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Investigative Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Montana

PRE-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION WRITER PROBATION & PAROLE HAVRE REGION, MT The Montana Department of ... by using specialized investigative and communicative skills; through cooperation with other ...

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How much do investigative writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative writer in the United States is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Investigative Writer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Writer, you need strong research skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a solid background in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, online research tools, FOIA requests, and ethics in reporting is often expected. Strong communication, persistence, curiosity, and the ability to build trust with sources are key soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate, impactful stories while navigating complex subjects and sensitive information.

What are the typical challenges an Investigative Writer might face on the job?

Investigative Writers often face challenges such as verifying complex or hidden information, managing deadlines for lengthy research projects, and overcoming reluctance from potential sources. The work frequently involves sifting through large volumes of data, documents, or interviews to uncover facts that are not immediately obvious. Team collaboration with editors, legal experts, and sometimes subject matter specialists is common to ensure stories are accurate and ethically sound. Successful writers develop strategies for maintaining objectivity and resilience, especially when confronted with sensitive or high-stakes material.

What does an Investigative Writer do?

An Investigative Writer researches, analyzes, and reports on complex topics, uncovering hidden details, patterns, or misconduct. They often work in journalism, law, or advocacy, relying on interviews, public records, and data analysis to build compelling narratives. Their work may expose corruption, highlight social issues, or provide in-depth insights into current events. Strong investigative skills, persistence, and ethical reporting are essential in this role.

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Infographic showing various Investigative Writer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,401 per year, or $31 per hour.
Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

State of Montana

On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

State Of Montana rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states

Job description

PRE-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION WRITER

PROBATION & PAROLE

HAVRE REGION, 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 Public Safety Division operates Montana's prisons safely and securely and provides supervision and support for offenders in the community through its Probation and Parole Bureau. The work performed in this division is integral to the department's mission to create a safer Montana through accountability, rehabilitation, and empowerment. Make a difference! Join us today!

The Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer position, guided by the Department of Corrections (DOC) mission, completes pre-sentence investigations and risk assessments to make recommendations to address the risks and needs of various offenders.

  • The PSI Writer, at the order of the district court judges, conducts pre-sentence investigations, which includes risk and needs assessments.
  • Through the use of motivational interviewing, conduct risk and needs assessments and utilizing various instruments with offenders, makes recommendations to address the risks and needs of various offenders.
  • Interviews the offender, victims, witness and other individuals who would have relevant information pertaining to the offender or the crime and reduce this information to writing what is contained within the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report.
  • Develops reports and determines the appropriate sentencing and placement recommendations by using specialized investigative and communicative skills; through cooperation with other criminal justice agencies; a thorough knowledge of the laws, sentencing rules and regulations pertaining to probation, parole, incarceration, rehabilitation and treatment programs. Investigates the personal and criminal history of the offender through document searches and interviews with others.
  • Gathers information and composes Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports (PSI) & Reports of Violation (ROV) for officer review.
  • Distributes approved reports and ensures all documents are accurate and in correct format, signed, ensuring the Division's policies are understood, followed, in compliance with court ordered conditions and identifies the public safety risks for the other state.
  • Attends court on "Law & Motion" day, in absence of the probation & parole officer, to obtain court dates and information for pre-sentence investigation and reports of violation.
  • Testifies through the direct and cross examination with prosecutors and defense counsel, in the court of law to the accuracy and authenticity of the information contained within the report.
  • Tracks the offenders reporting schedules, meeting supervision standards, ensuring pre-sentence investigation reports and deadlines are met, and documenting offender chronos in OMIS.
  • Assists in determining if an offender is eligible for Interstate Compact Supervision based on community safety, the compact criteria, treatment plan, residence, and receiving states individual regulations.
  • Obtains and calculates restitution, court costs and supervision fees for monthly report and outstanding balances by calling and requesting logs from the county attorneys and the clerks of court; tracking financial obligations and corresponding with offenders to alert them to their financial situation; gathers information relevant to changes in court schedules.
  • Enters offender information into OMIS /OMP and obtains OMIS DOC numbers for offenders.
  • Collects and compiles statistical data; creates reports and provides information to the appropriate personnel and agencies.
  • Assists PPO with obtaining and filing documentation necessary to complete the PSI and ROV reports. Gathers police record checks by calling law enforcement agencies or authorized persons within the department and requesting "rap" sheets or Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) criminal records on offenders.
  • Receives information on DOC commits from officers and assists officer in ensuring that all required documentation is assembled and forwarded to the records department at the Montana State Prison. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • The above knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this position are typically acquired through an associate degree in criminology, human behavior and social work or related fields AND two years law enforcement or public safety experience.
  • Some higher education in criminology, human behavior and social work and related fields and two years' experience in law enforcement or public safety preferred; OR a combination of higher education and experience.

  • The successful candidate must be able to type 40 wpm

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

Effective March 16, 2026, this agency 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 of 2003 -  Any person who has 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 any person who has been civilly or administratively adjusted to have engaged in the activity as described are not qualified for this position. 

Tobacco Free - Use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes in Department of Corrections buildings, is prohibited.  In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is also prohibited.

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