The University of Kentucky is seeking applicants for the position of
Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey; this position also carries
the title of State Geologist of Kentucky. This is a senior-level
administrative position in the University reporting to the
Vice President for Research, who, in turn, reports to the President. It is a full-time staff appointment with a generous array of
benefits.
Responsibilities
The Director is responsible for administration of the Survey,
including budgeting, personnel, research programs, productivity, and
program prioritization; direct supervision of senior staff; and the
professional conduct of the Survey’s activities within and outside the
University of Kentucky. The Director is also responsible for KGS’s
legislatively mandated programs, which include the Well Sample and Core
Library, Groundwater Data Repository, Groundwater Monitoring Network,
Oil and Gas Data Repository, Seismic and Strong-Motion Network, and
geological investigations of the state and its mineral, fuel, and water
resources and geologic hazards. Additional duties include:
- Participate in University, local, State, and national committees and boards related to geoscience
- Develop KGS-specific strategic plans that enhance the University and KGS missions
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for KGS staff
- Foster a professional culture that positions the Survey for
success within the University and the Commonwealth of Kentucky
- Provide service to the Association of American State Geologists
- Communicate accomplishments and program highlights to a wide spectrum of stakeholders
- Advise Kentucky State government agencies, their directors, and secretaries
- Communicate important geoscience issues and initiatives to State and federal legislators
Location and Facilities
The Kentucky Geological Survey is located in the Mining and
Mineral Resources Building at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Its main office is in a modern facility at the center of campus shared
with the Department of Mining Engineering and the Kentucky Water
Resources Research Institute. It is within short walking distance of the
UK
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, which has strong ties to KGS. The Survey also has two satellite facilities. The
Well Sample and Core Library,
constructed in 1997, houses collections of rock materials for public
inspection and is located about 30 minutes from campus. The Western
Kentucky Office is located in Henderson, near the Ohio River.
Lexington, at the center of
the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, is a beautiful and very livable city
of about 300,000 persons. It’s surrounded by scenic horse farms, and
has vibrant historical, cultural, and entertainment amenities.
Qualifications
The minimum requirements for this position are a Ph.D. and 10
years of related experience in geology or a closely related field.
Candidates should meet the requirements to become a registered
professional geologist in Kentucky because the State Geologist is an ex
officio member of the
Kentucky Board of Registration for Professional Geologists.
Applicants must have knowledge of one or more areas of geology,
and a demonstrated record of success in research, grant development,
and program/project administration.
The applicant must be familiar with geologic research and the
requirements for personnel, facilities, equipment, and support to
ensure successful research endeavors on a statewide basis.
The work for this position takes place in both office and field
settings. The applicant must be able to drive and travel for field work
and conferences requiring overnight stays of up to a week.
Qualities Desired
The successful applicant should have leadership skills, experience
supervising and managing researchers and research projects, writing
grant proposals, creating budgets, presenting results of research to
scientific and professional audiences, and good communication skills to
foster cooperative, open, and productive relationships with
co-workers, subordinates, and superiors, outside experts, and government
and industry officials. The Director should demonstrate and advocate
for unbiased, science-based research and public service programs. The
applicant should understand and promote the unique role of a geoscience
research and public service organization located within a land-grant
university setting and be committed to fostering and developing
diversity within the organization.
For more information about the position and KGS please
visit kgs.uky.edu/StateGeologist
It is with sadness that we report that Mac Woodward, Arkansas State Geologist Emeritus (2003-2004) passed
away July 30, 2014, at the age of 81. He
was still working at the Survey at his death. Mac was buried in his
hometown of Magnolia, Arkansas on August 1. [Photo credit, Arkansas Geological Survey]
