State of Montana

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Montana Highway Patrol Trooper

Bozeman, MT

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Security Clearance: None

Division Overview:

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) maintains jurisdiction over the highways of the fourth largest state in the country. MHP Troopers perform a vast array of tasks from providing education and maintaining traffic safety, to intercepting the transit of illegal narcotics, contraband, and weapons, as well as detecting human trafficking and other criminal activity that takes place on our highways. Our goal is to serve Montana’s citizens fairly, professionally, and compassionately.

Job Overview:

Join the team committed to serving Montana with honor!

The Highway Patrol Division is responsible for the enforcement of criminal and motor vehicle and highway safety laws on highways according to state and federal statutes, as well as vehicular crash investigations.

We are seeking ten professional candidates who are looking for a career and an opportunity to serve the State of Montana.

Currently, we are accepting Entry-Level Trooper applicants as well as Lateral-Level Trooper applicants.

For Entry-Level Trooper candidates, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course will begin August 18th, 2024, in Helena, MT. The start date for selected candidates is August 12th, 2024.

During the Basic Academy, all uniforms, weapons, gear, housing, and meals are provided (except for days off). After graduating from the MLEA Basic Academy, candidates will move on to the MHP Advanced Academy for an additional 12 weeks of training in Boulder, MT.

Initial screening will take place on March 20th. Candidates successful in the initial screening process will be eligible/invited to participate in the written testing. The written testing will be administered virtually. Candidates eligible to continue in the process will be provided testing dates via email. The tentative dates for the virtual testing are March 25th-April 1st, mark your calendar.

Candidates passing each phase may be eligible to proceed to the next phases in the selection process. The next phases include a one-on-one interview, job suitability testing, additional paperwork completion/supporting documents, backgrounds, and conditional offer testing. Correspondence regarding testing will be sent via email due to the number of anticipated applicants.

For Lateral-Level Trooper candidates, the MHP Advanced Academy will begin November 11th, 2024, in Boulder, MT. All uniforms, weapons, gear, housing, and meals are provided (except for days off). Out of state laterals will need to attend a Legal Equivalency (LEQ) course as well as Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) during the weeks of August 19th - August 30th. Lateral candidates will receive compensation for this training at $21.58 per hour.

During the academies, candidates are considered a State of Montana employee and are eligible for State of Montana benefits and will receive compensation at $21.58 per hour.

After successfully completing the MHP Advanced Academy, candidates will be sworn in as Troopers. Upon being sworn in as a Trooper, the minimum starting pay is $26.98 per hour. After successful completion of a Trooper’s probationary year, the minimum pay is $28.30.

The Montana Highway Patrol is divided into 7 districts across Montana. The MHP will ask for your desired work location and make every effort to place you there. Although there is a possibility you may be stationed in the district you desire, it is not a guarantee. The agency must prioritize needs to ensure efficient operations and optimal resource allocation.

For more detailed information regarding the duties, working conditions, physical demands, and competencies, please view the MHP Homepage at https://dojmt.gov/highwaypatrol/recruitment-applicant-info/

VETERANS! The Montana Highway Patrol participates in the VA Education Benefits Program which provides Veterans education benefits during the probationary period.

Minimum Qualifications:

At the time of application, the candidate must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Be a United States citizen.
Possess a high school diploma or a state-issued equivalency diploma.
Possess a valid driver's license and meet the qualifications to operate a department vehicle, which is required by state and department policies.
Lateral-level applicants must possess a current Basic Law Enforcement POST Certificate (from Montana or another state) within the last five years.
The position requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Utilize active listening and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to multi-task and process information quickly.
Adhere to the Montana Highway Patrol code of conduct and oath of office.
Maintain and model high standards of integrity and ethos.
Be reliable and dependable in performing job-related tasks.
Tolerate a high degree of stress and remain calm under emergent and emotionally-charged situations.
Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé and a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

Criminal History Fingerprint Check
Intensive Background Check
Driving History
Drug Testing
Psychological and Physical Examination
Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
REAL ID Compliant Credential Required and/or Passport:

State employees are required to present legally binding photo identification at the time of hire. Generally, this is a valid driver license, U.S. Passport or Employment Authorization ID (Form I-766).

All DOJ positions require a valid REAL ID or U.S. Passport within 60 days of hire, effective May 3, 2025.

For further information go to https://mtrealid.gov or https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a résumé at the time of application.

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”.

Your Résumé: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the résumé to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service.

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

Medical, dental and vision coverage
Retirement plans
Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify.

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Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.