Analysis Skills, ArcGIS, Budget Management, Business Strategy, Communication Skills, Corporate Planning, Cross-Functional, Data Sets, Database Administration, Driver's License, Due Diligence, Earth Sciences, Economics, Field Mapping, Geological Engineering, Geological Mapping, Geology, Government, Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC), Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Mergers and Acquisitions, Microsoft Office, Mineral Deposit, Mineral/Mining Exploration, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project Evaluation, Project/Program Management, Sales Prospecting, Team Player, Technical Analysis, Training Data Sets, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
Job Title: Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration
Reports To: Director of Generative Exploration
Location: Reno, Nevada (preferred)
Position Summary
The Principal Geoscientist leads in identifying and evaluating new silver and gold exploration opportunities through systematic research, field investigations, and strategic industry networking. The role focuses on discovering underexplored, high-potential properties in favorable jurisdictions, securing land positions through various acquisition methods, and advancing exploration programs to critical decision points with the ultimate objective of discovering Tier 1 silver and gold assets aligned with Hecla's corporate growth strategy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This list is not all-inclusive and may be revised as needed; additional duties may be assigned.
- Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture across all exploration activities including a strong commitment to following all applicable company, state, and federal safety guidelines.
- Ensure alignment of exploration goals with Hecla's overall business objectives.
Opportunity Generation & Research
- Identify new exploration opportunities, with a focus on Nevada and other favorable areas within the Western United States, using cost-effective methodologies, including analysis of technical literature, application of geological principles, and innovative targeting approaches
- Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of mineral deposits and exploration properties; analyze datasets to identify prospective districts in politically stable jurisdictions with Tier 1 deposit potential
- Evaluate field data in conjunction with technical reports, geological maps, and engineering/economic studies to prepare detailed recommendations for the Director of Generative Exploration
Property Acquisition & Evaluation
- Conduct field investigations of exploration properties and assess acquisition of third-party holdings
- Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with actionable recommendations for properties of interest
- Engage with property owners and stakeholders to negotiate partnerships or acquisitions
- Coordinate property acquisition through claim staking, government applications, or direct purchase/option agreements
Program Management
- Manage and monitor generative exploration budgets and timelines for assigned programs
- Design focused exploration programs that efficiently advance projects to clearly defined decision points
- Maintain positive, culturally respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and local stakeholders in areas of exploration interest
- Support Corporate Development with project and company evaluations, including due diligence studies
Qualifications and Experience
- 15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration, opportunity recognition, and project evaluation, with demonstrated success managing programs and joint ventures
- Master's degree or other advanced degree in Geology required
- Active membership in a recognized Self-Regulating Organization, and Qualified Person certification under NI 43-101, SK-1300, or JORC (preferred)
- Proven track record identifying underexplored Tier 1 silver/gold opportunities, securing land positions, and designing effective exploration programs
- Broad experience across geologic domains and deposit types, with demonstrated expertise in epithermal systems required. Proficiency in field mapping and systematic, hypothesis-driven geological interpretation, complemented by strong working knowledge of geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing methods - and the ability to integrate these datasets into coherent exploration models
- Proficiency in ArcGIS, Leapfrog, ioGAS, and Microsoft Office
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities and experience preparing executive-level reports and presentations
- Self-directed, collaborative, and effective at building relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and multidisciplinary teams
- Creative problem-solver with strong geological intuition and cultural sensitivity; able to work autonomously and lead others
- Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally as required
- Must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Must successfully pass background screening, pre-employment physical, and drug screening
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Work is performed in office and field settings.
- Work may involve walking on uneven terrain, standing for long periods, exposure to weather, and lifting up to 50 pounds over extended periods.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in all active exploration and mining areas.
- Noise levels are generally quiet in the office; in the field and warehouse, appropriate hearing protection may be required.
- Work environments may involve exposure to dust, and use of a respirator may be required.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to perform essential work functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Hecla Mining Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.