Opening for Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

Montana State Geologist Ed Deal has announced his retirement at the end of September, 2012. The Chancellor of Montana Tech announced an open search for Ed's replacement is now underway.

Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

Montana Tech of The University of Montana seeks an individual to serve as the Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG), and as the Montana State Geologist. The Director oversees and develops MBMG programs related to 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 educating the public about natural hazards. The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, established by State Statute in 1919, is a non-regulatory department of Montana Tech of The University of Montana. The Bureau is the State's geological research agency and as such conducts investigations and evaluates and disseminates information on Montana geology, and mineral, energy, and groundwater resources. With offices in Butte and Billings, a budget of $ 6.5M/year, and a staff of about 60 the MBMG maintains strong programs in groundwater resource evaluation, geologic mapping, environmental hydrogeology, mineral and energy resource evaluation, geologic hazard evaluation, and earthquake studies. 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 maintains organic and inorganic analytical laboratories, and active GIS and Information Services divisions. The MBMG is a leader in groundwater and geologic database development and in providing online digital data, maps and reports. The MBMG also provides technical assistance to the public, state and federal agencies, and industry. More information about the MBMG can be found on its web-site, http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/. The Director embraces and encourages a collegial administrative/leadership style while promoting high-quality applied geoscience research that benefits the state of Montana. The MBMG, in addition to being the State geological survey, is a department of Montana Tech, and thereby collaborates closely with the university’s faculty, students and research groups. The Director works with Montana Tech, the Montana University System, and the state legislature to justify funding for, and advance the mission of the MBMG. In addition, the Director seeks external funding beyond legislative appropriations, maintains an awareness of significant geoscience research developments and applications, and integrates this knowledge with an understanding of the needs of Montana so that new advances are incorporated into long-term research planning. The position reports directly to the Chancellor of Montana Tech. The anticipated appointment date is October 1, 2012.

Required qualifications include: a doctorate and at least ten years of closely related geoscience experience; administrative experience in budgeting, personnel management, and program development, experience addressing natural resource (oil, gas, mineral, water) public-policy issues as demonstrated in publications and in the interaction with governmental and non-governmental groups, or others; certification as a professional geologist or registered mining engineer at time of appointment (or within three years of appointment); and excellent communication skills with both scientific and public audiences.

Montana Tech is located in beautiful and geologically interesting southwest Montana, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, midway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. There are abundant opportunities for recreation including skiing and other winter sports, camping, hiking, biking, world-class fishing, and civic opportunities in the historic city of Butte and the vicinity. The state of Montana is fiscally sound and has ended recent fiscal years with budget surpluses.

For more information visit www.mtech.edu/employment. Submit a cover letter addressing qualifications, resume’, authorization for background check (obtained at above web address) and contact information for a minimum of 3 professional references to Montana Tech Personnel Office, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701. EEO/AA