Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration at Hecla Mining in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Job description

Job Title: Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration - Northern Cordillera Department: Corporate Exploration, Dual reporting to Manager, Exploration - AK and Director, Generative Exploration Reports To: Director of Generative Exploration Location: Reno, NV (preferred) Position Summary The Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration – Northern Cordillera leads in identifying, evaluating, and advancing new silver and gold exploration opportunities through systematic exploration and strategic industry networking. The role focuses on generating and advancing projects to key decision points on the path to discovery of Tier 1 silver and gold assets aligned 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. Opportunity Generation & Research Identify new exploration opportunities, with a focus on Northern Cordillera, using cost-effective methodologies, including analysis of technical literature, application of geological principles, and innovative targeting approaches Lead compilation of data for target regions and properties into quality-controlled, analysis-ready datasets Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of mineral deposits and exploration properties within the Northern Cordillera; analyze datasets to identify prospective districts with Tier 1 deposit potential Evaluate field data in conjunction with technical reports, geological maps, and engineering/economic studies to prepare detailed recommendations for the Manager of Exploration, Alaska and the Director of Generative Exploration Property Evaluation & Acquisition Design regional screening programs to identify properties for acquisition, using methods such as stream sediment sampling, regional geophysical targeting, remote sensing, and prospectivity analysis Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with actionable recommendations for properties of interest Conduct field investigations of exploration properties and assess acquisition of third-party holdings in collaboration with the Sr. Principal, New Exploration Opportunities. Coordinate property acquisition through claim staking, government applications, or direct purchase/option agreements Project Advancement & Program Leadership Lead execution of field programs from planning through delivery — mapping, sampling, geophysics, and drilling — including crew supervision, contractor and drilling management, camp and aviation logistics, and seasonal scheduling Own safety leadership in remote settings, where helicopter and float-plane support, wildlife, weather, and isolation drive the risk profile Maintain data integrity across the project portfolio — sampling protocols, QA/QC, database discipline, and documentation to a standard that supports future resource work and public disclosure Manage and monitor generative exploration budgets and timelines for assigned programs Set and apply clear decision criteria for each project, and make the call to advance, divest, or drop on the evidence Mentor and develop project geologists and seasonal staff, building regional exploration capability alongside the projects themselves Design focused exploration programs that efficiently advance projects to clearly defined decision points Stakeholder & Business Support Develop and maintain positive, culturally respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and local stakeholders in areas of exploration interest Support Corporate Development with project and company evaluations, including due diligence studies Work in collaboration with Hecla’s sustainability, permitting, legal, and land teams to ensure our lice