Friday, December 19, 2014

Marjorie Gale named Vermont State Geologist


Marjorie Gale will become the next State Geologist of Vermont beginning Dec 29, 2014. 

She has worked as a geologist at the Vermont Geological Survey since in 1996 and her primary responsibility was completion of the 2011 Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont [right, photo by Brian Pfeiffer], a collaborative project of the Vermont Geological Survey (Agency of Natural Resources), the US Geological Survey and the University of Vermont. The work entailed field mapping of Vermont’s bedrock at various scales, compiling and editing diverse data from more than 100 scientists to create a defensible map, creating cross-sections which show the interpretation of geology at depth, and working with the USGS team to produce the final cartographic product. The bedrock map incorporates 30 years of mapping and highlights the present understanding of Vermont geology. 


Ms. Gale has also worked on statewide groundwater, energy (CO2 sequestration) and ecological studies, and has a broad perspective of geology and natural resources in Vermont.  She received a B.A. in Geology, cum laude, from the University of NH in 1974 and an M.S. in Geology (1980) from the University of Vermont. Her thesis, “Geology of the Belvidere Mountain Complex, Eden and Lowell, Vermont”, involved bedrock mapping, structure, metamorphic petrology and geochemistry.  Experience prior to joining the VGS includes SEM and XRD applied to core analyses, and education. She has been an effective collaborator with state and national partners. Her experience extends beyond science to the organizational processes and communications and over the years she has been active in providing research and information to support the myriad of services and science-based advice provided by the Vermont Geological Survey.

Oregon State Geologist Vicki McConnell appointed Executive Director of Geological Society of America



The Geological Society of America announced that Vicki S. McConnell will become its new Executive Director, effective 1 April 2015.  Former GSA President Judy Totman Parrish will serve as Interim Executive Director from 3 January through 31 March 2015.  [Photo credit, GSA]

Vicki is presently the State Geologist of Oregon and Executive Director of the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, appointments by the Governor that she has held for the past decade.  She was President of the Association of American State Geologists in 2011-2012.  Under her direction, Oregon has been a leader in earthquake-risk reduction in schools and emergency facilities, tsunami-hazard mitigations and preparedness, and acquisition of LIDAR for applications in land-use planning, ecosystem restoration, and geologic and hazard mapping.

Vicki received her Ph.D. in geology/volcanology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1995.  She has also been a Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Adjunct Professor of Geology at Eastern Oregon University.   Her scholarly work has focused on understanding volcanic eruptive histories and their impact on magma-generated hydrothermal systems.  She applies geologic field mapping and geochemical research to volcanic hazards and renewable geothermal energy systems.

She is a GSA fellow, and was chair of the local planning committee for the 2009 GSA Annual Meeting in Portland.  She is also a member of the American Geophysical Union, Association for Women Geoscientists, National Center for Science Education, Association of American State Geologists, and American Institute of Professional Geologists.  She has served on numerous boards and councils, including the USGS Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee, and the Federal Advisory Committees for the National Cooperative Geology Map Program and the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program.

[taken in part from the GSA news announcement]

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Position opening: Research Geologist / Stratigrapher Indiana Geological Survey



Research Geologist / Stratigrapher
Indiana Geological Survey

The Indiana Geological Survey (IGS), a research institute of Indiana University, seeks applications for a geologist to perform geologic mapping and basic and applied research relating to the geology and stratigraphy of the State of Indiana. The individual will work within the Geologic Mapping section of the IGS. Participation in the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (STATEMAP and Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition) is a significant part of the job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

·         Participate as part of a group of geologists in the study and interpretation of Indiana's bedrock geology through field and lab research.
·         Apply specialized geological and related training to the geology and stratigraphy of Indiana.
·         Use GIS, database, remote sensing, and other software for analysis and depiction of Indiana’s geology.
·         Write proposals for external funding, and manage research funds and support staff.
·         Serve as critical reviewer for professional papers and abstracts, and present papers at professional meetings.
·         Respond to geological service requests from government officials, consultants, and citizens.
·         Coordinate and conduct research with federal and state agencies and universities.
·         Communicate basic scientific findings in lectures, field trips, geologic maps, professional journals, and other publications.

Minimum requirements
·         M.S. degree in geology (Ph.D. preferred) and working knowledge of sedimentary rocks and stratigraphy.
·         At least 3 years of related geological survey, academic, or industry experience.
·         Demonstrated ability to formulate a research project and bring it through to publication.
·         Record of presentations of scientific findings at a variety of technical forums.
·         Good inter-personal skills and the ability and desire to communicate with other researchers and technical staff.

Desirable additional training/experience

·         Comprehensive knowledge of GIS concepts
·         Petrography
·         Subsurface geophysics
·         Petrophysical techniques
·         Geostatistics
·         Database/spreadsheet design and management

Location

The IGS is a research institute of Indiana University and is located in Bloomington. The position will require field work and travel throughout Indiana.

Rank

The position holds a full-time, professional, non-faculty, research scientist rank within Indiana University. University classification PAE 3RS. Salary range $50,000-$60,000.

Deadline
The deadline for applications is March 5, 2015, with an anticipated starting date of July 1, 2015.

The application procedure is described at http://hr.iu.edu/jobs
Apply to:  Indiana University Human Resources, 400 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, (812) 855-2172
Provide a letter of interest, resume, and the names of 3 references

The Indiana University is an AA/EEO/ADA Employer

More information about the Indiana Geological Survey can be found at
http://igs.indiana.edu