AAPG Powers Award to Alabama's Ernie Mancini

It is with great pleasure that we offer congratulations to Ernest A. Mancini, former State Geologist of Alabama and former President of AASG (1990-1991), for his achievement in being awarded the AAPG’s highest honor, the Sidney Powers Memorial Award.  The Powers Award is given annually in recognition of distinguished and outstanding contributions to, or achievements in, petroleum geology.   [Photo credit, University of Alabama]

AAPG awards to Vince Matthews and Scott Tinker

Please join us in congratulating two of our fellow State Geologists in being recognized by the AAPG this year:

Vince Mathews (former Colorado State Geologist) – AAPG winner of the Pioneer Award, presented to long-standing members who have contributed to the AAPG and who have made meaningful contributions to the science of geology.

Scott Tinker (Texas State Geologist) “Switch” Energy Project – AAPG winner of the Geosciences in the Media Award, a documentary film and media outreach initiative that takes a look into the world’s energy future.  Scott served as the films co-producer and narrator.

Job opening: Colorado State Geologist

Colorado State Geologist

Colorado School of Mines and the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) invite applications for a full-time State Geologist. The State Geologist will lead CGS to build strong programs while fulfilling the requirements contained in the State statutes.

The Colorado Geological Survey serves the State of Colorado to ensure that the citizens of Colorado gain most efficient use of and economic benefit from geological resources, while maximizing their protection from geological hazards. Education and research programs affiliated with CGS are enhanced through close collaboration with the strong departments in the College of Earth Resource Sciences and Engineering: Economics & Business, Geology & Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Liberal Arts & International Studies, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.

The Colorado Geological Survey has recently transitioned management to the Colorado School of Mines, and the State Geologist will lead the growth and enhancement in all facets of the programs within CGS, including research and service.

Colorado is well-known for its quality of life and outdoor lifestyles. Mines is located in Golden, Colorado, in a scenic valley at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The metropolitan Denver area, with its cultural and sports activities, is located a few miles to the east of Golden. The climate is continental with gentle summers and occasional snow in the winter. There is a major international airport within 35 miles of campus.

Responsibilities:
The Colorado State Geologist will be expected to build a strong Survey, enhance current programs and lead CGS in new directions which support Mines’ mission of education and research in engineering and science to solve the world’s challenges related to the Earth, Energy and the Environment.

The Colorado State Geologist is expected to develop strong, externally funded research programs, serve the people of the State of Colorado, and communicate with the general public in a non
-biased professional manner. Additionally, the State Geologist will develop and maintain strong ties to industry and government entities.

The Colorado School of Mines is a world-renowned institution that continually enhances its leadership in research and educational programs that serve national and international constituencies. Mines is widely acclaimed as an educational institution focused on stewardship of the earth, development of materials, overcoming the earth's energy challenges, and fostering environmentally sound and sustainable solutions.

The successful candidate will be expected to extend and supplement the current strengths of the programs in the Colorado Geological Survey.

Qualifications:
Applicants must be a professional geologist as defined by Colorado statute (23-41-208 C.R.S.). To meet the requirements of a professional geologist, the applicant must be a person engaged in the practice of geology who is a graduate of an institution of higher education which is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency, with a minimum of thirty semester (forty-five quarter) hours of undergraduate or graduate work in a field of geology and whose post-baccalaureate training has
been in the field of geology with a specific record of an additional five years of geological experience to include no more than two years of graduate work.

Additionally, applicants must:

• possess a record of significant geological experience;
• be nationally recognized within their discipline;
• possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• have demonstrated a record of strong leadership, management, and research successes; and
• demonstrate a sincere desire to participate in and contribute to the research mission of Mines.

College of Earth Resource Sciences and Engineering (CERSE) Colorado State Geologist Mines is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its campus community. Women,
minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employment with Mines is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation. Preference will be given to candidates with an earned doctorate in geological sciences or geological engineering.

Compensation:
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Mines also provides an attractive benefits package including fully paid health insurance, dependent tuition benefits, parental leave policies and dependent care assistance through a flexible spending plan.

How to Apply:
Mines is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its campus community. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employment with Mines is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation.

Mines encourages applications from qualified candidates who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community through their research, teaching, and service.

Applicants must submit a letter of application, curriculum vita, statement of professional goals with an emphasis on education, research and service objectives, names and addresses of three professional references, and a sample publication to:

Colorado School of Mines, Human Resources Office, Search 14-180010, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401, Fax: (303) 384-2025.

Electronic applications are encouraged and will be accepted at fsearch@mines.edu. If using this method of application, please put the search number as indicated above (in bold) in the subject line to ensure that your materials are properly forwarded to the search committee.

Review of applications will begin by January 20, 2014, and continue as needed.

