Cadre Instructor

Cadre Instructor

Position Title:

Cadre Instructor at the Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA), a residential academic intervention program for at‑risk youth, located on the campus of the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT.

About the Academy

MYCA uses a highly‑structured environment and selected aspects of military‑style training—team accountability, leadership, and physical fitness—to help youth build positive skills, self‑confidence, and a path toward successful adult lives.

Position Overview

Cadre Instructors supervise, mentor, and provide instruction to program participants (“Cadets”) in a safe, healthy, and highly‑structured residential setting. They are responsible for maintaining Cadet safety, welfare, and accountability, modeling conduct, and reinforcing program standards.

In this role you will help Cadets learn and practice:

• Healthy life habits and positive routines.
• Coping skills for emotional and social challenges.
• Time management, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Self‑motivation and progress toward personal and career goals.
• Personal accountability, teamwork, and pride in group achievement.

Cadre Instructors also provide direct instruction and coaching in leadership, military customs and courtesies, and physical fitness training, consistent with the MYCA model and curriculum.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and guide Cadets in a residential, quasi‑military environment.
• Enforce Academy rules, standards of conduct, and safety protocols.
• Lead and participate in daily formations, inspections, drills, and physical fitness activities.
• Provide instruction and coaching in leadership, teamwork, military customs and courtesies, and appropriate life skills.
• Model professional behavior, sound judgment, respect, and integrity.
• Monitor and document Cadet behavior, performance, and progress; report concerns and successes to supervisory staff.
• Respond to emergencies and challenging situations calmly and safely.

Collaborate with Academy staff to support Cadets’ academic, behavioral, and personal development goals.

Qualifications

Minimum criteria:

• Associate degree or two years of post‑secondary education in a human‑service related field such as psychology, sociology, social work, or education.
• Two years of professional experience coaching, mentoring, teaching, or leading youth.
• Two years of military experience.

Relevant combinations of education, military service, and youth‑working experience will also be considered.

Conditions of Employment

• Citizen of the United States.
• Pass background and driving record checks.
• Obtain a valid Montana driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and good character via reference and background checks.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug test and comply with ongoing random drug screenings.

Benefits

Health insurance, paid leave & holidays, retirement plan, and other standard benefits. Shift is day, and travel is required about 5% of the time. Telework is not eligible.

Pay

Hourly rate $25.05 with a tiered pay structure for performance after the first six months. Shift and duty differential may increase base rate.

EEO Statement

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.

E-Verify

Effective April 4, 2026, this agency participates in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting an offer and completing Form I‑9, information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.

Application Materials

• Cover letter describing interest and qualifications for the Cadre Instructor position.
• Current resume.
• Completed State of Montana employment application.

This position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.