Policy Matters Ohio: "Cutting into Ohio’s Bedrock: State slashes funding for Geological Survey"

The non-profit public policy research organization, Policy Matters - Ohio, has released a report on the impacts of state budget cuts to the Ohio Geological Survey.   The report concludes "state policy makers have slashed funding for a public good that protects the health and safety of the population and facilitates economic development. As a result, the public has lost important protections and the private sector will experience increased costs."

"Deep cuts to the Ohio Geological Survey will likely create millions of dollars in unnecessary costs for businesses operating in the state and for government, and increase risk for Ohio communities."

Ref:  "Cutting into Ohio’s Bedrock: State slashes funding for Geological Survey"

National Park Service openings for geologis and writer/editor

The National Park Service has openings for two geologists in their Lakewood (Denver) Colorado office.   The positions are located in the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate (NRSS); Geologic Resources Division; Geologic Features and Systems Branch. The incumbent serves as a technical advisor in geology for one or more parks. The geologist is responsible for program development and implementation related to geology, hydrogeology, paleontology, geomorphology, cave and karst resources, mining, oil and gas development, erosion control, and other related activities. The primary emphasis of this position is writing,  editing, and making available publications related to the National Park Service’s Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI).

Another position as Technical Writer/Editor is located in the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate (NRSS); Geologic Resources Division; Geologic Features and Systems Branch, whose primary duties involve editing and making available publications related to the National Park Service’s Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI).  The position edits material relating to National Park Service geology, the GRI, and geologic resource management issues, including manuscripts, reports, informational papers, posters, brochures, and various forms of correspondence.  As copy editor and proofreader, identifies problems in style, grammar, clarity, and other editorial considerations.  Determines design and layout style and format to be used in publications ranging from brief information papers to multi-author, multi-section reports that vary from dozens to several hundred pages in length.  Maintains and modifies GRI report templates using the style guidelines of the NPS and NRSS.  Is independently responsible for ensuring that all format and style guidelines and layout-related directions are correctly adhered to in final documents.  Uses desktop publishing software to design attractive, reader friendly reports and articles. Develops new and edits existing  geologically accurate and relevant graphs, figures, tables, and photographic images to translate scientific results for the semi-technical or broad audience.  Compiles and creates park specific GRI product CD’s for distribution with final GRI reports.   Obtains cost estimates for report production supplies and arranges for the production of reports.  Prints and binds a limited number of hardcopy GRI reports for distribution to parks, networks, and regions.  Produces and transmits final electronic copies of text and supporting illustrations, tables, photographs, and/or figures to the GRD Webmaster for inclusion on Division webpages.

Check out the new website for the Kentucky Geological Survey

The Kentucky Geological Survey recently revised its Website and Homepage. The new website, www.uky.edu/kgs is up and running.   Take a look at the added content and functions.

State Geologists prominent in Induced Seismicity workshop

Two State Geologists, John Parrish (CA) and Randy Keller (OK) were members of a "blue-ribbon" panel of experts at a day-long workshop June 28th at the University of Southern California on the subject of induced seismicity.  The USC Induced Seismicity Consortium (ISC) describes the goal of the workshop to "develop and deliver an effective science-based roadmap for the best operational practices, policy decisions, regulatory processes, and public education and communication with respect to the hydraulic fracturing activities in the shale plays in the U. S. and elsewhere."

The panel was moderated by Lance Cole of the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC) and former Wyoming State Geologist.  [Right, from left to right: Stephen M. Testa, Executive Officer of California MGB & president of AAPG MMD; Dr. John Parrish, Director and State Geologist of California and Co-Chair of the “Hazards” Committee of the Association of American State Geologists: Tim Kustic, State of California Oil and Gas Supervisor; Austin Holland,Seismologist, Sate of Oklahoma; Dr. G. Randy Keller, Director Oklahoma Geological Survey and State Geologist; and Mike Smith, Executive Director, Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.  Credit, USC ISC]