How to become a corrections officer in Montana

Pay

Montana State Prison (Deer Lodge) posting #26142406 lists $26.01-$29.36/hr (x2080 = $54,100.80-$61,068.80). This is the advertised hiring range, not a full career scale; Montana publishes no step schedule for the title. A training assignment may pay below base. Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees.

Source:[mtstatejobs.taleo.net]

Requirements

• Minimum age: 18
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen (required for POST certification)
• Valid driver's license (possess or be eligible for a Montana license)
• No conviction for a crime that could have led to imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary; no felony or misdemeanor domestic violence conviction or protective order (Lautenberg)
• Fingerprinting and criminal history check; child/patient/offender abuse registry and reference checks
• Good moral character per background screen
• PREA disqualifiers
• Must be able to learn firearm handling and use restraints

Source:[mtstatejobs.taleo.net]

Hiring process

1. Online application on State of Montana Careers with resume and cover letter
2. Background authorization form and pre-interview questionnaire
3. Interview
4. Criminal history, abuse registry and reference checks
5. Job offer, I-9 and E-Verify
6. Montana Law Enforcement Academy training; POST Basic Certification after one year of employment

Source:[mtstatejobs.taleo.net]

Academy

3 weeks, paid.[dojmt.gov]

Pension and retirement

• Plan: Montana Game Wardens' and Peace Officers' Retirement System (GWPORS)
• Benefit formula: 2.5% x years of service credit x HAC (HAC = highest consecutive 60 months for hires after July 1, 2011; capped at 110% per year for hires on/after July 1, 2013)
• When you can retire: Age 50 with at least 20 years of membership service; vested (5 yrs) terminated members may draw at age 55

Source:[mpera.mt.gov]