Montana Highway Patrol Trooper
- State of Montana benefits!
Currently, we are accepting Entry-Level Trooper applicants as well as Lateral-Level Trooper applicants.
Initial screening will take place on November 4th. 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 November 11th- November 15th.
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.
The start date for selected is March 17th, 2025, and the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course will begin on April 23rd, 2025, in Helena, MT. Between the time of March 17 & April 23rd, Entry Level Trooper candidates will begin the first portion of the Advanced Academy.
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 8 weeks of training in Boulder, MT.
For Basic Academy graduating Entry Level Trooper candidates and Lateral-Level Trooper candidates, the MHP Advanced Academy will continue/start on April 21st, 2025, in Boulder, MT. The start date for selected Laterals is April 14, 2025. 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) date yet to be determined. Lateral candidates will receive compensation for this training.
During the academies, candidates are considered a State of Montana employee and are eligible for State of Montana benefits and will receive compensation at $25.58 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 $30.98 per hour. After successful completion of a Trooper’s probationary year, the minimum pay is $32.30. The Troopers have a career ladder, and increases are based upon longevity.
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.
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 18 years of age.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Possess a high school diploma or have passed the general education development test and have been issued an equivalency certificate by an appropriate issuing agency.
- 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.
Montana Code Annotated 7-32-303 Peace Officer Qualifications.
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.
Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:
- Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
- Intensive Background Check
- Driving History
- Drug Testing
- Psychological and Physical Examination
- Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)
Locations: Superior, Billings, Missoula, Miles City, Glendive, Lewistown, Columbus, Deer Lodge, Plains, Livingston, Libby, Sidney, Townsend, Bozeman, Great Falls
Fabulous State of Montana benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage (dependent coverage)
- Highway Patrol Retirement System - 20 years and age 50
- Deferred Retirement Option Program - DROP
- 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): Nov 3, 2024, 11:59:00 PM