Software and Data Systems Bureau Chief

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting a Software and Data Systems Bureau Chief. This position is responsible for Software Development, Web Development and Information Management, GIS, Database Administration, Data Architecture, and Records Management projects and activities for the agency. This position provides ongoing advice and management to the Information Services Division’s section supervisors. This position recommends, develops, and enforces strategic plans, policies, and procedures for all program functions, and manages the application portfolio, records and information management, and data infrastructure needs of the agency. This position is responsible for budget development and management, developing program plans, and developing resource and personnel management plans.

For a full job description, please contact Michaela Cortright at .

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

· Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

· Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

· Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families

· State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)

· Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

· Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

· Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

· Benefits apply on first day of employment

· Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website:

Required Application Materials:

· A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.

· A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed above.

Required Education and Experience:

· The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in information technology management, business management, computer science or information systems.

· This position requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience managing Software Development staff, Database Administrators, GIS staff with a focus in ESRI technology, strategic planning, program management, workforce development, state legislative processes, and budgeting.

· This position must have extensive knowledge with agile software development, various modern development languages and tools, industry development best practices and standards, ESRI technology and architecture, various modern database technologies including Oracle, SQL Server, and Mongo.

· In addition, this position must have knowledge of Records Management activities, both electronic and paper, including record retention laws and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Extensive knowledge of business management and public administration, strategic planning principles, analytical methods and technologies, budgeting, workforce management, and state legislative processes.

· Strong knowledge of Application and Web Development, GIS, Database Administration, Data and System Architecture, and Records Management.

· Proven ability in program management and planning/organizing the work of other staff.

· Proficient in contract, vendor, and procurement management.

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

· Proven ability to manage complex Information Technology projects.

· Excellent leadership ability to lead and motivate staff within an industry of constant innovation and change.

· The required skills and abilities for this position include strong interpersonal and communication skills, leadership, ethics and integrity, active listening, analytical and problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, creativity, deductive and inductive reasoning, relationship building, accountability, reading comprehension, and time management.

Other Information

The successful candidate must pass a fingerprint background investigation as a condition of employment.

House Bill 13, passed by the 2025 State Legislature, increased state employee base pay for by $1.00 per hour or 2.5%, whichever is greater, beginning July 1, 2025. The advertised pay rate includes this increase.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at .

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.

This position is covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association). The successful applicant for this position who is eligible-retirement qualified will be required to participate in the VEBA group. The VEBA group can take part in an annual election. Any questions regarding the VEBA can be addressed to Laurie Edwards, MDT Human Resources Division 444-6053.