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

Montana Technological University•Butte, MT

72d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
Maintains strong programs in groundwater resource evaluation, geologic mapping, environmental hydrogeology, mineral and energy resource evaluation, data preservation, geologic hazard evaluation, and earthquake studies.
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.
Maintains organic and inorganic analytical laboratories, a mineral separation laboratory, and active GIS and Information Services divisions.
Provides technical assistance to the public, state and federal agencies, and industry.
Fosters and encourages a collegial administrative/leadership style while promoting high-quality applied geoscience research that benefits the state of Montana.
Collaborates with Montana Tech, the Montana University System, and the state legislature to secure funding for and advance the mission of the MBMG.
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.

Benefits

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.