Job opening: State Geologist of Idaho

 Director / State Geologist

Idaho Geological Survey

The Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) is a non‐regulatory agency for the collection, interpretation,
and dissemination of geologic and mineral data for Idaho. The agency has served the state since
1919. The Idaho Geological Survey is staffed by 9 state‐funded FTEs and 15‐20 externally
funded temporary and part‐time employees. Approximately 50% of the Survey’s funding comes
from a state of Idaho line item appropriation, and the remainder primarily from grants and
contracts. The Survey is administered as a special program at the University of Idaho with the
main office at the Moscow campus and satellite offices in Boise and Pocatello. An Advisory
Board comprised of geoscience professionals, industry leaders and state agency representatives
aids the Survey’s research‐based programs.

Role and Responsibilities
The Director of the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) serves as chief operating officer and lead
scientist for the Survey, responsible for furthering the role of the Survey across the State in
accordance with the statutes that established it and govern its activities. The Director is
responsible for fostering distinguished records of scholarship and service in the Survey’s three
locations; providing sound administrative and fiscal leadership; engaging with other state
agencies, geologic surveys and the public at large and represent the Survey through
professional affiliations such as the Association of American State Geologists. The Director is
expected to collaborate with other State Geologists in the formation of national policies and
programs regarding earth sciences and related issues, and is responsible for promoting and
sustaining relationships between the Survey and the University community and its
stakeholders; overseeing the allocation and use of resources and facilities assigned to the
Survey; and securing extramural funds for the advancement of Survey programs and resources.
The Director reports to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. The
appointment will be full‐time, twelve month, research faculty position without tenure, and is
expected to begin no later than July 1, 2014.

Minimum Qualifications

• Eligible to meet the criteria for professorship at the University of Idaho in Geological
  Sciences.
• Demonstrated excellence in research and experience in collaborative research programs
  associated with the geosciences.
• Proven leadership demonstrated by success in significant administrative positions at a
  research/teaching university or in an equivalent leadership position in geoscience oriented
  industry.
• Adept at managing employees, conducting administrative tasks, and collaborating with
  Survey staff, external agencies, academia and industry.
• Outstanding communication skills and demonstrated experience to interact successfully
  with faculty and staff, business, community and legislative leaders.
  Preferred Qualifications
  Demonstrated commitment to the mission of a geological survey, and to excellence in research,
  outreach, and service.
• Demonstrated vision, capability, and experience to address the challenges facing economic,
  science and energy issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to affirmative action and diversity, and a high level of
  professional credibility and personal integrity.
• Proven ability in planning, program development, personnel management, team building,
  budget development, and working with professional organizations and industries.
• Meet qualifications to be a registered professional geologist in the State of Idaho.
• Experience working at or with a state geological survey or equivalent.
  
  

**Applicants who are selected as possible finalists for the position must be able to pass a
criminal background check**

Application Process and Search Timeline
To apply, applicants must complete the online application available at the University of Idaho’s
Human Resources site: (http://www.uidaho.edu/human‐resources).

References will be contacted after finalists are notified of their applicant status.

Review of applications will begin after January 8, 2014. The position will remain open, and
applications will be accepted, until a suitable candidate is appointed. The committee
anticipates interviewing final candidates in February 2014.

Questions regarding the position, search process, or candidate nominations may be directed to
the search committee chair, Vice President Jack McIver, vpresearch@uidaho.edu or the search
coordinator, Lodi Price, lodi@uidaho.edu, 208‐885‐6689.

To enrich education through diversity, the University of Idaho is an Equal Opportunity and
Affirmative Action Employer.

Alaska's Bob Swenson appointed Dep. Commissioner of Natural Resources

Bob Swenson, who has led the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys for nearly a decade, has been appointed Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, filling the vacancy created when Joe Balash was appointed Commissioner on Nov. 13.   [Right, Bob Swenson. Credit, ADGGS]

“Bob’s significant leadership experience and his breadth of knowledge of Alaska energy and geology-related issues make him an excellent fit for this important post at DNR,” Commissioner Balash said. 

Swenson will begin work in his new job in Anchorage on Nov. 25. He will be responsible for overseeing the divisions of Oil and Gas and Geological and Geophysical Surveys, the Mental Health Trust Land Office, the State Pipeline Coordinator's Office and the Gas Pipeline Project Office. DNR’s other divisions and offices remain under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Ed Fogels. 

Swenson comes to the Commissioner’s Office with 22 years of experience in natural resource assessment and management in Alaska. He received degrees in geology from the University of Montana and the University of Wyoming and he began his geologic pursuits in Alaska in 1991, analyzing oil and gas resource potential in frontier areas, Cook Inlet, and the North Slope for ARCO and ConocoPhillips. 

Swenson left the private sector in 2004 to become deputy director of geologic research for the Department of Natural Resources, and in 2005, he became the Alaska State Geologist and DGGS Director. In that capacity, Bob led DNR’s geological research effort and served on federal and state advisory boards that deal with energy and mineral resources and geologic hazards. 

[Alaska DNR news release]