Economic Geologist - Bureau Professional Practice Faculty (BPPF) Associate Professor

Montana Technological University - Butte, MT

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Butte, MT

Educational Services

About the position

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) invites applications for one or more Associate Professor (BPPF) Economic Geologists, to join the Economic Geology Team and participate in critical minerals studies throughout Montana. The position is based in Butte and located on the campus of Montana Technological University. The successful candidate(s) will contribute to modern assessments of critical commodity resources in Montana, with a focus on fieldwork - geologic mapping, geochemical/mineralogical investigations, and geophysical interpretations. The position is funded by federal grants to study critical commodities at the regional to deposit scale. Current projects are focused in western Montana but the long-term scope of the studies is statewide and includes collaborations with neighboring states. MBMG anticipates at least three years of secured funding for the position, and successful candidates will be expected to pursue additional funding opportunities and promote future program development. This is a non-tenurable, non-teaching position. Project activities include field, laboratory, and desktop studies of critical commodity resource data, with a particular focus on geologic mapping, geochemistry, and mine waste characterization. Specific tasks will include geologic and hydrothermal alteration mapping, geochemical sampling, critical commodity prospectivity analyses, and data interpretation. A working understanding of ArcGIS geodatabase construction and familiarity with the USGS GeMS schema is preferred. The position may provide opportunities for extensive field work at active and inactive mine sites, including quadrangle geologic mapping in remote areas of Montana known for rugged and difficult terrain. The successful applicant will provide institutional and public service through workshops, public presentations, and other outreach activities. This position will also provide mineralogy and geochemistry expertise to other MBMG programs such as hydrogeology and geologic hazards.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to modern assessments of critical commodity resources in Montana.
• Participate in fieldwork including geologic mapping, geochemical/mineralogical investigations, and geophysical interpretations.
• Conduct field, laboratory, and desktop studies of critical commodity resource data.
• Perform geologic and hydrothermal alteration mapping.
• Conduct geochemical sampling and critical commodity prospectivity analyses.
• Interpret data related to critical commodities.
• Provide institutional and public service through workshops and public presentations.
• Collaborate with other MBMG programs such as hydrogeology and geologic hazards.

Requirements

• Master's degree and 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and 5 years of relevant experience in Geology or a closely related field.
• Successful completion of courses fundamental to geologic mapping.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Nice-to-haves

• MS or PhD in geology and geologic mapping experience.
• Proficiency with GIS.
• Experience collecting, managing, and interpreting geoscience sample data.
• Professional experience related to economic geology, mineralogy, acid mine drainage, GIS, mineral processing, and/or field geology.
• Interest in field-based studies related to active and abandoned mine sites throughout Montana.
• Knowledge of modern mineral exploration techniques.
• Experience with mine waste management, sampling, and characterization.
• Demonstrated interest in studies of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
• Familiarity with the USGS critical mineral commodities list.
• Experience with the USGS GeMS geodatabase schema (ArcGIS - based).
• Skilled at writing as demonstrated through relevant scientific publications and reports.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Partial tuition waiver.
• Wellness program.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees.
• 11 Holidays per year.
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start.
• Generous sick leave policy.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment.
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program.
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval.