Criminal Investigator jobs in Montana

Criminal Investigator - (26142101)

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR
PUBLIC SAFETY
DEER LODGE, MT

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Public Safety Division operates Montana’s prisons safely and securely and provides supervision and support for offenders in the community through its Probation and Parole Bureau. The work performed in this division is integral to the department’s mission to create a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. Make a difference! Join us today!

The Criminal Investigator works closely with Office of Investigations’ Investigators, Intelligence Analyst, and Intelligence Research Specialists to conduct a variety of investigations and to gather intelligence within the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC), and its contract facilities. The types of cases investigated can be either criminal or administrative and may involve violations of facility or departmental rules, regulations, policies, or violations of law on the part of prisoners, staff, or visitors.

The Criminal Investigator will primarily conduct investigations within state owned or contracted correctional facilities across the state, with most of those investigations occurring at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana. These investigations include the crimes of murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, illegal use of drugs, introduction of contraband, robbery, theft, arson, and fraud.

QUALIFICATIONS
The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• High school diploma.

• Three years of criminal, investigative, or law-enforcement experience.

• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

• Must obtain POST certification within one year of hire as required by 7-32-303, MCA.

Must meet the following statutory requirements established under 44-2-113 and 7-32-303, MCA:

• 
  Sound and active physical and mental condition.

• Good moral character.

• Residency in Montana.

• Citizenship in the United States.

• Valid Montana driver’s license.

• Pass preservice testing, screening, and training.

• At least 20 years of age at the date of the preservice test.

POST certification is preferred.

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER
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:

• Be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search.
• Not been convicted of a crime for which could have led to being imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary.
• Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.

BENEFITS
Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.
State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

To initiate an application and be considered, you must attach your resume, cover letter, and mark the attachments as a “Relevant File”. In your cover letter, state why you are applying for the position and anything that makes you uniquely qualified. Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

• Criminal history check
• Child/patient/offender abuse registries
• Reference checks

The Department of Corrections participates 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/.

NOTICES
Brady Act & Lautenberg Amendment - Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or is the subject of a court order of protection for “an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner” cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(91)). Candidates who have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or were issued a court order of protection are not qualified for this position.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.

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: $

35.66 - 35.66 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible 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, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Deer Lodge Agency: Department of Corrections Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Aug 24, 2026, 1:52:45 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Sep 14, 2026, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Macee Larkins | Contact Email: macee.larkins@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406/415-6202 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.