Program Officer 2

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, is seeking a Program Officer 2 to lead purchasing, accounts payable, and contract management for the Laboratory Services Bureau. The role ensures compliance with procurement rules and stewardships of public resources, coordinating vendor activities and data analysis.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of related experience, with partial telework eligibility within Montana and a robust benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field.
• 3 years of job-related experience
• Knowledge of Montana Procurement System and public purchasing concepts
• Advanced knowledge of Accounts Payable processing
• Ability to evaluate contracts and negotiate with vendors
• Ability to analyze data using analytical and quantitative techniques
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to use Excel and common office software

Responsibilities

• Serves as the LSB purchasing SME and contract management lead.
• Coordinates procurement and contract activities for laboratory programs.
• Monitors compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Analyzes program and purchasing data to drive operational improvement.
• Maintains program procedures and ensures effective stewardship of public resources.
• Tracks contract cycles and drafts contracts or amendments with procurement rules and procedures.
• Uses software systems such as PERQS, AWACS, SABHRS, Quartezy, eMACS and Excel.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Accounts Payable

Contract evaluation

Data analysis

Communication

Organization

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration/accounting/finance/economics

Tools

PERQS

AWACS

SABHRS

Quartezy

eMACS

Excel

Job description

Job Description - Program Officer 2 (26142706)

Position Title:

Program Officer 2 - ( 26142706 )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov .

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Public Health and Safety Division/Financial Operations and Support Services Bureau.

Program Officer 2 servicing as the Laboratory Services Bureau’s (LSB) purchasing subject matter expert and contract management lead, responsible for coordinating procurement and contract activities supporting laboratory programs, monitoring complaince with state and federal requirements, analyzing program and purchasing data, operational improvement, maintaining program procedures, and ensuring effective stewardship of public resources.

This position is the technical expert in purchasing, accounts payable functions, procurement and contract management for the LSB, including the Environmental and Public Health Laboratories. The purchasing side of this position is responsible for purchasing supplies, goods, and services, by ensuring the quality, efficiency, and compliance of accounting procedures and budgets. The position analyzes, researches, reconciles, evaluates, and reviews and enters payments for all vendor-related invoices.

The procurement and contract management side of this position is responsible for tracking contract cycles, writing contracts or contract amendments with full understanding of procurement rules and procedures to maintain compliance. These duties are accomplished by using software systems such as PERQS, AWACS, SABHRS, Quartezy, eMACS and Excel worksheets.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities w hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

Knowledge of principles practices and state regulations used in Montana Procurement System and public purchasing concepts and practices

Advanced knowledge of Accounts Payable processing, principles, practices and techniques

Ability to evaluate contracts, solve problems and negotiate with vendors and resolve differences with vendor issues

Knowledge of methods and procedures for research and data analysis using analytical and quantitative techniques and procurement process

Ability to work independently and effectively with moderate supervision

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Excellent organization skills and attention to detail

Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete the essential functions including work proceeding, excel, email, internet and other computer programs.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, economics, or related field.

3 years of job-related experience

Equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial teleworkwithin the state of Montana.Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

31.94 - 31.94 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Oct 23, 2026, 1:16:34 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 8, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name : Jenny Fowler | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.