Groundwater Modeler Hydrogeologist

Montana Technological University; Butte (MT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Partial tuition waiver

Wellness program

Possible remote work days with manager

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

Montana Technological University’s MBMG Ground Water Investigation Program in Butte seeks a motivated Groundwater Modeler/Hydrogeologist to develop and apply groundwater models for water resources evaluations.

You will use MODFLOW, scripting, GIS, and visualization software; assist in project design, data collection, and interpretation; and prepare clear technical reports to support Montana’s natural resource decisions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with experience; or Doctoral degree in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or related field.
• Course work in geology, hydrogeology, and numerical groundwater flow modeling.
• Hands-on hydrogeologic field experience.
• Experience developing conceptual groundwater models and water-budget estimates.
• Experience implementing models with MODFLOW and pre/post-processing software.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills with reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Valid Montana driver’s license or ability to acquire one.
• Legal work authorization in the United States; no visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply groundwater models for water resources evaluations.
• Collect and interpret geologic and hydrogeologic data; aid in project design.
• Use groundwater modeling, scripting, GIS, and visualization tools.
• Write and present technical reports to support resource decisions.

Skills

Technical writing

Quantitative analysis

Communication

Scripting / data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in geology/hydrology/hydrogeology

Doctoral degree (PhD) in related field

Tools

MODFLOW

GIS

Python

R

Pre/post-processing software

Job description

Title: Groundwater Modeler/Hydrogeologist

Department: MBMG - Ground Water Investigation Program

Job Type: Professional Full-Time

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 9/8/2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

The Butte office of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (Montana’s state geologic survey) seeks a highly motivated quantitative hydrogeologist trained in groundwater modeling techniques to develop and apply groundwater models for water resources evaluation. The MBMG's Ground Water Investigation Program studies local- to regional-scale hydrogeologic systems, with projects that encompass groundwater/surface-water interactions and groundwater quantity and quality. A primary focus of the position will be to use groundwater modeling, scripting/programming, parameter estimation, GIS, and visualization software to develop and apply groundwater flow models for water resources evaluations. Responsibilities also include aiding in project design, collecting and interpreting geologic and hydrogeologic data, and writing reports.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of geoscientists committed to providing high-quality data and interpretations to support the orderly and responsible development of Montana’s natural resources. The MBMG is a department of the Montana Technological University, but this is a non-tenurable, non-teaching position.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum requirements for hiring levels: Assistant Hydrogeologist: Master’s Degree and 3 years relevant experience or Doctoral Degree, in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field. Associate Hydrogeologist: Master’s Degree and 8 years relevant experience in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field or Doctoral Degree and 5 years’ experience
• Course work in geology, hydrogeology, and numerical groundwater flow modeling listed in your resume.
• Applicable hydrogeologic/geologic field experience
• Demonstrated experience developing conceptual groundwater models, including water-budget estimates
• Demonstrated experience implementing conceptual models as numerical models using modern versions of MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW-NWT, MODFLOW-USG, or MODFLOW 6) and associated pre- and post-processing software.
• Strong technical writing and communications skills demonstrated through a record of reports and presentations listed in your résumé
• Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• A valid Montana driver’s license (or ability to acquire one).
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The employer is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Groundwater project experience from design and data collection through interpretation and publication.
• GIS skills, including project creation, geospatial data analysis, and interpretation
• Experience with developing code for efficient pre- and post-processing of model inputs and outputs, particularly using Python, R, or similar languages; familiarity with Fortran is also desirable
• Experience with techniques for model calibration through parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis of model predictions, such as through PEST
• Experience using MODFLOW models with unstructured grids
• Familiarity with traditional aquifer test analysis methods and simulation of aquifer tests in numerical models
• Familiarity with variably saturated groundwater flow modeling (e.g., HYDRUS) or coupled groundwater-surface water flow (e.g., GSFLOW)
• Familiarity with surface water (e.g., RiverWare), watershed (e.g., PRMS or HSPF), hydraulic (HEC-RAS), and geochemical (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench, or MINTEQ) modeling

Application Materials:

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

Employment Eligibility:

• All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.
• Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Veterans Employment Preference

To claim veteran's preference please complete the employment (veteran's) preference form located on the employment page and email to [e-mail]. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

Download Employment (Veteran's) Preference Form (PDF)

Request an Accommodation

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson at 406-496-4380 or email [e-mail]

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.

Benefits Package

• 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

About Montana Tech

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.