Canteen Purchaser

State of Montana • Deer Lodge, MT

4d

About The Position

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!
Montana Correctional Enterprises (MCE) lies at the heart of the Montana Department of Corrections’ Programs and Rehabilitations Division. Employees work closely with inmate workers, teaching job skills along with the work ethic for which Big Sky Country is known. Whether it’s by herding cattle, working under the hood of a vehicle, crafting custom log furniture, or welding, the men and women involved in MCE programs while incarcerated leave prison knowing their future is as bright as they choose to make it.
The Canteen Purchaser works under the direction of the Program Manager within the MCE Canteen and is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and processing purchase requests for a wide range of commodities, supplies, and services. In the absence of the Program Manager, this position assists with purchasing and contracting duties to ensure continuity of operations.
The Canteen Purchaser supports ordering, receiving, assembly, and distribution of goods to housing units and all regional prisons across the state. The position also supervises assigned inmate workers to maintain safe, compliant, and efficient canteen operations.
This role provides professional procurement expertise to MCE and to other Department and statewide offices, ensuring that all purchasing activities comply with State procurement statutes, rules, and policies. The position carries significant responsibility, as non‑compliance may result in financial liabilities, audit exceptions, or litigation involving inmates, families, or the public.

Requirements

• Associate degree in business, public administration, communication, or related field
• Two years of purchasing, technical writing, project management, or other applicable experience
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Receiving, reviewing, and processing purchase requests for a wide range of commodities, supplies, and services.
• Assists with purchasing and contracting duties to ensure continuity of operations.
• Supports ordering, receiving, assembly, and distribution of goods to housing units and all regional prisons across the state.
• Supervises assigned inmate workers to maintain safe, compliant, and efficient canteen operations.
• Provides professional procurement expertise to MCE and to other Department and statewide offices, ensuring that all purchasing activities comply with State procurement statutes, rules, and policies.

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 Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees