Special Security Officer

Missoula County; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Missoula County invites applications for a Regular, Full-Time Special Services Officer to perform courthouse security and bailiff duties across District Court operations. You will monitor entry points, respond to incidents, and maintain public safety while upholding court procedures. Pre-service academy completion and firearms certification are required, along with a pre-employment screen.

Applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria and pass background checks. Apply by the Sept.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and able to pass pre-employment screenings.
• Requires a High School Diploma or GED and a valid Montana driver’s license.
• Requires firearms certification and completion of a pre-service training academy.
• Background check and drug screening are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide general security for the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent facilities.
• Maintain a visible court security presence and assist with court proceedings as needed.
• Monitor entry/exit points and video surveillance; deter crime and assist the public.
• Respond to emergencies, coordinate evacuations, and provide basic first aid if required.
• Maintain and secure firearms and related equipment per policy; prepare reports.

Skills

Security

Bailiff duties

Emergency response

Public safety comms

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Video surveillance systems

Courtroom security equipment

Job description

Application Details

• Rate of pay: $26.606 per hour
• Job status: REGULAR, FULL-TIME
• Department: SHERIFF'S OFFICE
• Benchmarking Unit: FMCE Federation of Missoula County Employees
• Closing date: September 12, 2026, you must apply before this date!

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.

Performs general security work for the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent County facilities as required. Performs Bailiff duties for District Court(s) per state statute. May perform Bailiff duties for Justice Court(s) as required.

Examples of Duties

• Provides general security services for the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent county facilities buildings, grounds, and parking areas.
• Uses presence and communication skills to facilitate and maintain orderly and efficient operations of the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent facilities during the hours of normal business operation.
• Monitors and controls entry and exit points to County buildings as well as video surveillance cameras systems.
• Maintains a highly visible presence within the Missoula County Courthouse, routinely patrols Courthouse and adjacent county buildings, grounds, and parking area(s) for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing an identifiable source for citizen assistance, guidance, protection, and service.
• Responds to emergencies and incidents in designated areas promptly, taking appropriate action to ensure public safety, including communicating with and restraining uncooperative individuals and calling for assistance when required.
• Assists with coordinating and implementing emergency evacuation and safety plans.
• Provides emergency medical attention to citizens as needed.
• Assesses and makes decisions regarding the reasonable use of less lethal or lethal force.
• Maintains security and possession of a firearm and related equipment at all times.
• Prepares complete and accurate reports as required.
• Provides courtroom security by his/her presence and calling for assistance from the Sheriff's Department when needed.
• Monitors and controls points of entry and exit to the courtroom.
• Performs bailiff duties at the direction of the court: Calls the court to order, retrieves court files for the District Court Judge, at judge’s request clears the courtroom of spectators, calls witnesses and jurors into the courtroom, and sequesters the jury when in deliberation.
• Conducts a physical inspection of the courtroom for security prior to and at the end of each court session and secure the courtroom when not in session.
• May facilitate transportation of jury to crime scenes and meals as required.
• May assist the District Court Judge(s) and Clerk(s) as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old.
• Must possess a Highschool Diploma or equivalent GED.
• Must possess a valid MT driver’s license.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening, physical, and hearing test.
• Must pass a background investigation conducted by the Missoula County Sheriff's Department.

Experience

None. Previous experience in law enforcement or security officer preferred.

Special Requirements

Requires firearms certification course and successful completion of a pre-service training academy (see appendix A).

Appendix A: MCSO Special Service Officer Preservice Training Academy Agenda

Definition: Entry level training academy designed to give MCSO Special Service Officers a basic understanding of general sheriff office policy and procedures and related tasks they will perform in the scope of the Special Services Officer duties. (Approximately 72 Hours)

TRAINING CLASSES: The following blocks of instruction are intended to illustrate typical duties or tasks; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive. “Use of Force” as it applies to lethal and less lethal force. MCA laws governing Use of Force (Tennessee v. Garner) (Graham V. Connor). 8-Hours (4-hrs.- classroom, 4-hrs. practical exercises). Building Security and Searching. 2-Hours Active Shooter Response. 4-Hours Handheld Radio: use and protocols (incident codes, 911 procedures). 2-Hours Handcuffing and escorting techniques. 4-Hours Weaponless defensive tactics- 4 hours Less Lethal Force Options Baton & Pepper Spray. 4 hours Lost Found Property Procedures. 2-Hours CIT (Crisis Intervention Team). 8-Hours Basic First Aid and equipment (AED, CPR, Tourniquets). 4-Hours Bailiff 101- Courtroom/Courthouse procedures overview. 6-Hours Firearms proficiency and qualifications. 24- hours (2-hrs. classroom, 20-hrs. @ Range)

Qualification Requirements

Special Service Officers must be able to successfully pass the pre-service academy as demonstrated by their ability to receive instruction and retain information as it pertains to work-related tasks. They must be able to demonstrate their ability to perform basic tasks to a Sheriff Office standards to include: firearms qualifications, exercising sound judgement and decision making in “Use of Force” situations (training simulator scenarios), Use of Less lethal force options (weaponless defensive tactics, Baton, and Papper spray) handcuffing, escort techniques, basic first aid, and radio communications. Any Officer who fails to meet minimum training standards as set forth in the pre-service academy may be subject to termination.

Working Conditions

The work requires long periods of sitting and standing, and some general foot patrol; requires working outdoors in inclimate weather for limited periods of time. May require detaining and escorting a subject who has been remanded to the custody of the jail. May require transporting jurors using county vehicle. Additional Job Description: Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

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.