Careers

Why work for the Montana Department of Corrections?

Name Location Date

Correctional Officer - MSP

Closing Date: January 27, 2025
Location: Deer Lodge
Position #: 24143263

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW - This position is responsible for the overall safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors of Montana State Prison and Montana Correctional Enterprises. Correctional Officers help ensure the institution is operated for the safety of the public, as well as the incarceration, treatment and rehabilitation of the inmate population.

  • Supervise adult male felons while in the custody of Montana State Prison, on or off property. Correctional Officers are responsible for a wide variety of security duties relative to the safe, orderly and cost effective operation grounds, performing on including, but not limited to, conducting thorough inspections and searches of inmates, buildings and grounds,  performing security observation, preparing documentation regarding institutional matters such as incident reports, disciplinary documentation, counts and logs, operating security equipment, recognizing critical behavior, restraining and controlling offenders,  and responding to emergencies.
  • Enforce and follow rules and regulations including, but not limited to written and/or oral directives, post orders, and special instructions in addition to policies and procedures which dictate daily, routine and emergency procedures. 
  • Serve as a member of the Unit Management Team to oversee all aspects of the basic needs and welfare of adult male felons in the custody of Montana State Prison, on or off property. Participate in case management and classification procedures.
  • Provide intervention for adult male felons in the custody of Montana State Prison by facilitating and/or overseeing counseling, medical care, first aide, clothing & laundry, janitorial and housekeeping supplies, transportation of inmates, meals, movement, jobs and other services as required.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license are required. 
  • A background check including criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries will be required prior to being hired.
  • A background form, pre-interview questionnaire and writing assessment must be completed prior to interviewing for position.

UPON HIRE 

  • Successful completion of the Pre-Service training class for prison personnel.
  • Successful completion of Corrections & Detention Officer Basic Training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy within the first year of employment.
  • Correctional Officers will be required to participate in weapon familiarization with firearms (AR-15, 12-gauge shotgun, and 9 mm pistol) during the two-week pre-service training and/or on-the-job training program.
  • Firearms familiarization is a condition of employment. Failure to meet qualification standards with firearms will prohibit the CO from being assigned to armed posts or duties.
  • Annual TB testing is mandatory.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION 

This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections.  In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must: 

  1. Be a citizen of the United States of America;
  2. Be at least 18 years of age;
  3. Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
  4. Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
  5. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
  6. Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent; AND,
  7. Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.   

Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements

  • Regular exposure to temperature extremes. 
  • Ability to climb and descend multiple stairs and ladders, work at heights up to 50 ft for long periods of time.
  • Lifting, pushing, pulling, or dragging heavy furniture, equipment or people up to 30 pounds alone, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  • Climbing and crawling
  • Visual acuity, attention to detail, must remain alert and ready to react throughout the entire shift.
  • Remaining on feet for long periods of time, walking on hard surfaces.
  • Sitting for long periods of time.
  • Ability to respond to verbal communication, alarms, telephones, and radio communication equipment.
  • Respond in the event of an emergency, which may include working long hours, mandatory overtimes, reporting to work prior to the start of the shift or staying after the shift normally ends. 
  • Stressful working conditions.
  • Ability to exert physical force and the use of weapons or restraints, including handcuffs or other physical restraints, firearms, and self-defense techniques. 
  • Must be physically and legally able to drive a vehicle.
  •  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS - Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

  • State of Montana Application
  • Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.
  • If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
  • Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS 

  • Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
  • Health Insurance
  • Paid Leave & Holidays
  • Game Warden Retirement Pan

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Deer Lodge 2025-01-27

Administrative Assistant - Health Services

Closing Date: February 07, 2025
Location: Deer Lodge
Position #: 25140063

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION – MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW - This position will be working with the HSB-Medical and Dental Bureau at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, MT.

  • Responsible for compiling, processing, and maintaining medical records of Infirmary and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal and regulatory requirements of the correctional health care system and national accreditation agency.
  • Part of a team that manages patient records, all scheduling for a walk-in clinic and six full-time medical providers, and off-site medical appointments.
  • Performs a significant role in the Continuous Quality Improvement process by ensuring data is maintained in the medical record and providing information for tracking cost, history and extent of disease, diagnostic encounters, and treatment.
  • Reports to the Medical Records Supervisor and provides and administrative support function to the Director of Nursing and MSP Health Services Bureau Chief.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A high school diploma or equivalent to high school graduation and one-year job related or vocational training is required.
  • One-year work-related experience in a medical office/clinic setting is preferred.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered

  • Resume
  • State of Montana Application

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Deer Lodge 2025-02-07

Collections Technician

Closing Date: January 24, 2025
Location: Helena
Position #: 25140061

COLLECTIONS TECHNICIAN

FINANCIAL SERVICES

HELENA, MT

 JOB OVERVIEW  

  • Responsible for collecting felony offender restitution for the State of Montana. 
  • Acts as the Department of Corrections liaison to the courts, State and Federal Probation and Parole Officers, local and state government officials, and victims of crime. 
  • Position is required to develop and maintain positive working relationships with all officials involved to ensure the restitution process is completed and accurate. 
  • Responsible for entering accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposit entries, and reconciliation of offender accounts within the Department’s restitution system. 
  • Position is responsible for reporting the status of the offender’s accounts to various individuals, including Probation and Parole Officers, court officials, and Department staff. 
  • Must be able to interpret court orders to ensure collection amounts and victim information. 
  • Responds to victim and offender inquiries concerning victim payments, restitution balances, and offender collections. 
  • This position must have an accurate and technical knowledge of accounting processes as well as State and Federal Laws and State policies that are in place to ensure restitution is collected and distributed correctly.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 1-year job-related experience in business administration, accounting, or finance.

