[Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Empowering Montanans Through Work and Opportunity. Sarah Swanson, Commissioner, Robin Graham, Administrator, Central Services Division] 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=26141697&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver Looking to put your legal experience to work in a role that truly matters? If you have a background in discrimination, labor relations, occupational licensing, wage and hour law, or administrative proceedings under the Montana Administrative Procedure Act, we want to hear from you. At the Office of Administrative Hearings, you will handle meaningful cases that directly impact Montana's workers, businesses, and licensed professionals. This is your chance to build your expertise, take on diverse and challenging work, and be part of a team that values fairness, integrity, and sound decision-making. If you are seeking a role where your skills are respected, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real difference, this is the opportunity for you. 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: The Administrative Law Judge conducts complex administrative hearings and issues legally sound decisions that determine the rights, duties, and privileges of parties. This role is part of the Office of Administrative Hearings and supports the agency by ensuring proceedings are fair, efficient, and consistent with applicable laws and procedures. The position manages cases from pre-hearing through final order, including ruling on motions and developing the evidentiary record. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU: Meaningful public service:Play a direct role in ensuring fair, impartial resolution of disputes that impact Montana workers, businesses, and communities. Professional growth and mastery:Deepen your expertise in administrative law and expand your experience across a variety of legal areas and agencies. Independent and impactful work:Exercise sound judgment and legal reasoning in a role that values objectivity, integrity, and well-supported decision-making. Collaborative environment:Work alongside experienced legal professionals in a mission-driven organization committed to fairness, consistency, and continuous improvement. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Preside over hearings:Conduct administrative hearings to adjudicate contested cases, ensuring proceedings are fair, orderly, and consistent with due process requirements. Manage case proceedings:Direct all phases of assigned cases, including pre-hearing conferences, scheduling, and ruling on motions to ensure efficient case progression. Issue written decisions:Prepare clear, well-reasoned orders that include findings of fact, conclusions of law, and appropriate relief, subject to judicial or agency review. Conduct legal research:Analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and agency rules to support hearing preparation and decision-making. Evaluate evidence and testimony:Assess the credibility of witnesses, weigh conflicting evidence, and draw reasonable inferences based on the record. Explain processes and expectations:Clearly communicate legal procedures, hearing expectations, and applicable standards to parties at the outset and throughout proceedings. REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Legal analysis and reasoning:Interpret and apply statutes, regulations, and case law to reach sound, defensible conclusions. Hearing management and facilitation:Conduct hearings that are structured, impartial, and protective of the rights of all parties. Decision writing and documentation:Draft timely, comprehensive written decisions that address all issues and clearly articulate legal reasoning. Credibility assessment and judgment:Evaluate testimony and evidence objectively and make well-supported determinations. Communication and clarity:Explain legal concepts, procedures, and expectations effectively to diverse audiences, including self-represented parties. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience) Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Demonstrated experience practicing law or applying legal principles in areas such as administrative law, employment law, labor relations, or regulatory compliance. Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, or policies in complex or contested matters. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting legal documents and explaining complex concepts to varied audiences. Experience managing multiple cases or priorities while maintaining attention to detail and timeliness. Proficiency with standard office software and the ability to learn case management or electronic records systems. 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 required skills and competencies, 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 statehere. See our other incredible benefitshere. 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 hereto learn more. Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - clickhereto 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. - Clickhereto learn more. Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click hereto learn more! Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth. State employee discounts at various businesses across the state. This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) _E-Verify:_This agency is participating 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/ Title: Administrative Law Judge Location: Helena Requisition ID: 26141697
