Principal Geoscientist, Target Generation Systems

HECLA MINING CO.; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hecla Mining Company in Reno, NV is seeking a Principal Geoscientist to lead target generation systems, building the data foundation and workflows that turn regional information into drill-ready targets.

You will curate a global deposit database, design a metallogenic domain framework, and mentor teams while collaborating with the commercial group to secure opportunities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration and project evaluation
• Master’s degree or higher in Geology required
• Proven track record identifying Tier 1 silver/gold opportunities and land acquisitions
• Experience integrating geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing data into exploration models
• Ability to lead data-driven targeting across multiple districts

Responsibilities

• Lead development of target generation toolkit and data foundation
• Expand deposit database with geology, geochemistry, geochronology, and more
• Design metallogenic domain database and framework
• Rank and prioritize generative work areas using data analysis
• Modernize paper archive into structured, searchable datasets
• Mentor geoscientists and champion tool adoption
• Identify, evaluate, and secure land opportunities with commercial/legal teams
• Conduct field reconnaissance and prepare evaluation reports
• Manage budgets and timelines for programs
• Present results to leadership

Skills

Geology

ArcGIS

Leapfrog

ioGAS

Data analysis

Spatial analysis

Database management

Executive reporting

Team leadership

Willingness to travel

Education

Master’s degree in Geology

Tools

ArcGIS

Leapfrog

ioGAS

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Principal Geoscientist, Target Generation Systems

Professional Reno, NV, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1809

Job Title: Principal Geoscientist, Target Generation Systems

Department: Corporate Exploration

Reports To: Director of Generative Exploration

Position Summary

The Principal Geoscientist, Target Generation Systems, advances Hecla’s generative effort to find the next Tier 1 silver and gold deposits — and builds the tools that get us there. This is a rare opportunity to shape both the science and the data infrastructure behind a well-funded, discovery-focused exploration program: developing target generation systems from the ground up, applying them to identify underexplored, high-potential ground in favorable jurisdictions, and working with our commercial team to secure the opportunities that result. The role combines deep geological interpretation, modern data analytics, and hands-on field investigation to identify and secure exploration opportunities in line 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.

Target Generation & Data Systems

• Lead the development of Hecla’s target generation toolkit — the engine behind the company’s exploration pipeline — building the data foundation, criteria, and workflows that turn regional-scale information into ranked, drill-ready targets
• Expand Hecla’s proprietary silver and gold deposit database into a best-in-class reference, capturing deposit geology, geochemistry, geochronology, structural setting, and metal endowment globally
• Design and construct a metallogenic domain database that frames mineralized belts in terms of their underlying crustal architecture, magmatic and tectonic history, and mineralizing systems — creating a first-principles framework for where new discoveries are most likely to be made
• Expand and refine deposit-type targeting criteria, translating modern ore deposit models into practical, testable exploration vectors that can be applied consistently across the portfolio
• Lead statistical and spatial analysis of the deposit and metallogenic domain databases to rank and prioritize generative work areas, giving the exploration group a transparent, data-driven basis for where to focus next
• Lead modernization of Hecla’s paper archive — decades of proprietary exploration data by setting up systems to digitize, georeference, and standardize it into structured, searchable datasets that are immediately accessible to the team
• Champion adoption of these tools across the exploration group, mentoring geoscientists in their use and continuously improving them as new data and results come in

Property Evaluation & Acquisition

• Identify, evaluate, and secure the opportunities identified during the development of the target generation toolkit, partnering closely with Hecla’s commercial and legal teams to move from target identification to secured land position — whether through staking, option and earn-in agreements, joint ventures, or outright acquisition
• Conduct field reconnaissance and property visits to ground-truth priority targets, test key assumptions, and validate acquisition opportunities before commitment
• Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with actionable recommendations for properties of interest

Program Management & Business Support

• Manage and monitor budgets and timelines for assigned programs
• Support Corporate Development with project and company evaluations, including due diligence studies
• Present targeting results and acquisition recommendations to exploration and executive leadership, informing where Hecla directs its generative budget and resources

Qualifications and Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration, opportunity recognition, and project evaluation, with a demonstrated record of translating regional-scale datasets and deposit models into ranked, drill-ready targets
• Master’s degree or other advanced degree in Geology required
• 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. Depth in systematic, hypothesis-driven geological interpretation at district to regional scale, supported 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
• Demonstrated experience building, structuring, and managing large geoscientific databases, including data standards, QA/QC, and spatial data management
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, including statistical and spatial analysis of large exploration datasets
• 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.

Why Hecla

Hecla has been finding and mining silver for more than a century, and this role sits at the front of that pipeline — helping decide where the company looks next. You will build the targeting system rather than inherit one, with the mandate, budget, and executive visibility to see it through, and the field and commercial support to turn what you find into ground Hecla controls.

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.