The Department of Corrections is one of Montana's largest employers - with current staffing of approximately 2,380 correctional officers throughout the state, officers commit to performing their duties with a high standard of integrity and impartiality, in a courteous and respectful manner while treating others with dignity and respect at all times. Montana's 3,642 offenders are contained in the state's 6 state-run facilities like Montana State Prison, Montana Women's Prison, and Treasure State Correctional Training center or in one of the state's privately run facilities like the Nexus Treatment Center or the Elkhorn Treatment Center. Persons awaiting incarceration may be held in a county jail. Montana does not have any federal prisons. According to economic forecasts, job growth in the industry is stable at 5%, meaning that by 2022 there will be approximately 119 new jobs created for frontline officers throughout the state. Additional recruitment efforts will focus on replacing retiring or advancing officers. To learn more about this challenging career choice, read on.
Program | Website |
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Dawson Community College 300 College Dr, Glendive, MT 59330 Phone: (406) 377-3396 | dawson.edu |
University of Great Falls 1301 Twentieth St S, Great Falls, MT 59405-4996 Phone: (406) 761-8210 | dawson.edu |
Blackfeet Community College 504 S. East Boundary, Browning, MT 59417-0819 Phone: (406) 338-5441 x2200 | bfcc.edu |
Montana State University - Billings 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101-0298 Phone: (406) 657-2011 | msubillings.edu |
Flathead Valley Community College 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 756-3822 | fvcc.edu |
Montana State University-Northern 300 W 11th St, Havre, MT 59501 Phone: (406) 265-3700 | msun.edu |
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Montana Correctional Officer Certification Requirements
The Department of Corrections in Montana is continually recruiting interested applicants for the position of corrections officer for positions in penitentiaries and jails throughout the state. Working in this dynamic environment means that the state DOC is committed to employing only the fittest candidates for the role in order to ensure the safety of self, others, and communities. The first step in the application process is determining your edibility. Do you have the following?
- Proof of age (21+)
- Valid Montana driver's license
- No felony convictions
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
- Proof of military honorable discharge (if applicable)
- High school diploma or GED or greater
- Fluent in all aspects of the English language
Candidates who submit the above proofs of eligibility along with a complete and accuracy application will be able to move on to the second tier of assessment by the DOC. These include:
- Written test of knowledge
- Fitness and agility test
- Physical assessment
- Mental health assessment
- Extensive background and reference check
- Interview regarding personal, education, work and military experience
Candidates who have successful scores on their assessment components may be contacted with a conditional offer of employment depending on job vacancies. These candidates are required to attend new recruit basic training at a state facility. Training is an intensive hands-on course for teaching necessary job-skills to corrections officers. Successful graduates will be considered certified as a correctional officer in the state of Montana.
Montana Department of Corrections
5 S. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT 59620-1301
Phone: (406) 444-3930
http://www.cor.mt.gov/default.mcpx
Montana Correctional Officer Employment & Outlook
Correctional Officer Salary: Montana vs National Salary Comparison
Source: BLS State Cross-Industry Estimates 2011
The state Department of Corrections in Montana encourages civic-minded citizens to look toward the corrections field for fulfilling and lucrative career opportunities. At this time, the median income for correctional officers throughout Montana is lower than the national average at $33,100, with the national median income at $39,800. According to occupational data for the state of Montana, available at http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=011000000&jobfam=33&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=333012&menuMode=&stfips=30&x=70&y=12 and published by CareerInfoNet.org, state trends are predicted to experience a 12% growth curve from now until 2022 as compared to the national growth rate of 5%. This predicted growth pattern translates into 40 new openings and existing vacancies annually.
Occupational Employment Statistics for Correctional Officers (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm)
Montana Correctional Officer Salaries By Area
The table below lists career information obtained from the BLS for correctional officers in Montana. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Missoula | 140 | $16.71 | $34,760 |