Department: Corporate Exploration
Reports To: Director of Generative Exploration
Location: Reno, NV (preferred)
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
- 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
- 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.
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 StatementHecla Mining Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
Skills Required
- 15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration, opportunity recognition, and project evaluation
- Master's degree or other advanced degree in Geology
- Demonstrated record translating regional-scale datasets and deposit models into ranked, drill-ready targets
- Track record identifying underexplored Tier 1 silver and gold opportunities, securing land positions, and designing exploration programs
- Broad experience across geological domains and deposit types
- Working knowledge of geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing methods
- Experience integrating exploration datasets into coherent geological models
- Proficiency in ArcGIS, Leapfrog, ioGAS, and Microsoft Office
- Experience building, structuring, and managing large geoscientific databases, including data standards, QA/QC, and spatial data management
- Strong statistical, spatial analysis, analytical, and data interpretation skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including 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 nationally and internationally as required
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Successful completion of background screening, pre-employment physical, and drug screening
What We Do
Hecla Mining Company is the oldest U.S.-based precious metals mining company and the largest primary silver producer in the United States. We are responsible for 45% of the U.S. silver production, and we also mine gold, lead, and zinc. Hecla has deep roots in our communities and has been in business for more than 130 years. Hecla is headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a sister office in Vancouver, B.C, and our operating mines are located in the U.S. and Canada (Juneau, Alaska; Idaho’s Silver Valley; Quebec, Canada; and Yukon Territory, Canada). We also own additional exploration properties in world-class silver and gold mining districts across North America. Hecla’s philosophy is to operate mines safely by promoting a deeply rooted value-based culture, leveraging mining skills developed over the Company’s long history, and applying innovative new practices. Hecla’s responsibility is to the safety and health of our people, the communities we call home, and the environment we operate in. We are the oldest NYSE-listed precious metals mining company in North America (NYSE:HL).
