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.
EMPLOYMENT DETAIL:  Permanent, Full-Time
SALARY:  $140,000.00 per year
CLOSING DATE:     November 22, 2026       Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

The Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) serves as the Montana State Geologist and provides strategic, scientific, administrative, and external leadership for the state’s geological survey. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a growing and dynamic geologic survey in fulfilling 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. The Director provides leadership and fosters a collegial culture while promoting high-quality applied geoscience research that benefits Montana.

Headquartered in Butte with an office in Billings, the MBMG operates with an annual budget of approximately $9.5M and a professional staff of about 75. The MBMG maintains a strong portfolio of applied geoscience programs, including groundwater resource evaluation, geologic mapping, environmental hydrogeology, mineral and energy resource evaluation, geologic hazards, data preservation, GIS and information services, and analytical and mineral separation laboratories. 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 is a recognized leader in groundwater and geologic database development, delivering online digital data, maps, and reports, while providing technical assistance to the public, industry, and government agencies.

As part of Montana Technological University (Montana Tech), the MBMG offers its Director unique opportunities to collaborate with university faculty, students, and research groups. In this role, the Director secures funding and advances the MBMG's mission by working closely with Montana Tech leadership, the Montana University System, and the state Legislature. In addition, the Director responds to emerging challenges and maintains awareness of significant geoscience research developments, translating this knowledge into opportunities for Montana and long-range plans that strengthen the MBMG’s capabilities and serve the state.

The ideal candidate combines scientific credibility with strategic vision, collaborative leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service. The position provides an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Montana by leading an organization with a distinguished history, a talented workforce, and a mission that is increasingly important to the state’s future.

The University is NOT able to support Visa applications for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work and have the ability to arrive in the United States without the University’s support to be considered for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Education

• 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, geologic hazards, and 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.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of hire.

Preferred Education & Experience

• 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 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-geotechnical 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.
• 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, and/or experience with,  state, regional, and national policy issues related to natural resource development and natural hazards, and the ability to address 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.

Application Requirements

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.

• Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.

Veterans Employment Preference

To claim veteran's preference please complete the employment (veteran's) preference form located on the employment page and email to [email protected]. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

Download Employment (Veteran's) Preference Form (PDF)

Request an Accommodation

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson at 406-496-4380 or email [email protected]

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.

Benefits Package

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.

About Montana Tech

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.