Division & Job Overview:

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) maintains jurisdiction over the highways of the fourth largest state in the country. MHP Troopers perform a vast array of tasks from providing education and maintaining traffic safety, to intercepting the transit of illegal narcotics, contraband, and weapons, as well as detecting human trafficking and other criminal activity that takes place on our highways. Our goal is to serve Montana’s citizens fairly, professionally, and compassionately.

Montana Highway Patrol Troopers are responsible for the enforcement of criminal and motor vehicle and highway safety laws on highways according to state and federal statutes, as well as vehicular crash investigations.

Recruitment Overview:

We are accepting both Entry-Level Trooper & Lateral-Level Trooper applicants.

Initial screening will take place on April 6, 2026. Candidates successful in the initial screening process will be eligible/invited to participate in National Police Officer Selection Testing. The testing will be administered virtually. Candidates eligible to continue in the process will be provided testing dates via email. The dates for the virtual testing are April 13 – 17, 2026.

Candidates passing each phase may be eligible to proceed to the next phases in the selection process. The next phases include a one-on-one interview, job suitability testing, additional paperwork completion/supporting documents, backgrounds, and conditional offer testing. Click here to review the recruitment roadmap with dates.

The start date for selected Entry Level Trooper candidates is August 10, 2026, to begin the first portion of the MHP Advanced Academy. The Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course will begin on September 2, 2026, in Helena, MT.

During the Basic Academy, all uniforms, weapons, gear, housing, and meals are provided (except for days off). After graduating from the MLEA Basic Academy on November 24, 2026, candidates will move on to the MHP Advanced Academy in Boulder, MT.

For Basic Academy graduating Entry Level Trooper candidates and Lateral-Level Trooper candidates, the MHP Advanced Academy will continue/start on November 30, 2026, in Boulder, MT.

The start date for selected Lateral Level Trooper candidates is November 16, 2026. All uniforms, weapons, gear, housing, and meals are provided (except for days off). Out of state laterals will need to attend a Legal Equivalency (LEQ) course as well as Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) date yet to be determined. Lateral candidates will receive compensation for this training.

During the academies, candidates are considered a State of Montana employee and are eligible for State of Montana benefits and will receive compensation at $28.24 per hour. Laterals starting pay until end of probation will receive compensation at $34.25 per hour.

After successfully completing the MHP Advanced Academy, candidates will be sworn in as Troopers. Upon being sworn in as a Trooper, the minimum starting pay is $30.98 per hour. After successful completion of a Trooper’s probationary year, the minimum pay is $32.30. The Troopers have a career ladder, and increases are based upon longevity.

For more detailed information regarding the duties, working conditions, physical demands, and competencies, please view the MHP Homepage.

VETERANS! The Montana Highway Patrol participates in the VA Education Benefits Program which provides Veterans education benefits during the probationary period.

Minimum Qualifications:

Per MCA 7-32-303, at the time of application, the candidate must:

Be 18 years of age.
Be a United States citizen.
Possess a high school diploma or have passed the general education development test and have been issued an equivalency certificate by an appropriate issuing agency.
Possess a valid driver's license and meet the qualifications to operate a department vehicle, which is required by state and department policies.
Lateral-level applicants must possess a current Basic Law Enforcement POST Certificate (from Montana or another state) within the last five years.

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 a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
Intensive Background Check
Driving History
Drug Testing
Psychological and Physical Examination
Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT)

HOW TO APPLY:

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

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

Your Resume: 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 resume 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.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper

Benefits

Job Description