Assessment Specialist (00097)

Job Description - Assessment Specialist (00097) (26141859)

Position Title:

Assessment Specialist (00097) - (26141859)

This first review of applications will be August 3, 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.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI's purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• 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.

Job Overview: The Science Assessment Specialist is the primary liaison between Montana schools and state and federal science assessment requirements. Reporting to the Director of Assessment, this role provides training, technical assistance, and resources to ensure effective administration of statewide science assessments and appropriate use of results within the Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS). This position has no supervisory duties.

The science assessments supported by this position include:

• Montana Science Assessment (grades 5 and 8)
• ACT with Writing - science (grade 11)
• MAST Science Pilot

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of assessment policies and practices that ensure technical quality, validity, reliability, and proper use of results.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, including FERPA, related to assessment, accountability, and student‑level data management.
• Knowledge of educational administration principles, program management, and organizational operations.
• Skill in data analysis, interpretation, and communication of implications for varied audiences.
• Skill in organizing and managing multiple projects, timelines, contracts, and assessment deliverables.
• Skill in developing and delivering professional development and communications to the field.
• Ability to plan, oversee, and evaluate statewide assessment programs and processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to evaluate program materials, test items, and assessment specifications for quality and alignment.
• Ability to manage data privacy, confidentiality requirements, and secure data practices.
• Ability to navigate political and educational environments when presenting data or explaining assessment issues.
• Ability to access, retrieve, and synthesize information from educational databases and national clearinghouses.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in education, assessment, measurement, data science, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of science instruction in a K-12 classroom experience.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in K-12 education or assessment.

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in education, leadership, assessment, or a related field.
• Experience working with large-scale assessment systems at the district, state, or consortium level.
• Experience with federal education programs or accountability systems.
• Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. 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. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.

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: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

32.95 - 32.95 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, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Office of Public Instruction Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

: Jul 21, 2026, 3:09:38 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Ongoing

Required Application Materials: Resume

Contact Name: Human Resources | Contact Email: OPI.Careers@mt.gov | Contact Phone: (406)444-2673 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the 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.