Employment Opportunities

The Missoula Police Department is currently accepting applications from POST-Certified (Lateral) Police Officers. Applications can be submitted online via the Continuous POST-Certified Application. This recruitment will establish a pool of qualified candidates eligible for consideration throughout the year, during both regular and off-cycle hiring periods. We highly value the experience, training, and professionalism that POST-Certified officers bring to our department. Officers from diverse jurisdictions across the country have joined our team, enriching our department and strengthening our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our community.

The Missoula Police Department values the experience of POST-certified lateral officers. We honor your prior years of service and credentials, allowing you to become eligible for specialty assignments and promotional opportunities sooner within our agency. This means a faster path to advancement while continuing your career with a department that recognizes and rewards proven experience.

Competitive Benefits

Entry-level wage for a Missoula Police Officer is $42.63 per hour, $88,670.40 annually. Base wage increases to $45.83 per hour, $95,326.40 annually effective July 1, 2026.* 

Additional wage increases

• Associate’s degree .5% pay increase
• Bachelor’s degree 1% pay increase
• Specialty assignment incentive pay

*Sworn officers negotiate a contract through the collective bargaining unit of the Missoula Police Officer’s Association.  

• Generous police retirement after 20 years of service
• Comprehensive health insurance for employee, spouse and dependents
• Uniform allowance and initial equipment issue

Work-Life Balance

• Patrol shift that averages 15 shifts per month, providing two weekends off each month
• 3 weeks paid vacation each year at the entry level 
• 8 hours of paid sick leave accrual each month 
• 12 paid holidays each year

Growth & Advancement

• On-going professional training using the latest technological advancements. Minimum of 120 hours of department sponsored on-going training per year
• Specialty assignments include Detectives, Traffic, Drone Operators, Negotiations, SWAT, K-9
• Leadership pathways with incentive pay

SOMEDAY STARTS NOW! Participate in the recruitment process

• 2025 Winter Hiring Timeline – If your initial application is accepted, you will enter the process at the TEAMS Interview stage. (POST-Certified applicants are not required to attend the in-person Entry-Level/Reserve Officer written and physical testing). 
• Request a Ride-along
• Sworn Officer Job description
• Submit Your Application
• Speak with the Recruitment Team

Requirements & Qualifications

• To be eligible for consideration as a POST-Certified (Lateral) Police Officer, an applicant must have successfully completed a Peace Officer Basic Course that was taught or approved by a federal, state, local, or United States military law enforcement agency and that satisfied that agency’s basic training requirement. The applicant’s combined training and experience, totaling at least 512 hours, must be reviewed, and approved by the Montana POST Council as equivalent to the current Peace Officer Basic Course offered at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. In addition, the applicant must be in good standing with the certifying agency and must have been employed in a law enforcement capacity within the required timeframe following certification (within last 5 years), in accordance with MCA 32-302. The Montana POST Council retains the final authority to determine certification eligibility.
• Peace Officer Employment, Education, And Certificate Standards, MCA (7-32-303)
• Continuous Residency Requirement, MCA 2.80.030: All sworn Missoula Police Officers must reside within sixty (60) miles of the Missoula city limits at the time of hire.

The Missoula Police Department is seeking motivated individuals to serve as Reserve Officers, providing courtroom bailiff duties for Municipal Court and security at City Council meetings. This flexible, part-time role offers hands-on law enforcement experience while accommodating school, work, and life schedules.

Reserve Officers gain valuable experience in police operations, courtroom procedures, and public safety responsibilities. This role is an excellent opportunity for those pursuing a future career as a Police Officer with MPD, or for individuals who want to support the department’s mission of delivering professional police service and enhancing the quality of life in Missoula. Reserve Officers play a direct and entrusted role in public service and enforcement, helping to build community trust, ensure safety, and contribute to a more livable Missoula community.

While this is a part-time position, onboarding begins with a 6-week, full-time (40 hours per week) in-house training program. Upon successful completion, Reserve Officers move to part-time status with flexible shifts of 10–30 hours per week, scheduled based on availability.

Starting wage

• Starting wage is $42.63/hour. Wage increases to $45.83/hour as of July 1, 2026.
• Works a minimum average 20 hours per week

Benefits

• Vacation and sick leave pro-rated based on hours worked
• Health insurance pro-rated based on hours worked
• Flexible schedule available to accommodate school, within operational needs

Qualifications for Appointment

• Must have resided in the state continuously for at least 1 year prior to the appointment and in the county where the appointment is made for a period of at least 6 months prior to the date of the appointment
• Must be available for initial 6-week on-boarding process (240 hours)

SOMEDAY STARTS NOW! Participate in the recruitment process

• Reserve Officer Job Description
• Steps to Becoming a Police Officer
• Request a Ride-along
• Speak with the Recruitment Team

Resources

• Stanard & Associates' POST Practice Test & Study Guide
• Montana Physical Abilities Test - MPAT video
• 10 Ways to be an Outstanding Candidate