Research & Innovation Program Manager - ( 26141344 ) The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Research & Innovation Program Manager. This position is responsible for managing and administering the operations and activities of the MDT Research Program, the Experimental Projects Program, and the Technology Transfer Program, as well as the Department's library and related services. Develops and executes a strategic research roadmap aligned with MDT's goals and FHWA's State Planning & Research (SPR) program. Engages internal and external partners, including universities, FHWA, land local agencies to advance the Department's research and innovation agenda. Guides the full research lifecycle ensuring research project outcomes benefit programs statewide. Services as the agency's primary liaison for federal research committees and programs. This position reports to the Business Solutions Office Lead and directly supervises 3 professional staff: two Research Project Managers and the Department Librarian. For a full job description, please contact Alycia Gereg at agereg@mt.gov . 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: https://www.
mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values
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 below.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in business, science, transportation or a closely related field. OR 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
- 4 years of progressive experience in program administration, transportation research or project and portfolio management.
- 1 year of supervisory or team lead experience.
- Alternative combinations of related experience and education may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of project and portfolio management principles. Skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Ability to facilitate meetings with a variety of stakeholders. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Other Information The advertised salary includes the 2.5% increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026. Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment. 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 406.444.6054. 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. Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing the Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification. For more inormaton about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here: https://www.e-verify.gov.
Applicant Pool Statement :
If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment :
Not Applicable Salary:
$ 43.15 - 43.15
Hourly Telework Eligibility :
Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility :
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings :
1
Employee Status :
Regular Schedule :
Full-Time Job Type :
Standard Shift :
Day Job Travel :
Yes, 10 % of the
Time Primary Location :
Helena Agency :
Department of Transportation Union :
000 -
None Posting Date :
Jun 11, 2026, 4:09:17 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Jun 29, 2026, 5:59:00
AM Required Application Materials :
Cover Letter, Resume Contact Name :
Alycia Gereg |
Contact Email :
agereg@mt.gov |
Contact Phone :
406-475-1712 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
