Groundwater Modeler Hydrogeologist

Montana Tech • Butte, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Butte office of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (Montana’s state geologic survey) seeks a highly motivated quantitative hydrogeologist trained in groundwater modeling techniques to develop and apply groundwater models for water resources evaluation. The MBMG's Ground Water Investigation Program studies local- to regional-scale hydrogeologic systems, with projects that encompass groundwater/surface-water interactions and groundwater quantity and quality. A primary focus of the position will be to use groundwater modeling, scripting/programming, parameter estimation, GIS, and visualization software to develop and apply groundwater flow models for water resources evaluations. Responsibilities also include aiding in project design, collecting and interpreting geologic and hydrogeologic data, and writing reports. The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of geoscientists committed to providing high-quality data and interpretations to support the orderly and responsible development of Montana’s natural resources. The MBMG is a department of the Montana Technological University, but this is a non-tenurable, non-teaching position.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree and 3 years relevant experience or Doctoral Degree, in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field (for Assistant Hydrogeologist level).
• Master’s Degree and 8 years relevant experience in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field or Doctoral Degree and 5 years’ experience (for Associate Hydrogeologist level).
• Course work in geology, hydrogeology, and numerical groundwater flow modeling.
• Applicable hydrogeologic/geologic field experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing conceptual groundwater models, including water-budget estimates.
• Demonstrated experience implementing conceptual models as numerical models using modern versions of MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW-NWT, MODFLOW-USG, or MODFLOW 6) and associated pre- and post-processing software.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills demonstrated through a record of reports and presentations.
• Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• A valid Montana driver’s license (or ability to acquire one).
• Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
• Must be eligible for employment verification (e.g., Form I-9).

Nice To Haves

• Groundwater project experience from design and data collection through interpretation and publication.
• GIS skills, including project creation, geospatial data analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience with developing code for efficient pre- and post-processing of model inputs and outputs, particularly using Python, R, or similar languages; familiarity with Fortran is also desirable.
• Experience with techniques for model calibration through parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis of model predictions, such as through PEST.
• Experience using MODFLOW models with unstructured grids.
• Familiarity with traditional aquifer test analysis methods and simulation of aquifer tests in numerical models.
• Familiarity with variably saturated groundwater flow modeling (e.g., HYDRUS) or coupled groundwater-surface water flow (e.g., GSFLOW).
• Familiarity with surface water (e.g., RiverWare), watershed (e.g., PRMS or HSPF), hydraulic (HEC-RAS), and geochemical (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench, or MINTEQ) modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply groundwater models for water resources evaluation.
• Use groundwater modeling, scripting/programming, parameter estimation, GIS, and visualization software to develop and apply groundwater flow models for water resources evaluations.
• Aid in project design.
• Collect and interpret geologic and hydrogeologic data.
• Write reports.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution
• Partial tuition waiver
• Wellness program
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level