About the role
Title: Groundwater Modeler/Hydrogeologist Department: MBMG - Ground Water Investigation Program Job Type: Professional Full-Time
Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.
Applications received by 9/8/2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Duties: 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.
Required Qualifications: * Minimum requirements for hiring levels: Assistant Hydrogeologist: Master’s Degree and 3 years relevant experience or Doctoral Degree, in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field. Associate Hydrogeologist: Master’s Degree and 8 years relevant experience in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field or Doctoral Degree and 5 years’ experience. * Course work in geology, hydrogeology, and numerical groundwater flow modeling listed in your resume. * 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 listed in your résumé. * Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office). * A valid Montana driver’s license (or ability to acquire one). * Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The employer is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position.
Preferred Qualifications: * 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.
For full consideration application materials must be complete. Please include: * Cover letter addressing qualifications, * Resume * Contact information for 3 professional references.