Be the Calm Voice in the Chaos – Join the Montana Highway Patrol as a Dispatcher
Are you ready to make a real difference every single day? The Montana Highway Patrol is looking for dependable, quick-thinking, and highly professional Dispatchers to be the first point of contact during both emergency and non-emergency situations. This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to serve your community, support law enforcement, and be the lifeline between crisis and response.
As a Highway Patrol Communications Professional, you'll work with a dedicated team that supports troopers from the Montana Highway Patrol, Department of Justice employees, and other state agencies. Our state-of-the-art communications centers are staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, and play a vital role in public safety across Montana.
Why This Role Matters
Every second counts in a crisis. As a dispatcher, you’ll:
- Field emergency calls and dispatch critical information to field units
- Guide first responders to scenes of crashes, crimes, and emergencies
- Use cutting-edge systems like the Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) to log and share vital data
- Help protect lives, calm distressed callers, and support law enforcement agencies in real time
What You'll Do
- Answer and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls
- Dispatch officers and emergency services to incidents statewide
- Accurately document all communications and data into CJIN
- Troubleshoot and respond to hardware/software issues related to CJIN
- Perform administrative duties that support public safety operations
You’ll Thrive Here If You:
- Work well under pressure and can stay calm in chaotic situations
- Communicate clearly, compassionately, and quickly
- Are highly organized and capable of multitasking
- Have strong attention to detail and excellent listening skills
- Can work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
Work Environment
- 24/7 operation: rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- High stress yet rewarding environment helping people in crisis
- Sedentary work in a secure communications center, with some light lifting and bending
- Frequent contact with emotionally distressed and mentally impaired individuals
Preferred Skills (Not Required, But a Plus):
- Experience using law enforcement radio equipment
- Familiarity with CJIN, NCIC, or NLETS databases
- Knowledge of TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf)
- Prior dispatch or emergency communications experience
Minimum Qualifications
Per Montana Code Annotated 7-31-202, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old
- Pass a fingerprint-based background check
- Have no felony convictions
- Be of good moral character
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Hiring Process
Qualified candidates will undergo:
- Panel interview
- CritiCall skills assessment
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Hearing test
How to Apply
- Submit a resume.
- Include detailed work history: job duties, dates of employment, and reason for leaving
- Be prepared to provide references and additional documentation if selected
Join the Montana Highway Patrol Communications Professionals and be the voice that makes a difference.
Apply now to become a part of a team that stands behind the badge, supporting those who serve and protect every day.