Correctional Officer

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

MONTANA STATE PRISON

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!

Most of the over 1600 inmates at the Montana State Prison (MSP) are released back into their communities after serving their sentence. You can make a difference in inmate daily life, that results in lower recidivism and better long-term outcomes. We invite you to be part of a team of enthusiastic professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of MSP inmates and our communities. MSP has a 24-hour medical facility, educational opportunities for high school and university degrees, and a multitude of work programs. With more than $700 million in infrastructure projects underway at MSP and other DOC facilities, the benefits of modern correctional construction and technology are on the horizon. If you’re ready to build your future in a fulfilling career, join us today!

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!

JOB SUMMARY

The Correctional Officer 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 aid, clothing & laundry, janitorial and housekeeping supplies, transportation of inmates, meals, movement, jobs and other services as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

• 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 authorization form and pre-interview questionnaire must be completed prior to interviewing for position.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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.
• Must be able to learn proper firearm handling.

PUBLIC SAFTY 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.

ADDITIONAL 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 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

Effective March 16, 2026, this agency 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 - 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.