Forensic Science Division Administrator

Every day, Montana Department of Justice employees are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rights of the people of our great state. The Department of Justice does the right thing for the right reason. If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that builds a culture of character and excellence, demonstrates collaboration and selfless public service, and upholds the law while pursuing public safety, the Department of Justice may have a career for you!

Division Overview:

The Forensic Science Division's (FSD) mission is to provide accurate, objective, and timely forensic analysis in support of the Montana criminal justice community. The Crime Lab is an internationally accredited lab and home to the State Medical Examiner's office, where over 800 autopsies a year are performed in Missoula and Billings to determine cause and manner of death in unattended or suspicious circumstances.

Job Overview:

The FSD Administrator is an appointed position in accordance with MCA 2-18-104. This position provides top-level management decisions including long-term strategic planning, proposing legislation, authorizing budgets, and top-level authorization for programs, projects, and resources in pursuit of the Division's mission and essential services operations. The Administrator is responsible for leading operational management functions in accordance with state laws, DOJ and State of Montana policies, and in the collective interest of public stakeholders. Duties include responsive and effective division, agency, and public communications; budgetary planning and oversight; resource allocations; functional division performance and continuous improvement; and compliance with professional standards. Work efforts align with a legislatively allocated budget, DOJ leadership, the Division's mission, and staff effectiveness.

*A first review of applicants will occur on 1/30/26 and every week thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in job related field
• Five years of dedicated job-related experience
• Three years of senior level management experience
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
• Intensive Background Check
• Driving History
• Drug Testing

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a cover letter and resume at the time of application .

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a "Relevant File".

Your Resume : 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.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the resume to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at Terese.Christianson@mt.gov via File Transfer Service .

To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• 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.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify .

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.

Closing Date/Time: Ongoing

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• Montana Department of Justice

• 1 (406) 459-3741

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