Safely drive and operate large trucks, service vehicles, and precision testing tools across Montana in diverse environments and weather conditions.
- Educate and advise stakeholders: Explain inspection results to business owners, service technicians, and consumers, ensuring clear understanding of findings and corrective actions.
- Ensure marketplace equity: Identify and correct inaccuracies to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and uphold public confidence.
- Manage independent fieldwork: Plan, schedule, and complete inspection assignments with minimal supervision while maintaining clear and detailed records.
- Participate in apprenticeship training: Progress through five certification levels by completing structured courses and National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) exams.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Technical and regulatory proficiency: Learn, interpret, and apply technical standards, codes, and laws related to weights and measures inspections.
- Independent problem solving: Manage field assignments, analyze inspection data, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Customer and stakeholder communication: Explain complex technical findings clearly, respond to questions, and model professional, service oriented interactions.
- Conflict resolution and diplomacy: Address compliance issues with tact and fairness, balancing regulatory enforcement with educational support.
- Safety and equipment operation: Drive and handle specialized vehicles and mechanical test equipment safely in varying weather and terrain conditions.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: Embrace training, feedback, and evolving technical practices throughout the apprenticeship and beyond.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Work cooperatively with field partners and division colleagues to achieve program goals and maintain public trust.
Certifications Included In This Apprenticeship Program:
Candidates who already hold one or more of the certifications listed below will be evaluated and placed at the appropriate level within the apprenticeship.
- Montana Class A, or B type 1 or 2 Commercial Drivers License
- NCWM Basic Competency Liquid Measuring Devices
- NCWM Basic Competency Vehicle Tank Meters
- NCWM Basic Competency Weighing
- NCWM Package Checking - Basic
- NCWM Large Capacity Scales
- NCWM Retail Motor Fuel Dispensing
- NCWM Vehicle Tank Meters
- NCWM Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III
- NCWM LPG and Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid Meters
- NCWM Medium Capacity Weighing Systems
- NCWM Precision Scales
- NCWM Price Verification
- NCWM NIST Handbook 44, 130 Basic Competency
- Any combination of equivalent experience and education to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply technical standards, codes, or regulations in a compliance, inspection, quality assurance, mechanical, agricultural, transportation, construction, or similar setting.
- Experience explaining technical information, instructions, or findings to customers, clients, coworkers, or the public in a clear and professional manner.
- Ability to organize daily work, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records with minimal supervision.
- Comfort operating heavy vehicles, tools, machinery, or field equipment and eligibility to obtain a Montana Class A or B, Type 1 or 2 Commercial Driver’s License.
- Fundamental understanding of mathematical principles, including algebra, as applied to measurement, calibration, and field calculations.
- A degree, certificate, apprenticeship, military training, or experience in technical trades, science, mathematics, agriculture, transportation, mechanics, industrial systems, or a related field may supplement professional experience but is not required. Equivalent combinations of education and related experience will be considered.
POSSIBLE APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY
This agency may utilize a registered apprenticeship program to train and qualify employees for this position. Employees hired into an apprenticeship placement will be paid on a graduated wage scale that starts below the advertised base rate for fully qualified incumbents. Apprentices will receive predetermined pay increases each time they achieve defined apprenticeship milestones and demonstrate the required competencies. The specific terms, including the wage progression schedule, will be provided in writing at the time of hire.
LOCATION AND WORK ARRANGEMENT
This position may be based in Eastern Montana (specific duty location to be confirmed by HR). The role involves extensive travel up to five days per week throughout the assigned region. Work typically follows a four day, ten hour schedule with flexible options as approved.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:
A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.
Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.
Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents.
Required application materials:
- Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified required skills and competencies, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
- Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.
Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.
If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.
BENEFITS:
Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.
See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:
- Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
- 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.
- Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
- 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 covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)
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/
