Law Enforcement Scale Officer: Motor Carrier Services

Training
Appointed MCS Officers shall receive the training outlined below.  During this training some travel may be required, the Department of Transportation provides lodging, per diem, and transportation for all training.  Starting pay for new officers is $23.72/hr    .
     •    14 Phase FTO Training – Learning the basics of MCS and its role in law enforcement.
     •    Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Law Enforcement Officer Basic, Helena -12 Weeks.  All time, meals, lodging, uniforms, and                          equipment are provided by MCS & MLEA.
     •    Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Inspector Training
               * Part A – 1 Week, Commercial Driver Inspection
               * Part B – 1 Week, Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection
               * General Hazardous Materials – 1 Week 
               * Hazardous Materials, Bulk Packages– 1 Week
               * Hazardous Materials, Other Bulk Packages – 1 Week

The initial training above can take anywhere from 1 – 1 ½ years to complete, once complete, officers are eligible for the next level of the MCS Career Ladder and pay increases.

Qualifications - External

Minimum Qualifications:
     •    Be at least 18 years of age.
     •    Be a citizen of the United States
     •    Possess a High School Diploma
     •    Must have a valid driver's license.
     •    Be a Montana resident at the time you are appointed as an officer.
     •    Lateral candidates must have a current Law Enforcement Officer Basic (LEOB) certificate from MT or from another state issued within the last 5                years.
     •    Applicants with felony convictions that could have resulted in imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary are disqualified.

Additional Requirements: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
     •    Be of good moral character and in sound, active physical and mental condition.
     •    Utilize active listening and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
     •    Adhere to the public safety officers code of ethics A.R.M. 23.13.203
     •    Be reliable and dependable in performing job-related duties.

Entry-level applicant is one who has not graduated the MLEA Basic Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course in Montana and/or does not have any law enforcement experience.

A lateral applicant is someone who meets one of the following requirements:
     •    Has graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course within the last five years OR 
     •    Possesses a current Basic Law Enforcement POST Certificate (from Montana or another state) AND has been employed in a full-time sworn                    peace officer position within the last five years.

Testing
Entry level candidates will be required to pass the two tests noted below.  
     •    POST, Standards & Associates National Police Officer Selection Test.
     •    Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) physical fitness test.

Selection Process 
     •    Oral Interview – Applicants must complete a behavioral based structured interview.
     •    Intensive Background Check
     •    Fingerprint and name based criminal history background.
     •    Drug and Alcohol testing
     •    Psychological and physical testing

Only on-line applications are accepted. In order to be considered for this position, you must apply by midnight on the closing date. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documentation required to establish Military Preference or as required as part of the application must be submitted by the closing date to be considered during the selection process. 

Required Application Materials:

• Online Application

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

 House Bill 13, passed by the 2025 State Legislature, increased state employee base pay for by $1.00 per hour or 2.5%, whichever is greater, beginning July 1, 2025. The advertised pay rate includes this increase.