Jobs in Montana 2026 (Now Hiring) - Smart Auto Apply

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26140262&tz=GMT-07:00&tzname=America/Denver

Build Montana's future-one apprentice at a time. 406Jobs is launching a Registered Apprenticeship Specialist position to supercharge opportunity and growth across Eastern Montana, connecting people, employers, and communities to high-impact, skills-based careers. In this role, you'll be on the front lines of the 406Jobs Initiative, turning big ideas into real training programs that keep talent local, strengthen small town economies, and open doors for Montanans who've been left out of traditional pathways-including formerly incarcerated individuals and rural jobseekers.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

Position Overview:

As a Registered Apprenticeship Specialist with 406Jobs, you'll use apprenticeship as a tool to solve real workforce problems, not just manage a program. You'll work directly with employers, schools, workforce partners, and reentry organizations to design and support apprenticeship and pre apprenticeship pathways aligned with Montana's workforce goals. One day you might help a small business stand up its first apprenticeship: the next, you're coaching a school district through teacher apprenticeship registration or translating complex rules into plain language for a new employer sponsor. Every week, you'll see the impact of your work in new apprentices signed, new programs launched, and new careers started across Eastern Montana.

Essential Functions:

In this role, you're not just maintaining programs-you're building the future of work in Eastern Montana, while continuously building your own expertise in workforce strategy, partnership development, and program design.

• Design and expand apprenticeship programs by teaming up with employers, unions, and education and workforce partners to launch innovative registered apprenticeship models that unlock high quality, in demand careers across the region. As you do this, you'll sharpen your program design, consulting, and stakeholder engagement skills with every new industry and community you support.
• Provide technical assistance on registration and compliance as the go to guide for sponsors, walking them through registration, standards, work processes, related instruction, and documentation so their ideas become approved, functioning programs that meet all requirements. In the process, you'll deepen your knowledge of state and federal apprenticeship regulations and strengthen your ability to translate complex rules into actionable steps.
• Develop pre-apprenticeship and youth pathways that give high school students, career changers, rural residents, and underrepresented Montanans a clear, structured on ramp into apprenticeship and long term, living wage careers. This work will grow your skills in pathway design, youth engagement, and equity minded program development.
• Use data to drive strategy by digging into labor market information, program outcomes, and local feedback to pinpoint talent gaps and pitch apprenticeship as the smart, results driven solution. You'll advance your analytical skills and your ability to tell a compelling story with data that influences decision makers.
• Communicate program requirements clearly by turning dense regulations and technical language into practical, plain spoken guidance that employers, apprentices, and educators can actually use. Over time, you'll become a stronger communicator and trainer, skilled at tailoring messages for different audiences.
• Monitor program quality and compliance by keeping a close eye on standards, records, and outcomes, making sure programs meet state and federal requirements while still working for real world employers and apprentices. This will build your expertise in quality assurance, documentation, and continuous improvement practices.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships by connecting workforce, education, community, tribal, and re entry partners so apprenticeship becomes a core strategy in regional workforce and economic development. You'll grow your relationship building, negotiation, and coalition building skills as you become a trusted connector across Eastern Montana.
• Support evaluation and continuous improvement by tracking completion, credential, and employment outcomes and bringing forward smart recommendations that make programs stronger year after year. This will strengthen your ability to evaluate programs, recommend policy or process changes, and lead conversations about what's working and what needs to evolve.

Required Skills and Competencies:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge and proficiency in the following areas:

• Design workforce and training programs: Apply workforce development principles to create registered apprenticeship and pre apprenticeship models that respond to regional occupation demand and support the Department of Labor's workforce goals.
• Conduct needs assessments and translate them into standards: Gather and analyze employer and community input, then develop structured program standards, curricula, and training plans that reflect those needs.
• Build and sustain partnerships: Establish and maintain effective relationships with employers, apprentices, education providers, workforce agencies, and community partners in both rural and urban settings.
• Facilitate collaboration: Coordinate cross agency and cross sector efforts, align roles, and support joint problem solving to advance shared workforce objectives.
• Communicate complex information: Present accurate, technically sound explanations of apprenticeship processes, licensing requirements, and credential pathways in clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Develop and deliver presentations and trainings: Prepare and deliver briefings, trainings, and outreach presentations in person and virtually to employers, partners, and community groups.
• Interpret and apply regulations and policy: Read, interpret, and apply state and federal apprenticeship regulations, occupational standards, and internal policy guidance in daily program decisions.
• Analyze data and recommend improvements: Use program and labor market data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities, and produce data informed recommendations for program or policy changes.
• Manage projects and documentation: Organize multiple projects and timelines, maintain accurate records and reports, and meet internal and external reporting requirements.
• Work independently and exercise judgment: Operate with a high level of independence within established policies and frameworks, using sound judgment to resolve issues and follow through on commitments to employers and partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated experience designing, managing, or supporting programs related to workforce development, education, business, or human services.
• Experience engaging employers, schools, and community partners to connect individuals with training or employment opportunities.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply program guidelines, policies, or technical requirements in a professional work setting.
• Experience analyzing data, tracking performance, and preparing reports to document compliance or inform decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including experience presenting or explaining complex topics in accessible terms.
• A bachelor's degree in public administration, business, human services, or a related field may supplement relevant experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in these areas. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as "RELEVANT" or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter- Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You'll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.- Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)