Title Senior Mineral Geologist

Summary

The Senior Mineral Geologist leads full life cycle evaluation of solid mineral resources in support of Tribal economic development and responsible land use. The role plans and guides field programs, interprets geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and drilling data, and produces defensible resource and reserve estimates across metals, coal, industrial minerals, and aggregates. The geologist coordinates closely with engineering, environmental, and GIS teams to inform mine planning inputs, reclamation concepts, and permitting strategies.

The position prepares clear technical reports, maps, and decision briefs for Tribal leadership, federal partners, and industry stakeholders. The senior geologist will mentor junior staff, upholds rigorous QA and safety standards, and helps convert geologic insight into practical project recommendations that align with cultural, environmental, and economic goals.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 Comprehensive federal benefits package available to full‑time employees, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan participation.

• Serves as a leadership position within the Mineral Geologist labor category and acts as a primary technical representative for Tribes in dealings with mining companies, contractors, and government agencies.
• May be expected to perform supervisory responsibilities, reporting to the On‑Site Lead and Project Manager, and is responsible for the day‑to‑day direction of technical work as required by work orders.
• Provides comprehensive oversight for mineral evaluation and marketing projects, directing project development, technical analysis, and resource assessment from inception to completion.
• Assists Indian mineral owners with mineral lease contract negotiations and reviews proposed agreements with a focus on maximizing Tribal benefit and ensuring robust royalty terms and environmental protections.
• Prepares, reviews, and reports on resource estimates for industrial minerals and construction aggregate deposits, and develops detailed mine and reclamation plans for undeveloped properties.
• Travels frequently to Indian Reservations across the continental U.S. and Alaska to conduct fieldwork, collaborate with Tribal leaders and members, oversee contractors, and perform geologic mapping and resource sampling.
• Develops and manages GIS data and utilizes GIS software for mineral resource and market evaluations, converting field data, lab analyses, and published materials into integrated digital formats for mapping and interpretation.
• Communicates with Tribal members, leaders, and BIA officials to promote the Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) and works closely with Tribes to prepare and submit grant applications.
• Evaluates grant entries from Tribal organizations, provides technical assistance, and is assigned grants to monitor throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance and successful project outcomes.
• Makes formal and informal presentations to Tribes, federal agencies, and the public on complex topics including geology, mining fundamentals, environmental regulations (NEPA), and mineral agreements.

• Technical Capacity: Deep applied geology expertise spanning solid mineral deposits and the physical, chemical, and economic properties of minerals, soils, and aggregates. Full‑cycle exploration experience—including surface/subsurface sampling, geologic mapping, resource quality/quantity estimation, and integration of geologic interpretations with engineering/design needs. Proficient with GIS for resource evaluation, spatial analysis, and market/access assessments.
• Complex Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate multi‑variable exploration and development scenarios by synthesizing sample data, geologic maps, geotechnical constraints, environmental factors, and market demand to assess technical, operational, and financial feasibility and recommend risk‑aware paths forward.
• Critical Thinking & Initiative: Applies sound professional judgment to plan and execute conventional geologic assignments with defined objectives; independently prioritizes and advances…