Salary: $112,756.80 - $132,080.00 Annually
Location : Detention Center- 605 S. 16th St, Bozeman, MT
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00840
Department: Detention Center
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
POSITION OVERVIEWThe Detention Center Director is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, direction and control necessary for the operation of the jail within accepted standards and applicable law. The Detention Center Director makes independent decisions and represents the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in a professional manner. This position is supervised by and reports to the Sheriff. This position directly supervises the Security Lieutenant, Program & Facilities Director, Clinic Director, Office Manager.
General- Aligns actions with the Sheriff's Office vision, mission, values and goals.
- Establishes and maintains the global direction of the facility.
- Monitors trends in corrections to keep facility current in the field.
- Knowledgeable of all jail operations (security, medical, programs, etc.)
- Familiar with all contracts and vendors related to the GCDC.
- Strong understanding of the budget process works with accountant to set budget and allocates appropriately for jail needs.
- Advocates for the needs of the Detention Center.
- Able to plan, organize, and coordinate special projects with minimal disruption to facility.
- Research proposed projects and follow through in a timely manner while communicating progress with staff.
- Anticipates and averts potential problems with inmates, staff, contractors, etc.
- Makes appropriate judgments of needed actions for a variety of situations.
- Effectively functions under emergency and stressful situations.
Staff Supervision- Supervises, holds accountable, evaluates, and mentors DC administrative team.
- Supports Office Manager with hiring and promotion of personnel.
- Approves payroll, workers compensation claims, LWOP and Military time, etc.
- Oversees development of future leaders in organization.
- Ensures staff training is being completed as required by state law and by the Sheriff's Office policies and procedures.
- Conducts regular staff meetings and maintains open lines of communication.
- Responsible for proper allocation of staff.
- Develops staff appreciation events/activities on an ongoing basis.
- Schedules work to see each shift a minimum o twice a month.
- Acts as a mediator when needed for issues between staff.
- Understands and follows the negotiated contract.
- Investigates and/or facilitates investigations of alleged violations of personnel rules and policies.
Facility Operations & Inmate Care- Maintains a working knowledge of all positions within the Detention Center.
- Accountable for overall safe and secure operation of the Detention Center with assistance from Security Lieutenant.
- Supports Clinic Director to ensure care of inmates.
- Works with Program Director to implement inmate programs.
- Per standards, completes walk through of facility on weekly basis.
- Active member of the safety committee.
- Ensures equipment is in good working order.
- Knowledgeable of inmate rights ensures those rights are afforded to inmates.
- Knowledgeable of the American's with Disabilities Act and its impact on staff and inmates.
- Handles inmate grievances that are appealed to Detention Director level.
- Oversees, with admin team, high risk inmate care.
- Works with Transport Sgt on Room and Board beds, out of county contracts, and transportation of inmates.
Policy & Procedure (P&P)- Assure compliance with federal, state, local laws, rules, regulations.
- Manages facility using Montana jail standards.
- Develops and implements comprehensive policies and procedures for operation of the Detention Center.
- Follows P&P and holds staff accountable for also following P&P.
- Completes ongoing annual review of P&P and keeps current.
- Seeks input from County Attorney's Office regarding legality of new policies and procedures.
Communication & Public Relations- Is factual and truthful with information. Provides accurate, complete, and up to date information as needed.
- Informs Sheriff/Undersheriff of positive actions and potential problems at the GCDC.
- Effective oral and written communicator.
- Manages public complaints brought through the complaint process.
- Works through issues with arresting agencies.
- Has a professional working relationship with County Attorney on legal issues.
- Accepts subpoenas for Detention Center and works with proper attorney.
- Communicates professionally as needed with Judges and Inmate Attorneys.
- Provides responsive, high-quality services to county staff and members of the public.
- Works with team on community outreach and public education, experienced in public speaking.
- Works with Sheriff on media coverage of facility.
- Testifies in court as requested by CA or as subpoenaed.
- Represents Gallatin County Detention Center at events such as; Commissioners Meetings, Jail Commanders Meetings, MSPOA, etc.
- Maintains positive relations with contractors and venders.
Other- Prepares statistical reports related to facility. Monitors for trends and takes action as needed.
- Knowledgeable of the RFP and procurement process.
- Writes grants that will benefit the GCDC.
- Provides support to other facilities across the state as appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Sheriff.
QUALIFICATIONS- Minimum of 5 years working on a Detention Center or within Law Enforcement setting.
- 3-5 years of upper-level management preferred.
- Experience creating and managing large projects.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEBachelor's degree in related field (Criminal Justice, Public Administration, etc.) or equivalent experience with work related duties.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONAs a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.For application consideration, the following documents are REQUIRED to be submitted with your application:- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three (3) references
Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
HEALTH BENEFITS: - Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
- Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
- Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
- Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
- Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
- Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
- FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses
COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)
COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached
RETIREMENT:- County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
- County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
- An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:- Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child
SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:- Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
- Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.
HOLIDAYS:- The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
- A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.
HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:- Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.
WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES: - Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
- Will and limited legal service
TUITION ASSISTANCE:- The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses
BILINGUAL PAY:- Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.