Automotive Trainer

State of Montana; Gresham (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Montana Department of Corrections Education Department seeks an Automotive Trainer at Montana State Prison to deliver hands-on and classroom instruction in automotive technology, covering engines, power trains, electrical systems, and shop safety. Develop curriculum using NATEF standards and maintain records of progress.

The role includes supervising shop activity, recruiting students, and coordinating with staff to support personal and professional development while maintaining security and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, organizational development, or a related field is required.
• Two years of experience in training, teaching, or a related field is preferred.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on and classroom instruction in automotive technology following current NATEF standards.
• Develop curriculum, demonstrations, and task-based exercises; maintain accurate records.
• Supervise shop activity, manage classroom and lab environments, and ensure adherence to institutional policies.
• Recruit and screen prospective students and collaborate with institutional staff to support development.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, organizational development, or related field

Job description

AUTOMOTIVE TRAINER

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

DEER LODGE, MT

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Education Department provides essential academic and vocational programs designed to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead fulfilling lives after incarceration. Our education staff members support personal growth and prepare students for meaningful opportunities after release, providing basic literacy education, high school equivalency completion, and career-focused training. Join a team dedicated to unlocking potential and creating pathways for brighter futures!

The Automotive Trainer plays a vital role in the Vocational Education Program within the Education Department at Montana State Prison, a multi-classification institution for adult males. In this position, you will deliver hands‑on and classroom instruction that prepares participants for entry‑level employment in automotive technology. Training covers engines, power trains, electrical systems, electronics, brakes, suspension, heating and air conditioning, tool usage, and shop safety. Using current NATEF standards, you will develop curriculum, demonstrations, and task‑based exercises while maintaining accurate records, supervising shop activity, and ensuring adherence to institutional policies. Your instruction also supports the Automotive Excellence Student Certification program and provides consistent staffing for the Motor Vehicle Maintenance (MVM) Shop.

In addition to teaching, you will manage classroom and lab environments, present learning materials with basic computer tools, and offer short clinics to support workforce productivity. You will also recruit and screen prospective students, collaborate with institutional staff, guide participants in their personal and professional development, complete monthly progress evaluations, and maintain strong supervisory awareness through movement control, tool and key control, and consistent accountability. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to influence skill growth, encourage positive development, and prepare individuals for success beyond the facility.

QUALIFICATIONS

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, organizational development, or related field
• Two years of experience in training, teaching, or related field

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

BENEFITS

• Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.
• State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free

The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.