Major Case Agent (ARPA)

Division Overview:

Montana’s Division of Criminal Investigation is a diverse public safety team of professionals who provide a full range of criminal investigative services to state, local, and tribal law enforcement. From homicide investigations to illegal narcotics, criminal records, cybercrime, human trafficking, and missing persons. DCI serves as the hub in providing critical law enforcement support. The professionals within DCI are the lifeline of support for public safety. With a doctrine of service, honor, and justice, this statewide organization provides the best in critical, accurate, and timely service to protect our citizens.

Job Overview:

This is a Criminal Investigator position in the Major Case Section which coordinates investigations and conducts criminal investigations with city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies at their request. The section also coordinates and conducts criminal investigations of allegations referred by the Montana State Fund and the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice. These investigations include—but are not limited to—homicide and other violent crimes, in-custody assaults and deaths including officer-involved shooting events and critical incidents, organized crime activity, white-collar crime, sex crimes, corruption, official misconduct, theft, complex financial crimes, and internal agency investigations. Criminal Investigators (Agents) respond to callouts, process crime scenes and collect evidence, conduct field interviews/interrogations, complete follow-up investigative work to build a case file, assist prosecutors and testify in court. Major Case Agents also provide training to law enforcement agencies and public safety sectors throughout the state.

This is a modified position, meaning it is funded for a specified term. The funding has been approved up through December 31, 2024, with the expectation that funding will be requested again at the end of this time period. Though expectations point toward renewed funding, modified positions are always subject to funding availability and the position could terminate at the end of the cycle if appropriations are not available. This position, though subject to travel in support of statewide criminal investigations, will be dedicated to investigations and enforcement of major case incidents and violent crime occurring in the Billings and Yellowstone County regions. An emphasis will be placed on assignments and caseloads occurring within that jurisdiction.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma.
• Three years of criminal, investigative, or law-enforcement experience.
• Firearms’ training is mandated for peace officer requirements and liability.
• Current POST Law Enforcement Basic Certificate (or equivalent from another state) required.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for the POST Law Enforcement Intermediate Certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The position requires extensive knowledge of law enforcement; investigative procedures; planning; report writing; coordinating the activities of multiple agencies and jurisdictions; developing, conducting and presenting complex long-term cases; criminal procedures, collection and rules of evidence, criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations, family services, Social Services and Institutions and law enforcement and investigation including criminal justice information. Knowledgeable, proficient, and skilled in the use of firearms. Knowledgeable regarding proper procedures for writing and executing search warrants, investigative subpoenas, and forfeiture documents.
• Skill in using all types of complicated equipment necessary to conduct criminal investigations; conducting undercover investigations; making correct/legal and appropriate decisions in highly stressful situations; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; and in reviewing case plans and information. Skilled in drafting and presenting search warrants, investigative subpoenas and forfeiture documents to prosecutors and judges for review and issuance.
• Skill in examining all types of evidence to determine its relevance to the prosecution of the case and to properly document its relationship to the case and criminals. Procedures followed include standards of law enforcement and criminal investigation profession, best practices in investigation, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of Montana Codes Annotated (MCA) dealing with crimes (MCA, Title 45, "Crimes"), criminal procedure (MCA, Title 46, "Criminal Procedure"), rules of evidence (MCA, Title 26, Chapter 10, "Montana Rules of Evidence"), seizures related to contraband, criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations (MCA, Title 44, Chapter 5, "Criminal Justice Information"); family services (MCA, Title 52); Social Services and Institutions (MCA, Title 53); CFR 18 and 42; ARMs; and law enforcement and investigation including criminal justice information and rules of evidence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or closely related with coursework in criminal justice field from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of investigative experience with a minimum of two (2) years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those a state agent is expected to handle.

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 and cover letter, 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 Check
• Intensive Background Check
• Driving History
• Drug Testing
• Medical Testing
• Psychological Examination

REAL ID Compliant Credential Required and/or Passport:

State employees are required to present legally binding photo identification at the time of hire. Generally, this is a valid driver license, U.S. Passport or Employment Authorization ID (Form I-766).

All DOJ positions require a valid REAL ID or U.S. Passport within 60 days of hire, effective May 3, 2025.

For further information go to https://mtrealid.gov or https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a résumé at the time of application.

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

Your Résumé: 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 résumé 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.