Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology and Montana State Geologist

DEPARTMENT: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
A non-regulatory state agency, within the Montana Technological University, The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) provides extensive advisory, technical, and informational services on the State's geologic, mineral, energy, and water resources. The MBMG is increasingly involved in studies of the environmental impacts to land and water caused either by past practices in hard-rock mining or by current activities in agriculture and industry. The MBMG is the principal source of earth science information for the citizens of Montana.

CLOSING DATE: Applications received by December 14, 2025 will be guaranteed full review. However, the position will remain open until the position is filled. 
EMPLOYMENT DETAIL: Permanent, Full-Time

PRIMARY DUTIES:
This position serves as the Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) and as the Montana State Geologist. The Director oversees and develops MBMG programs related to its core mission of collecting and disseminating information about Montana’s geologic, groundwater, energy, and mineral resources essential for responsible and sustainable resource development, as well as protecting the public from natural hazards. With offices in Butte and Billings, a budget of $ 9.5M/year, and a staff of about 75, the MBMG maintains strong programs in groundwater resource evaluation, geologic mapping, environmental hydrogeology, mineral and energy resource evaluation, data preservation, geologic hazard evaluation, and earthquake studies. Additionally, the MBMG curates one of the finest mineral museums in the Pacific Northwest, and serves as the state repository for water-well logs, groundwater data, and mineral information. The MBMG maintains organic and inorganic analytical laboratories, a mineral separation laboratory, and active GIS and Information Services divisions. The MBMG is a leader in groundwater and geologic database development, as well as in providing online digital data, maps, and reports. The MBMG also provides technical assistance to the public, state and federal agencies, and industry. More information about the MBMG can be found on its website, The Director fosters and encourages a collegial administrative/leadership style while promoting high-quality applied geoscience research that benefits the state of Montana. The MBMG is a department of Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) and thereby collaborates closely with the university’s faculty, students and research groups. The Director collaborates with Montana Tech, the Montana University System, and the state legislature to secure funding for and advance the mission of the MBMG. In addition, the Director seeks external funding beyond legislative appropriations, maintains awareness of significant geoscience research developments and applications, and integrates this knowledge with an understanding of Montana's needs so that new advances can be incorporated into long-term research planning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICAITONS:

 

• Doctorate and at least 10 years (or a Master’s and 13 years) of closely related geoscience experience.
• Demonstrated administrative experience in budgeting, project management, personnel management, and program development.
• Experience addressing (energy, mineral, water) public-policy issues as demonstrated in publications and in interactions with governmental and non-governmental groups, or others.
• Must be either a certified professional geologist or registered engineer (or possess an equivalent professional registration) at the time of appointment (or within 3 years of appointment).
• Excellent communication skills with both scientific and public audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work within a university setting to foster collaborations with: Montana Tech administration, faculty and students, and Montana University System graduate schools; State and Federal agency personnel; State and Federal elected officials; a wide range of natural-resource industries and environmental groups; and the general public.
• Supervisory experience with a professional staff.
• Geoscience research experience as demonstrated by a record of publications, professional service, and/or scientific leadership.
• Proven capacity to think strategically, build consensus, and effectively communicate scientific findings to a wide range of audiences, including policymakers and the public.
• Ability to obtain financial support for research programs.
• Knowledge of Montana geology and the impact of natural resource development on the state’s economy.
• Knowledge of state, regional, and national-policy issues related to natural resource development, and the ability to deal with issues in a manner that balances industry/developer and environmental/conservation concerns.
• Knowledge and experience in review and publication of geologic maps and technical reports, and experience in issues associated with providing and archiving data, maps and reports digitally.
• Experience with outreach programs that communicate technical geoscience information to the general public.
• Service on state, national, and/or international committees; membership/leadership in state or national professional associations.

To apply, please submit the following items:

• Cover letter that specifically addresses the qualifications mentioned above
• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references

 

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson View phone number on jobs.jobcopilot.com; View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com

Why Work at Tech?

Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.

In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.


• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.


• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees


• 11 Holidays per year


• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start


• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.


• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)


• Life and Disability Insurance


• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees


• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program


• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees


• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

* Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.

Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.