About the role
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.
To apply, please submit the following items: * Cover letter that specifically addresses the qualifications mentioned above * Resume * Name and contact information for three professional references