Groundwater Modeler

Groundwater Modeler - BPPF

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology seeks a highly motivated groundwater modeler to develop and apply models for water resources evaluation as part of its Ground Water Investigation Program. 

Butte, MT

Full Time

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

Bureau Professional Practice Faculty (BPPF)

                  Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology         

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.   

The Butte office of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology seeks a highly motivated groundwater modeler to develop and apply models for water resources evaluation. The MBMG’s Ground Water Investigation Program evaluates local- to regional-scale hydrogeologic systems, with studies that encompass groundwater/surface-water interactions, and groundwater quantity and quality. With a focus on modeling, the successful candidate will also design projects, collect and interpret geologic and hydrologic data, and write reports.

Responsibilities of the successful candidate include:

• Independently construct and calibrate numerical groundwater flow models to address a variety of hydrologic issues;
• Use of MODFLOW, PEST, and other modeling tools;
• Develop work plans and design monitoring networks;
• Assist with field work, including groundwater-water level monitoring, water sampling, and aquifer testing; and data management, analysis, and interpretation;
• Develop hydrogeologic conceptual models;
• Write reports and publish research results;
• Present results at public and scientific meetings; and
• Direct the work of other professionals, technicians, and students.

The hiring level will range from an Assistant to Associate Research Hydrogeologist dependent on qualifications and experience at the time of offer. The MBMG is a department of Montana Technological University, but this is a non-tenurable, non-teaching position. Employer sponsorship of work visas is not available.

Application reviews will begin on November 7, 2022. Priority will be given to applications received by that date, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Assistant Research Hydrogeologist: Master’s Degree and 3 years relevant experience or Doctoral Degree, or

Associate Research Hydrogeologist:  Master’s Degree and 8 years relevant experience or Doctoral Degree and 5 years’ experience.

• College-level course work in geology, hydrogeology, and numerical groundwater flow and/or watershed modeling.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of and experience applying MODFLOW and associated pre- and post- processing software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.  

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong technical writing and communications skills demonstrated through a record of presentations and reports listed in your résumé.
• Ability to self-manage time and effectively complete tasks.
• Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Office).
• A valid Montana driver’s license (or ability to acquire one).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Groundwater project experience from design and data collection through interpretation and publication.
• GIS skills including project creation, geospatial data analysis, and interpretation.

• Familiarity with geochemical, surface water, and watershed modeling.

• Experience with inverse modeling techniques, such as PEST, and hydrologic applications of computational and coding methods such as R, Matlab, or Python.
• Applicable hydrogeologic/geologic field experience presenting to the public and to technical audiences.

For full consideration application materials must be complete.  

Please include: 

• Cover letter addressing qualifications,
• Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references. 

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

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

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

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.

To claim veteran’s preference please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu

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.

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.