Probationary Deputy Sheriff

Missoula Public Health; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is hiring a Probationary Deputy Sheriff for an entry-level, training-focused position. You will patrol assigned areas, respond to incidents, conduct initial investigations, and assist in lawful process service.

The role requires a valid Montana driver’s license and passing a rigorous background and medical screening. This full-time position includes field training, possible long shifts, and opportunities to serve the Missoula County community.

Qualifications

• Citizen of the United States.
• At least 18 years old.
• Graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent.
• Never convicted of a felony.
• Fingerprinted and a search of criminal records required.
• Must pass background check and medical exam within 30 days of employment.
• Must possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Drive a vehicle to patrol assigned areas and protect life and property.
• Respond to calls for assistance and crimes/ disturbances.
• Conduct initial investigations at crime scenes and preserve evidence.
• Serve court orders including warrants and subpoenas.
• Appear in court to give testimony and present evidence.
• Prepare and submit reports as required.
• Arrest suspects or assist in arrests.
• Enforce traffic regulations.

Skills

Driver's license

Good moral character

Oral interview

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Join Missoula County in making a meaningful impact, where your work supports our vibrant community, promotes public service, and contributes to a better future for all.

Job Description

RATE OF PAY: $38.75 per hour
JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time
BARGAINING UNIT: Missoula County Deputy Sheriff's Association
CLOSING DATE: September 19, 2026, you must apply before this date

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is seeking Probationary Deputy Sheriff to join their team. This is an entry level probationary position used for training and evaluation for the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

APPLICANT TESTING WILL OCCUR IN MISSOULA MONTANA ON OCTOBER 3RD & 4TH, 2026. REMOTE TESTING IS NOT AVAILABLE. ALL PASSING APPLICANTS WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEWS ON OCTOBER 5TH & 6TH pending the size of the applicant pool. Applicants will be notified via email of the testing location and time.

DEFINITION: Performs basic law enforcement work. This is an entry level probationary position used for training and evaluation for the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department.

Examples of Duties

• Drives a vehicle to patrol assigned areas of the County to provide for the safety and well-being of life and property.
• Responds to calls for assistance and complaints of crimes and disturbances.
• Makes initial investigations at crime scenes, including interviews and preserving evidence.
• Serves legal and civil process orders of courts including arrest warrants, restraining orders and subpoenas.
• Appears in court to give testimony and present evidence.
• Prepares and submits reports as required.
• Arrests or assists in the arrest of suspects.
• Enforces traffic regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must meet minimum requirements as set forth by Montana State statutes:
• a. be a citizen of the United States;
• b. be at least 18 years of age;
• c. be a graduate of an accredited high school or the equivalent;
• d. never have been convicted of a felony;
• e. be fingerprinted and a search made of appropriate files to disclose any criminal record;
• f. not have been affiliated in any manner with a subversive organization within 5 years;
• g. within 30 days immediately preceding his/her date of employment have been examined by a physician licensed to practice in the State of Montana and have been pronounced in good physical condition (this examination is provided by the County);
• h. be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• i. have successfully completed an oral interview in which the characteristics necessary to a peace officer are demonstrated;
• j. possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver's license.

Special Requirements

• Must successfully complete the department Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
• Must attend and satisfactorily complete Basic School at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy within one (1) year of employment.
• Requires passing a background investigation.
• Must pass departmental physical ability examination prior to employment and participate periodically thereafter.
• Requires valid Montana driver’s license and safe driving record.

Physical/Environmental Demands

• The employee is required to carry a weapon and is exposed to potentially dangerous situations.
• Requires adjusting to changing shifts; exposure to a stressful environment; exposure to human blood, urine and other contagious sources and working both indoors and outdoors in all temperatures.
• The work may require working longer than twelve-hour shifts.
• Employee is subject to call-out at any time.
• The work requires frequent driving; occasional standing and walking on all types of surfaces and frequent reaching.
• Use of the hands is continuously required; applying pressure with the hands and forceful, repeated or sustained exertions are occasionally required.
• Running, jumping and climbing stairs, ladders and fences are activities required occasionally.
• Lifting, carrying and pushing/pulling of items weighing greater than 140 lbs are required occasionally.
• Requires hearing which falls within normal limits for both pure tone and speech, per audiogram. (An average will be taken of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. The applicant must have an average threshold of 25dBHL or less in each ear.)
• Requires vision acuity as follows: binocular vision of 20/80 uncorrected, which is corrected using glasses or contact lenses to binocular vision of 20/30; 140 degrees peripheral; normal color vision to sufficiently distinguish red, yellow and green; and normal depth perception.

Additional Job Description

Job description available by request to the Department of Human Resources

About Missoula County

As a Missoula County employee, you will be a part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. Missoula County is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or military status. At Missoula County, we are proud to serve as a unified team dedicated to protecting and enhancing the well-being of the people, communities, and environment of our region. Whether on the road crew in Seeley Lake, processing payroll or benefits, serving in the Detention Facility or Sheriff's Office, supporting emergency operations, or fulfilling one of the many vital roles that keep county government running, each member of our team plays an essential part. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and schedules-full time, part-time, or intermittent, because every role matters. No matter where you serve or how long you've been with us, you are an important part of the Missoula County team. Together, we strive to build on our strengths and shape a better future for our community. There's no better place to be than Missoula County, Montana.