APPLICATION MATERIALS  

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • State of Montana Application

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS 

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify.


Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Helena 2025-01-24

Dental Assistant

Closing Date: January 24, 2025
Location: Deer Lodge
Position #: 24143364

DENTAL ASSISTANT

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW – The Dental Department provides preventive and comprehensive dental procedures to incarcerated persons.  Under the direction of the Montana State Prison Director of Dental Services, contracted or employed dentists, and oversight by the Department of Corrections Dental Director, the Dental Department provides a wide range of dental services ranging from dental prophylaxis to prosthetic dentistry.

  • The Dental Assistant performs paraprofessional, technical, and administrative work in assisting the Dentist, Denturist, or Hygienist in performing comprehensive and preventative oral care to the inmates at Montana State Prison.
  • Performs administrative assistant functions for the Dental Department Director of Dental Services.
  • Compiles data and information critical to the functions of the Dental Services Unit and coordinates daily operations of the Dental Department and performs clerical duties.

 QUALIFICATIONS

The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

 High school Diploma/GED Equivalency

  • Dental Assistant Certification
  • Dental Laboratory Training/Certification
  • Three years’ experience as a dental assistant.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

  • Resume
  • State of Montana Application
  • References

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

  • Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Deer Lodge 2025-01-24

Mail Courier

Closing Date: January 26, 2025
Location: Deer Lodge
Position #: 24143437

MAIL COURIER

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

 

JOB OVERVIEW – This position will:

  • Verify that mail is in suitable condition for processing.
  • Sort and route incoming mail and collect outgoing mail.
  • Answer inquiries regarding shipping or mailing policies.
  • Identify suspicious and eccentric mail and follow protocol. 
  • Operate mail machinery for postage, expense tracking, addressing, and sorting.
  • Operate shipping-processing system for outgoing mail.
  • Deliver and pick-up State of Montana mail at the Post Office and follow the USPS mail-addressing requirements.
  • Performs and ensures preventative maintenance for machines and fleet vehicles.

QUALIFICATIONS  

  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • One-year mail processing experience

Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • State of Montana Application
Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested may not be considered in the selection process.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position. 

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Deer Lodge 2025-01-26

Maintenance Service Manager

Closing Date: January 23, 2025
Location: Billings
Position #: 25140071

MAINTENANCE SERVICE MANAGER

MONTANA WOMEN’S PRISON

BILLINGS, MT

 
JOB OVERVIEW

  • Assesses maintenance program and client needs, and ensure that program objectives are met.
  • Works with community members and other stakeholders to identify necessary programs and services.
  • Identifies, suggests, or implements improvements to maintenance programs and services.
  • Plans and oversees outreach activities.
  • Reviews, interprets, and monitors compliance to guidelines, laws, and regulations.
  • May provide training or technical assistance to partners.
  • May investigate complaints and suspected violations.
  • May coordinate activities of program committees or other groups and plan procedures.
  • Records and file paperwork associated with maintenance activities, such as requesting supplies and materials, filing vehicle reports, logging duties, and checking out equipment. 
  • May perform general upkeep of buildings and properties.
  • Supervises or manage at least 2 FTE employees.
  • Performs management functions, including hiring, firing, performance management, discipline, work distribution, and employee development.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two years of directly related experience
  • One year of supervisory or lead worker experience. 
  • Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

  • State of Montana Application,
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter.
Materials submitted but not requested may not be considered in the selection process.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Billings 2025-01-23

Maintenance Worker

Closing Date: January 23, 2025
Location: Deer Lodge
Position #: 25140073

MAINTENANCE WORKER

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

 

JOB OVERVIEW - This position provides overall maintenance for the Montana State Prison to include:

  • Performs preventative maintenance for machines and equipment such as replacing belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, and cleaning gears.
  • Inspect, test, and adjust systems such as pumps, alarms, gauges, heating and cooling, and electrical components; notifying others when issues require licensed trades or craftsman. 
  • Record and file paperwork associated with maintenance activities, such as requesting supplies and materials, filing vehicle reports, logging duties, and checking out equipment. 
  • May perform general upkeep of buildings and properties. 
  • This position will spend a large amount of the work time interacting, training and supervising inmate workers in the maintenance department.
  • Other duties as assigned.
     

