Montana Department of Justice - Criminal Investigator

Job Announcement:

 

We are seeking a skilled Criminal Investigator to join the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation Team in Helena, Montana. In this role, you will play a vital part in conducting investigations that uphold public safety and contribute to the overall mission of justice in Montana.

• Salary: $34.25 - 38.25 Hourly
• Fantastic State of Montana Benefits: Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health, dental, vision coverage, and retirement plans.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Work Environment: Be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Located in Helena, Montana!
•  

This is a Criminal Investigator position in the Major Case Section which coordinates investigations and conducts criminal investigations with city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies at their request.

The section also coordinates and conducts criminal investigations of allegations referred by the Montana State Fund and the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice. These investigations include—but are not limited to—homicide and other violent crimes, in-custody assaults and deaths including officer-involved shooting events and critical incidents, organized crime activity, white-collar crime, sex crimes, corruption, official misconduct, theft, complex financial crimes, and internal agency investigations.

Criminal Investigators (Agents) respond to callouts, process crime scenes and collect evidence, conduct field interviews/interrogations, complete follow-up investigative work to build a case file, assist prosecutors and testify in court.

Major Case Agents also provide training to law enforcement agencies and public safety sectors throughout the state.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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. 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.
•  
• 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. 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.

 

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint Check
• Intensive Background Check
• Driving History
• Drug Testing
• Medical Evaluation
• Psychological Evaluation

 

HOW TO APPLY:

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

 

Fabulous State of Montana benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage (dependent coverage)
• Sheriffs Retirement System (SRS)
• Additional 457b Deferred Compensation plan.
• 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.
•  

Closing Date (based on your computer's time zone): April 7, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Please direct questions regarding this position to armando.oropeza@mt.gov