The University of Minnesota seeks to fill the position of Director of the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS). The Director is the scientific and administrative leader of an earth science research and service organization and as such leads the MGS with considerable autonomy. The MGS is staffed by 30 professional geologists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, and support personnel, and operates on an annual budget of approximately $2 million. Administratively, the MGS is a unit of the School of Earth Sciences in the Institute of Technology. The MGS Director is a tenured faculty member in the Department of Geology and Geophysics and reports to the Head of the School.
The Minnesota Geological Survey carries out an active program of basic and applied geological research and provides service and education in geological matters to the people of Minnesota. Principal activities include geologic mapping in (1) structurally complex Precambrian terranes, (2) essentially undeformed sedimentary strata of Paleozoic and Mesozoic age, and (3) varied glacial deposits of Quaternary age. Geologic mapping is integrated with vigorous programs in applied geophysics, applied stratigraphy and hydrogeology, and glacial geology. MGS staff, publications and databases serve the needs of scientists, decision-makers, and resource managers at all public and private levels concerned with ground water, environmental issues, land-use planning, waste disposal, mineral discovery, and mineral-resource development.
The MGS is funded by a special appropriation from the State Legislature and in addition receives significant contract funding for special projects and research from various governmental agencies. The Director is responsible for maintaining and augmenting the present programs of research and service to the State, maintaining records of the State's mineral and water resources data, and for providing geological information and evaluation to various governmental agencies and the public. The Director is expected to work closely with University administration in presenting program proposals to the State Legislature. The Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining close working relationships with local, State and Federal agencies as well as other University departments involved in geological research and the use of geological information in public policy and resource development.
Candidates for the position must hold a Ph.D. in geology or related fields, have several years of professional experience, demonstrated management and personnel skills, and credentials qualifying them for a senior level academic appointment in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. The appointment as Director is full time for an initial period of 3 years and is renewable.
Interested persons should send a resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to Professor James Stout, Chair, MGS Director Search Committee, Department of Geology and Geophysics, 108 Pillsbury Hall, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Inquiries may also be made to Dr. Stout at 612 624-4344 or jstout@umn.edu. The position is available July 1, 2003, and the closing date for applications is December 2, 2002.
The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.