QUALIFICATIONS  

  • High school graduation or equivalent 
  • A minimum two years of experience in light duty construction or maintenance to include preventative maintenance.  
  • Two years of basic blueprint drawing or reading is preferred.  All alternative experience to be reviewed case by case basis.
  • Ability to obtain a low-pressure boiler license within one year of employment.
  • CDL license is preferred.
  • Must have and maintain a Montana driver’s license in good standing.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

  • State of Montana Application

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested may not be considered in the selection process.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Deer Lodge 2025-01-23

Probation & Parole Captain

Closing Date: March 23, 2025
Location: Billings
Position #: 24143424

PROBATION AND PAROLE CAPTAIN

BILLINGS PROBATION OFFICE

BILLINGS, MT

JOB OVERVIEW 

  • Regional recommendations are made to the respective Bureau Chiefs on policies, programs and department positions to guide the work effort of the agency. 
  • Monitors results of work efforts and program effectiveness. 
  • Implements and is directly accountable for Department programs and policies in the region. 
  • Provides coordination of activities within the region with local, state, and federal agencies and private corporations and groups.
  •  Serves as a member of the Bureau and Divisional senior management team. 
  • Regional Captains are also called upon to arrest, detain violators, and testify in district court and information hearings relative to sentencing or revocation of client’s probation or parole status. Officers are trained to handle situations if probation & parole offenders or inmates become hostile & pose a physical threat. This may require the use of force and deployment of various force options.
  • May be called back to work at any hour of the day and an officer may need to physically make an arrest, engage in forced entry and either employ or be in proximity of firearms or other dangerous weapons and access closed or hazardous areas.
  • Must reside in area and be within a 30-minute response time to the office. May be occasionally scheduled to work alternative shifts such as evenings and weekends. Travel may be required.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION

This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections.  In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must: 

  1. Be a citizen of the United States of America;
  2. Be at least 18 years of age;
  3. Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
  4. Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
  5. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
  6. Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent; AND,
  7. Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Corrections, Public Administration, a Social Science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university
  • Five or more years of job-related work experience

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS 

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • State of Montana Application

Applications missing required documentation will not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS - Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Billings 2025-03-23

Records Compliance Specialist

Closing Date: January 29, 2025
Location: Deer Lodge
Position #: 25140101

RECORDS COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

RECORDS BUREAU

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW – The Compliance Specialist is distinguished by its focus on examining compliance with business rules and procedures, performance requirements and government regulations.

  • Perform sentence calculations and adjustments by extracting, gathering, researching, and analyzing data to interpret legal documents, relevant sentencing statutes and case law.
  • Process forms, notify, and coordinate with, law enforcement, correctional staff, legal officials and offenders on warrant status, transport, and adjudicated indictments.
  • Determine if an offender move falls under statutory authority for required notification to law enforcement, legal, and judicial officials.
  • Works collaboratively with internal team, work unit, and peers to establish and maintain effective tracking methods for offenders and work products.
  • This position examines and evaluates conformity with laws, rules, government regulations, and other compliance components.
  •  Responsibilities include review, audit, or inspect programs, contracts, business procedures, and property.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate degree in business or a related field.
  • Two years of directly related work experience that demonstrates attention to detail, data-quality.
  • Microsoft Office computer skills.
  • Good communication, both written and verbal.
  • Other combinations of education, office or correctional experience may be substituted.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • State of Montana Application

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

  • Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify.

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Deer Lodge 2025-01-29

Research Data Analyst

Closing Date: January 29, 2025
Location: Helena
Position #: 25140102

RESEARCH DATA ANALYST

RESEARCH ANALYTICS AND PLANNING BUREAU

HELENA, MT

 

JOB OVERVIEW - Research, develop and apply techniques to collect, analyze, and report quantitative and non-quantitative corrections information that assists executives, managers, accounting, or other professionals make data-driven, strategic decisions, reduce health care costs, deliver better care, and overall have a positive impact on people’s lives.

  • Responsible for modifying and updating data collection or statistical models based on changing or differing industry standards, needs of requesters, projects, or programs.
  • Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate within an agency or business unit on research projects. 
  • Support the needs of key department initiatives around innovation and technology.
  • Coordinate research and statistics with other operations and functions of the agency or business unit. Analyze and integrate various data sources and factors to produce projections or trends.
  • Prepare research reports containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content, including recommendations.
  • Developing internal and external dashboards for self-service data consumption.
  • Assist and support other data analysis needs of the department.
  • This position is remote eligible within Montana with approximately 5% travel to Helena, MT. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, epidemiology, or another related research-intensive field.
  • Two (2) years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in economic, statistical, epidemiological, program evaluation, or related analysis. 
  • Experience working with data, including data accuracy, data collection, data management and data cleaning.
  • Experience with Tableau is preferred.
  • Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Written and verbal communication, creative thinking, interpersonal skills, and time management.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications missing required documentation will not be considered.

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS (Required for completed application)

Please include a work sample (graph, table, fact sheet, report, etc.) or summary of a research project.  Submission should include analysis relevant to the position and demonstrate analytic knowledge. Please indicate why you chose this example and how it is relevant to the Research Analyst position.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

Helena 2025-01-29