Seismologist/Geologist
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 July 28, 2025 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 Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) invites applications for a seismologist to operate, monitor, and maintain the 50-station Montana Regional Seismograph Network (MRSN), which includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks. Analyze and catalog local and regional seismic events for research in seismic hazards studies. Cooperate and share data with surrounding seismic networks, the USGS Advanced National Seismic System, and the EarthScope Data Management Center. Visit remote sites to maintain and repair seismograph stations and telemetry sites. Maintain computer servers that handle seismic data. Respond to significant seismic events and provide information to the public, and State, Tribal, and Federal agencies. Continue the effort to upgrade and modernize the MRSN and analyze seismic data. Develop new grants and work cooperatively with the MBMG GeoHazards team, which may include collaborating on earthquake hazards research projects and fieldwork, the annual Montana GeoHazards Workshop, and the Montana Earthquake Working Group. The position is based in Butte, Montana and is primarily supported by state funding. The MBMG is a department of the Montana Technological University, but this is a non-tenurable, non-teaching position.
Required Qualifications:
- Assistant Level: Masters Degree in seismology, geophysics, or relevant earth science discipline, and 3 years relevant experience or Doctorate obtained by Dec. 2025.
- Associate Level: Masters Degree in seismology, geophysics, or relevant earth science discipline, and 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree obtained by Dec. 2025.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience analyzing seismic data collected by a regional seismic network.
- Experience with Earthworm and AQMS/Jiggle software.
- Familiarity with using digital communications networks to telemeter seismic data.
- Experience in writing and securing grants in seismology, earthquake hazards, or related disciplines.
- Willingness to work outdoors in remote settings; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Experience either leading or co-leading earthquake scientific reports, publications, or presentations in seismology and earthquake hazard assessments.
Physical Demands
- Ability to work safely alone in isolated areas, be able to lift 65 lbs., and walk up to 1 mile on foot carrying equipment.
For full consideration application materials must be complete.
Please include:
- Cover letter addressing qualifications,
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 professional references.
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.
Employment (veteran's) preference form
To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu
Why Work at Tech?
Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.
In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
- Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
- 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
- 11 Holidays per year
- 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
- Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
- 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
- Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
- Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.
* Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.
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.