Automotive Trainer

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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

To initiate an application and be considered, you must attach your resume, cover letter, and mark the attachments as a “Relevant File”. In your cover letter, state why you are applying for the position and anything that makes you uniquely qualified. Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

• Criminal history check
• Child/patient/offender abuse registries
• Reference checks

The Department of Corrections participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

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.

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: $

32.42 - 36.42 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible 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

Deer Lodge Agency: Department of Corrections Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Aug 31, 2026, 8:33:07 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

Sep 14, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Macee Larkins | Contact Email: macee.larkins@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406/415-6202 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.