Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration

Hecla Mining Company

. Lead identification, evaluation, and advancement of new silver and gold exploration opportunities in the Northern Cordillera .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeUnited StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in generative exploration, including the identification and evaluation of Tier 1 silver and gold opportunities, while effectively managing exploration projects and leading multidisciplinary teams. Proficient in utilizing advanced geological principles and technologies to develop actionable recommendations and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Generative ExplorationProject ManagementQualified Person CertificationGeological InterpretationData Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Generative ExplorationGeological MappingData InterpretationField InvestigationsExploration Program DesignGeochemical MethodsGeophysical MethodsRemote SensingTier 1 Deposit IdentificationBudget Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationRelationship BuildingMentoringAutonomy

Tools & Technologies

ArcGISLeapfrogIoGASMicrosoft Office

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's Degree in GeologyQualified Person Certification under NI 43-101, SK-1300, or JORC

Industry Keywords

Northern CordilleraVMS SystemsSilver-Polymetallic Vein SystemsExploration BudgetsIndigenous Relations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Remote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead identification, evaluation, and advancement of new silver and gold exploration opportunities in the Northern Cordillera
Align exploration goals with Hecla’s corporate business objectives
Identify opportunities using technical literature, geological principles, and innovative targeting approaches
Compile regional and property data into quality-controlled, analysis-ready datasets
Develop and maintain databases of mineral deposits and exploration properties
Analyze datasets to identify prospective districts with Tier 1 deposit potential
Evaluate field data, technical reports, geological maps, and engineering/economic studies
Prepare detailed recommendations for the Manager of Exploration, Alaska and Director of Generative Exploration
Design regional screening programs using stream sediment sampling, geophysical targeting, remote sensing, and prospectivity analysis
Prepare evaluation reports with actionable property recommendations
Conduct field investigations and assess third-party property acquisitions
Coordinate property acquisition through claim staking, government applications, or purchase/option agreements
Lead field programs involving mapping, sampling, geophysics, and drilling
Supervise crews and manage contractors, drilling, camp and aviation logistics, and seasonal scheduling
Lead safety in remote settings involving helicopter and float-plane support, wildlife, weather, and isolation
Maintain sampling protocols, QA/QC, database discipline, data integrity, and documentation
Manage generative exploration budgets and timelines
Apply decision criteria to advance, divest, or drop projects
Mentor project geologists and seasonal staff
Design focused exploration programs that advance projects to defined decision points
Develop culturally respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and local stakeholders
Support Corporate Development with project evaluations and due diligence studies
Collaborate with sustainability, permitting, legal, and land teams to maintain the company’s license to operate

Requirements

What you’ll need

15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration, opportunity recognition, and project management
Demonstrated success leading exploration project teams
Master’s degree or other advanced degree in Geology required
Active membership in a recognized Self-Regulating Organization
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 of the Northern Cordillera
Demonstrated expertise in VMS systems required
Experience with structurally controlled silver-polymetallic vein systems a plus
Proficiency in field mapping and hypothesis-driven geological interpretation
Strong working knowledge of geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing methods
Ability to integrate 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
Experience preparing executive-level reports and presentations
Ability to build relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and multidisciplinary teams
Ability to work autonomously and lead others
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including extended rotations at remote field camps
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Must successfully pass background screening, pre-employment physical, and drug screening
Ability to work in office and field settings, including walking on uneven terrain, standing for long periods, exposure to weather, and lifting up to 50 pounds over extended periods

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to perform essential work functions
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in all active exploration and mining areas
Funded exploration program and support from the Alaska exploration team and corporate Generative group