Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration

HECLA MINING CO.•Coeur d'Alene, ID

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration – Northern Cordillera leads in identifying, evaluating, and advancing new silver and gold exploration opportunities through systematic exploration and strategic industry networking. The role focuses on generating and advancing projects to key decision points on the path to discovery of Tier 1 silver and gold assets aligned with Hecla's corporate growth strategy.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration, opportunity recognition, and project management with demonstrated success leading exploration project teams
Master’s degree or other advanced degree in Geology required
Active membership in a recognized Self-Regulating Organization, and Qualified Person certification under NI 43-101, SK-1300, or JORC (preferred)
Proven track record identifying underexplored Tier 1 silver/gold opportunities, securing land positions, and designing effective exploration programs
Broad experience across the geologic domains and deposit types of the Northern Cordillera, with demonstrated expertise in VMS systems required; experience with structurally controlled silver-polymetallic vein systems a plus
Proficiency in field mapping and systematic, hypothesis-driven geological interpretation, complemented by strong working knowledge of geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing methods — and the ability to integrate these datasets into coherent exploration models
Proficiency in ArcGIS, Leapfrog, ioGAS, and Microsoft Office
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities and experience preparing executive-level reports and presentations
Self-directed, collaborative, and effective at building relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and multidisciplinary teams
Creative problem-solver with strong geological intuition and cultural sensitivity; able to work autonomously and lead others
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including extended rotations at remote field camps during the northern field season
Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Must successfully pass background screening, pre-employment physical, and drug screening

Nice To Haves

experience with structurally controlled silver-polymetallic vein systems a plus

Responsibilities

Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture across all exploration activities including a strong commitment to following all applicable company, state, and federal safety guidelines.
Ensure alignment of exploration goals with Hecla’s overall business objectives.
Identify new exploration opportunities, with a focus on Northern Cordillera, using cost-effective methodologies, including analysis of technical literature, application of geological principles, and innovative targeting approaches
Lead compilation of data for target regions and properties into quality-controlled, analysis-ready datasets
Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of mineral deposits and exploration properties within the Northern Cordillera; analyze datasets to identify prospective districts with Tier 1 deposit potential
Evaluate field data in conjunction with technical reports, geological maps, and engineering/economic studies to prepare detailed recommendations for the Manager of Exploration, Alaska and the Director of Generative Exploration
Design regional screening programs to identify properties for acquisition, using methods such as stream sediment sampling, regional geophysical targeting, remote sensing, and prospectivity analysis
Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with actionable recommendations for properties of interest
Conduct field investigations of exploration properties and assess acquisition of third-party holdings in collaboration with the Sr. Principal, New Exploration Opportunities.
Coordinate property acquisition through claim staking, government applications, or direct purchase/option agreements
Lead execution of field programs from planning through delivery — mapping, sampling, geophysics, and drilling — including crew supervision, contractor and drilling management, camp and aviation logistics, and seasonal scheduling
Own safety leadership in remote settings, where helicopter and float-plane support, wildlife, weather, and isolation drive the risk profile
Maintain data integrity across the project portfolio — sampling protocols, QA/QC, database discipline, and documentation to a standard that supports future resource work and public disclosure
Manage and monitor generative exploration budgets and timelines for assigned programs
Set and apply clear decision criteria for each project, and make the call to advance, divest, or drop on the evidence
Mentor and develop project geologists and seasonal staff, building regional exploration capability alongside the projects themselves
Design focused exploration programs that efficiently advance projects to clearly defined decision points
Develop and maintain positive, culturally respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and local stakeholders in areas of exploration interest
Support Corporate Development with project and company evaluations, including due diligence studies
Work in collaboration with Hecla’s sustainability, permitting, legal, and land teams to ensure our license to operate is maintained in the communities in which we work