Forensic Science Division Administrator

Job Title:

Forensic Science Division Administrator )

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!

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.

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.

• Provide top‑level management decisions including long‑term strategic planning and proposing legislation.
• Authorize budgets, programs, projects, and resources to support the Division’s mission.
• Lead operational management functions in accordance with state laws, DOJ and State of Montana policies.
• Ensure responsive and effective division, agency, and public communications.
• Conduct budgetary planning and oversight and allocate resources.
• Drive functional division performance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards.

• Master’s Degree in a 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.

• The selection procedures to be used may include 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 a Criminal History Fingerprint / Name‑based Check.

• Cover Letter (required).
• Resume (required).

To be considered for this position, you must attach a cover letter and resume at the time of application. Failure to attach a 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. To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Salary: $50.00 – $60.00 hourly. Telework Eligibility:
Not Telework Eligible. Benefits Package Eligibility:
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan. Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays.

Number of Openings: 1 Employee Status:
Regular

Schedule:

Full‑Time Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job Travel:
Yes, 50% of the time Primary

Location:

Missoula Agency:
Department of Justice Union: 000 – None

Posting Date:
Jan 20, 2026, 8:30:34 PM Closing Date:
Ongoing

Contact:
Bri Smith |…