Employment

The City of Helena Commission meet online on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM for the purpose of conducting deliberations and a selection of finalists for interviews for the position of the City Manager. The City Commission may close all or portions of the meeting to the public (pursuant Sect. 2-3-203(3), MCA)if the Mayor determines the discussion relates to a matter of individual privacy and the Mayor determines that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure.

The Commission previously conducted nine semifinalist interviews over the course of three days from Nov. 19-21.

Interviews for the final candidates will be conducted publicly with participation from the full Commission. The Commission is planning opportunities for finalists to meet with City Leadership and engage in a public event hosted by Helena Citizens Council.

The City began recruitment for its Manager position in early October with the first review of applications on November 5th. The position remains open until filled. The recruitment process garnered tremendous interest, with 78 applications from candidates across the country.

The public can expect more information on the finalist interview and selection process in the coming weeks.

The City’s hired recruitment consultants, Communication and Management Services, LLC (CMS), conducted a listening session from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 in the Commission Chambers, Room 330, at the City-County Building, 316 N. Park Ave. The compiled data was shared with the City Commission at a Special Commission meeting on November 10, 2025.  

For those who could not attend the listening session, CMS launched an online survey that closed on Nov. 4 at 11:55 p.m.

HELENA CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Salary Range: $175,000 – $205,000 DOE
Application Review Begins: November 5, 2025 – Open Until Filled

The City of Helena, Montana’s capital city (population ≈ 33,000), is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and community-minded City Manager to lead an organization dedicated to exceptional public service and sustainable growth. This is a full-time executive position reporting directly to the City Commission.

About Helena

Nestled at the base of the Continental Divide, Helena blends historic character with a dynamic economy and an active outdoor lifestyle. Strong K-12 schools, nearby colleges, vibrant neighborhoods, and more than 150 miles of hiking and biking trails make it one of Montana’s most livable communities.

The Opportunity

The City Manager, as an appointed role, provides leadership to eleven departments and approximately 380 full-time employees, and manages the City budget, which in Fiscal Year 2026 totaled $113.25 million. The next manager will guide implementation of Helena’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing efficient service delivery, transparent government, sound fiscal management, and community engagement. Key focus areas include sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and workforce excellence.

The Successful Candidate will:

• Be an approachable, visionary leader who values collaboration and accountability.
• Possess experience in public-sector management, budgeting, and long-term capital planning.
• Demonstrate skills in economic and community development, labor relations, and intergovernmental partnerships.
• Excel at communicating with elected officials, employees, and residents in a transparent and inclusive manner.
• Thrive in an environment that values innovation, problem-solving, and civic participation.

Qualifications

The city will consider any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business, finance, or a related field (master’s preferred).
• Seven years of progressively responsible local-government management experience.
• ICMA-CM credential preferred.
• Must be bondable and able to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within six months of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

Helena offers an entry salary range of $175,000 – $205,000 DOQ with opportunities for increases plus an excellent benefits package including:

• Generous paid leave and health insurance coverage.
• Retirement contributions: 9% employer to the Montana Public Employees’ Retirement System and 8% employer contribution to deferred compensation.
• Life insurance and car allowance.
• A supportive, collaborative work culture emphasizing stability and professional growth.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resumé, and three professional references to the following to the following link:

Helena City Manager Application Portal or copy and paste the following URL in your browser: https://wkf.ms/3VOYzqG.

Or mail to:

CMS
P.O. Box 1251
Helena, MT 59624

NOTE: Candidates asserting their right to privacy should indicate their assertion in the cover letter. Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must include DD-214 documentation.

Application review begins November 5, 2025, and continues until the city fills the position.

View the Full Recruitment Brochure(PDF, 5MB)  

Situated in the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and with a population of roughly 33,000, the City of Helena, capital of Montana, offers diverse opportunities for anyone to feel at home. Step outside and experience world class fly fishing and water activities in nearby reservoirs or the Missouri River. Take family and friends to access the City’s 1800 acres of natural, undeveloped park land where you can hike or bike to your heart’s content. Get out and explore the town that Rand McNally’s has called, “the #1 small town in the USA for Geocaching.” The Helena area also offers skiing, ghost town tours, backpacking, golfing, and many more great ways to enjoy the outdoors!

When you need a break from the outdoors, come downtown to enjoy homemade ice cream, chocolate and candy, unique stores and restaurants, local breweries, the carousel and ExplorationWorks!, or see a live production at the Helena Civic Center, Grandstreet Theatre, or Myrna Loy Center. The Helena Symphony, internationally acclaimed Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, and many local sporting events are also great ways to spend your time in our City. Our local government is committed to helping support the great quality of life expected by our citizens. Join us if you want to make a difference in the place you will be proud to call home!

Individuals interested in becoming a firefighter with the City of Helena MUST provide as part of the application process a passed physical agility test (CPAT) completed within the previous 12 months. Testing in Montana is provided through the Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium (MFTC) with testing dates and additional information being found at https://www.mtfiretesting.org/. When a position is available, individuals can apply through the City of Helena website.

Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium (MFTC)

Follow Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium on Facebook.

The Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium (MFTC) conducts firefighter testing for employment with any of the departments belonging to the Consortium. Departments that are members of the MFTC are Big Sky FD, Billings FD, Bozeman FD, Butte-Silver Bow FD, Central Valley (Belgrade area) FD, Frenchtown FD, Kalispell FD, Great Falls FD, Havre FD, Helena FD, Lockwood FD, Miles City FD, Missoula FD, and Missoula Rural FD.

MFTC requires candidates to successfully complete the CPAT Testing within one year prior to application. CPAT events are scheduled in Billings, MT, annually. If you have never taken a CPAT Test, you are highly encouraged to participate in a free CPAT Orientation.

The Consortium will test annually to keep the candidate pool current. Departments will review results as needed, as determined by the agency. Be sure to check each department profile to make sure you meet any department-specific deadline!  Departments will reach out to candidates on an as-needed basis. Be sure to be responsive to any agency requests!

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Montana Code 7-33-4107. Qualifications of firefighters.

Montana Firefighter Testing Consortium (MFTC)

Individuals interested in becoming a police officer with the City of Helena should review the information on HPD's employment page linked below.
http://www.helenamt.gov/government/departments/police-department/employment

The City of Helena offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance and Prescription Coverage
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance and Hearing Aid Benefits
• Life Insurance
• State of Montana Retirement and Deferred Compensation
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Health Screenings with Paid Incentives
• Supplemental Benefits through Mutual of Omaha
• Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, and Parental Leave
• Longevity Pay

For additional information about benefits, please contact the HR Specialist at 406-447-8404.

1. Access the City of Helena Job Portal

Click Here to Access Job Portal

2. Create Your Account: Once you’re on the portal, select “Applicant Access” to set up your account.

3. Explore Job Opportunities: After logging in, you’ll find a list of current job openings with the City of Helena available for you to review and apply for.