Montana Department of Justice - Narcotics Criminal Investigator

This position is a Criminal Investigator and coordinates and conducts investigations involving a broad range of allegations of felony violations of the Montana Criminal Codes and other crimes referred from external agencies. Coordinates with several agencies to provide investigative, law enforcement, and criminal intelligence technical expertise for other agencies.

This position works within the Narcotics Bureau of the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and is responsible for the coordination and execution of criminal investigations into allegations of felony violations of the Montana Criminal Codes – specifically those related to narcotics enforcement; work in an undercover, proactive capacity to develop cases that primarily involve violations of state and federal dangerous drug laws as well as other felony criminal violations. Narcotics Investigators respond to meth labs and provide drug-related training to many different audiences statewide.

This is a modified position, meaning it is funded for a specified term.  The funding has been approved up through December 31, 2024, with the expectation that funding will be requested again at the end of this time period.  Though expectations point toward renewed funding, modified positions are always subject to funding availability and the position could terminate at the end of the cycle if appropriations are not available. 

When permanent positions become vacant, employees in modified positions are automatically moved into permanent positions. 

• High school diploma.
• Three years of criminal, investigative, or law-enforcement experience.
• Firearms’ training is mandated for peace officer requirements and liability.
• Current POST Law Enforcement Basic Certificate (or equivalent from another state) required.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for the POST Law Enforcement Intermediate Certificate.
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or closely related with coursework in criminal justice field from an accredited college or university. 
• Five (5) years of investigative experience with a minimum of two (2) years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those a state agent is expected to handle.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The position requires extensive knowledge of law enforcement; investigative procedures; planning; report writing, coordinating the activities of multiple agencies and jurisdictions; developing, conducting and presenting complex long-term cases; criminal procedures, collection and rules of evidence, criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations, family services, Social Services and Institutions and law enforcement and investigation including criminal justice information.  Knowledgeable, proficient, and skilled in the use of firearms. 
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• Knowledgeable regarding proper procedures for writing and executing search warrants, investigative subpoenas, and forfeiture documents. 

• Skill in using all types of complicated equipment necessary to conduct criminal investigations; conducting undercover investigations; making correct/legal and appropriate decisions in highly stressful situations; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; and in reviewing case plans and information.   Skilled in drafting and presenting search warrants, investigative subpoenas and forfeiture documents to prosecutors and judges for review and issuance.
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• Skill in examining all types of evidence to determine its relevance to the prosecution of the case and to properly document its relationship to the case and criminals. 
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• Procedures followed include standards of law enforcement and criminal investigation profession, best practices in investigation, and federal, state, and local regulations.

• Knowledge of Montana Codes Annotated (MCA) dealing with crimes (MCA, Title 45, "Crimes"), criminal procedure (MCA, Title 46, "Criminal Procedure"), rules of evidence (MCA, Title 26, Chapter 10, "Montana Rules of Evidence"), seizures related to contraband, criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations (MCA, Title 44, Chapter 5, "Criminal Justice Information"); family services (MCA, Title 52); Social Services and Institutions (MCA, Title 53); CFR 18 and 42; ARMs; and law enforcement and investigation including criminal justice information and rules of evidence. 

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 each of the attachments 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.

Number of Openings: 3

Incredible state of Montana benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plan - Employee and Employer Contributions 
• Additional 457b Deferred Compensation plan
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Did you know - No sales tax in Montana
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State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Dec 21, 2022, 11:59:00 PM