Legal Reference Librarian
This Position Will Close On January 27th, 2026. Please Submit The Following Required Documents On The State Of Montana Careers Website:
* Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor's name/phone number for each position.
* Cover Letter
* Three Professional References
Applications without the required documents will not be reviewed in the recruitment process.
When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position
.
The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.
The Montana Judicial Branch offers a variety of opportunities to help you make a difference in your community, and further your career. As a service-oriented employer, we seek employees with a passion for customer service to help us fulfill our mission t
o provide an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana.
*Benefits Of Working For The Judicial Branch:*
* Work/life balance
* Family friendly policies
* Dedicated and caring colleagues
* Health coverage
* Retirement plans
* Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
* Opportunities and room for professional growth
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
* A criminal background check is required for the successful applicant.
* An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period.
Nature of work:
* This is professional library work. Performing professional activities related to the public services provided by the law library.
Essential Functions:
(Any one position may or may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed).
* Providing reference services to all users of the law library. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting legal research, compiling legislative histories, compiling legal research guides, and being able to communicate research findings to a variety of patrons.
* Providing specialized instruction in legal research techniques, both print and online.
* Evaluating and authenticating information on library's website and adding content when appropriate.
* Regularly evaluating collection and services and recommending new materials and services to the State Law Librarian.
* Regularly evaluating existing policies and procedures; recommending changes; assisting in implementation of new policies.
* Assisting the State Law Librarian in formulating and developing plans to promote improved library services.
* Maintaining statistics for measurement of reference services.
* Assisting the State Law Librarian in representing the law library in contacts with the public; talking to and teaching interested groups about legal research and use of the library's resources.
* Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
* Work is performed primarily in a library environment.
Physical Demands:
* Providing reference assistance requires the ability to be mobile, to stoop, and to reach to retrieve library materials. Position requires mental alertness and acuity to effectively perform duties. Position requires the ability to lift books and move loaded book trucks. Position may require extensive periods of standing or sitting in front of a video display terminal.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required:
* Working knowledge of library science, legal research, and reference practices.
* Working knowledge and ability to make appropriate use of a wide variety of library resources, including print materials and online databases.
* Familiarity with equal justice initiatives of various entities and jurisdictions.
* Strong skills in interpersonal communications; ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including addressing.
* Knowledge and ability to evaluate materials appropriate for inclusion in the law library's collection.
* Initiative, resourcefulness, judgment, and tact in working with library users and staff.
* Ability to work under pressure, to meet deadlines, and to handle multiple and sometimes conflicting demands.
* Ability to develop policies and procedures.
* Demonstrated knowledge and use of library computer applications.
Qualifications:
(Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)
Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school required. A bachelor's or master's degree in library science or relevant library experience preferred. Professional reference experience may be gained by practicum or internship in library school.
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: $
Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible 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, 5 % of the Time
Primary Location
: Helena
Agency: Judicial Branch Union: 000 - None
Posting Date
: Jan 13, 2026, 3:42:41 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)
: Jan 28, 2026, 6:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References
Contact Name: Mandi Edlin | Contact Email: | Contact Phone: 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.