Job Description
Economic Geologist – Bureau Professional Practice Faculty (BPPF) Associate Professor Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program. Applications received by
October 14, 2024 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Duties: 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.
Required Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Education Required
•Associate Professor Level: Master’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and 5 years of relevant experience. Both the degree and experience must be in Geology or a closely related field.
•Successful completion of courses fundamental to geologic mapping (e.g., field methods, structural geology, igneous and sedimentary petrology, optical mineralogy, GIS, etc.).
•A candidate may be required to provide official academic transcripts.
•In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
•Excellent communication skills.
•Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
Preferred Qualifications: •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; and an understanding of critical mineral commodities.
•Interest in field-based studies related to active and abandoned mine sites throughout Montana as expressed in the cover letter of the application package.
•Knowledge of modern mineral exploration techniques, including geochemistry, alteration mineralogy, geophysics, and anomaly identification.
•Experience with mine waste management, sampling, and characterization, and related geochemical processes.
•Demonstrated interest in studies of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
•Familiarity with the USGS critical mineral commodities list and a working understanding of historic precious- and base-metal deposits in Montana and how they are linked to the USGS critical mineral commodities.
•Experience with the USGS GeMS geodatabase schema (ArcGIS – based).
•Skilled at writing as demonstrated through relevant scientific publications and reports
Physical Demands
For full consideration application materials must be complete. Please include:
- Cover letter addressing qualifications,
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 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 humanresources@mtech.edu. 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 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu
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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Remote job,