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The Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) is accepting applications for a full-time Cadre Instructor position in Dillon, Montana. This position will remain open until filled.

About the Academy

The Montana Youth Challenge Academy is a residential academic intervention program for youth at risk of not completing high school, located on the campus of the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT. The Academy uses a highly-structured environment and selected aspects of military-style training-such as team accountability, leadership, and physical fitness-to help youth build positive skills, self-confidence, and a path toward successful adult lives.

Position Overview

Cadre Instructors provide direct supervision, mentoring, and instruction to program participants ("Cadets") in a safe, healthy, and highly-structured residential setting. Cadre Instructors are responsible for maintaining the safety, welfare, and accountability of Cadets at all times, modeling appropriate conduct, and reinforcing program standards and expectations.

In this role, you will help Cadets learn and practice:

• Healthy life habits and positive routines.
• Coping skills for emotional and social challenges.
• Time management, problem solving, and communication skills.
• Self-motivation and progress toward personal and career goals.
• Personal accountability, teamwork, and pride in group achievement.

Cadre Instructors also provide direct instruction and coaching in leadership, military customs and courtesies, and physical fitness training, consistent with the MYCA model and curriculum.

Shift and duty differential pay may increase the base rate of pay for this position. A tiered pay structure offers pay increases based on performance after the first six months of employment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and guide Cadets in a residential, quasi-military environment.
• Enforce Academy rules, standards of conduct, and safety protocols to ensure a secure, orderly environment.
• Lead and participate in daily formations, inspections, drills, and physical fitness activities.
• Provide instruction and coaching in leadership, teamwork, military customs and courtesies, and appropriate life skills.
• Model professional behavior, sound judgment, respect, and integrity at all times.
• Monitor and document Cadet behavior, performance, and progress; report concerns and successes to supervisory staff.
• Respond to emergencies and challenging situations in a calm, consistent, and safety-focused manner.

• Collaborate with Academy staff to support Cadets' academic, behavioral, and personal development goals.

  
  Effective April 4, 2026, this agency is participatingin 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/.

This is an entry-level professional position that builds a pathway into a variety of human service fields, such as education, social work, psychology, advocacy, and community development.

Successful candidates may draw on a variety of experiences; any combination of the following may be considered:

• An associate's degree or two years of post-secondary education in a human-service related field such as psychology, sociology, social work, or education.
• Two years of professional experience coaching, mentoring, teaching, or leading youth.
• Two years of military experience.

Relevant combinations of education, military service, and experience working with youth will be considered.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Must be able to pass background and driving record checks.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Montana driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
• Must be of sound judgment and good character, as demonstrated through reference and background checks.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and comply with ongoing random drug screenings.

Application Materials

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following through the State of Montana Careers system:

• Cover letter describing interest in and qualifications for the Cadre Instructor position.
• Current resume.
• Completed State of Montana employment application.

This position is open until filled; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.