Forensic Science Division Administrator

State of Montana • Missoula, MT

10d

About The Position

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.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• top-level management decisions including long-term strategic planning
• proposing legislation
• authorizing budgets
• top-level authorization for programs, projects, and resources in pursuit of the Division’s mission and essential services operations
• leading operational management functions in accordance with state laws, DOJ and State of Montana policies, and in the collective interest of public stakeholders
• responsive and effective division, agency, and public communications
• budgetary planning and oversight
• resource allocations
• functional division performance and continuous improvement
• compliance with professional standards

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees