Geologist with Emphasis in Clastic Process Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Type of Appointment:
This is a tenure-track faculty position.  The tenure home of this permanent scientific staff position is the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Extension.  The position is available beginning July 1, 2010.  The position is eligible for benefits provided to state of Wisconsin employees and is subject to UW-Extension personnel policies.

Purpose and Primary Focus of Position:
This position will focus on sedimentary processes. The Geologist conducts fundamental and applied research in areas relating to clastic sedimentary processes through field-based investigations including but not limited to geologic mapping, clastic sedimentology, and issues relating to the stratigraphic and hydrostratigraphic framework of the Quaternary and/or Paleozoic sediments and rocks of Wisconsin.  The Geologist works in cooperation with other WGNHS staff and University personnel, and collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies that have interests in geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and mineral resources.

As a faculty member within the Department of Environmental Sciences, the Geologist must meet institutional expectations of scholarship, show evidence of professional development and growth, make contributions to the profession, and participate in faculty governance.  The candidate will take a leadership role in the outreach and educational functions of WGNHS and UW-Extension.

 Primary Duties/Essential Job Functions:

• Formulate, prioritize, and lead multiple field-based geologic investigations on various aspects of the origin, nature, distribution, and stratigraphic relationships of Quaternary and/or Paleozoic sedimentary units in Wisconsin
• Conduct investigations in a timely and efficient manner, including project leadership, planning, preparation of proposals, budgeting, field work, data management and report preparation
• Serve as a resource for WGNHS colleagues with questions relating to sedimentary processes and principles for any age package of Wisconsin sediments
• Hire, train, and supervise student employees to assist with investigations
• Seek opportunities to design and develop proposals of new projects for submittal to both internal and external funding sources
• Perform field work, such as examination of rock/sediment exposures, geologic mapping, and collection of subsurface samples and geophysical logs; may require travel to distant parts of Wisconsin and an absence from Madison for several days at a time
• Collect, manage, and analyze subsurface geologic data, including field sampling, laboratory examination of subsurface samples, and literature reviews; as well as developing and updating project-specific databases, exchanging and sharing data with project cooperators, and incorporating both subsurface and surface mapping data into WGNHS databases
• Communicate the results of investigations through publication of peer-reviewed written reports and maps; present results of research at scientific meetings; present workshops, training sessions, field trips, and lectures for a variety of scientific, technical, regulatory, and public audiences
• Assist other WGNHS personnel, employees of other state, local, and federal agencies, and the public with questions and problems concerning Wisconsin’s geology as needed; provide review of reports and related materials prepared by other professional colleagues
• Make all reasonable effort to ensure equitable access to programs and facilities

Administrative Relationships:
This position is accountable to the Director and State Geologist while fulfilling the duties associated with carrying out the mission or WGNHS and the outreach and educational functions of the University of Wisconsin-Extension.  In addition, the position is accountable to the Director and State Geologist on matters related to vacation, leave of absence, salary, promotion, office management, and performance development.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in geology (or a closely related field) or Master’s degree in geology (or a closely related field) with a minimum of 4 years relevant professional experience beyond the Master’s degree.
• Strong, demonstrated commitment to field-based investigations
• Broad knowledge of geology, especially related to analysis of clastic sedimentary processes and deposits
• Experience with relevant software including but not limited to spreadsheets and graphic analysis, and GIS applications
• Ability to teach, present, and otherwise communicate ideas effectively verbally, in writing, and through educational technology
• Ability to work collaboratively with other staff; ability to take personal responsibility to help team efforts to succeed
• Ability to provide supervision to others engaged in mutual work projects
• Skillful in establishing and maintaining professional work relationships and networks
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, form and effectively maintain working relationships with persons or associations from cultures other than one’s own

Preferred Qualifications:

• Up-to-date training and experience in clastic sedimentary processes, potentially including regional stratigraphic analysis and correlation
• Knowledge of sedimentary processes and their application to groundwater, mineral/aggregate resources, and issues identified by the successful candidate
• Volunteer or paid experience working with people from culturally diverse groups and/or locations
• Demonstrated background in outreach