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George R. Metlen was born on December 15, 1869, in Beaverhead County, Montana.

The son of a pioneer rancher, Metlen served as the county surveyor for Beaverhead County for a total of 26 years, initially from 1901 to 1904 and later from 1925 to 1938. He also held the position of state engineer and was appointed head of the State Highway Commission by Governor Samuel V. Stewart. During his tenure, he was one of the first engineers to design the grades for Montana's oiling program in the 1920s, playing a key role in the development of the state's road infrastructure.

In addition to his engineering work, Metlen was actively involved in mining and served as president of the Beaverhead Mining Association from 1939 to 1940.