Cooperative Extension - University of Wisconsin-Extension 249 Extension Building, 432 North Lake Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 Phone (608) 263-1945 - FAX (608) 262-9462 - TDD (800) 947-3529

Human Resources Development

Cooperative Extension Vision:
Wisconsin's educational network for engaging people and their communities in positive change.

WGNHS Mission:
The Survey conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research.  We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, water resources, soil, and biology of Wisconsin.  We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information.  We communicate the results of our activities through publications, technical talks, and responses to inquiries from the public.  These activities support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, and individual citizens.

Working Title: Geologist with Emphasis in Clastic Process Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (100%)

Official Title: Assistant Professor

Geographic Areas Served: Statewide

Office Location:  Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS), 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI  53705

Type of Appointment:
This is a tenure-track faculty position.  The tenure home of this permanent scientific staff position is the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Extension.  The position is available beginning July 1, 2010.  The position is eligible for benefits provided to state of Wisconsin employees and is subject to UW-Extension personnel policies.

Purpose and Primary Focus of Position:
This position will focus on sedimentary processes. The Geologist conducts fundamental and applied research in areas relating to clastic sedimentary processes through field-based investigations including but not limited to geologic mapping, clastic sedimentology, and issues relating to the stratigraphic and hydrostratigraphic framework of the Quaternary and/or Paleozoic sediments and rocks of Wisconsin.  The Geologist works in cooperation with other WGNHS staff and University personnel, and collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies that have interests in geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and mineral resources.

As a faculty member within the Department of Environmental Sciences, the Geologist must meet institutional expectations of scholarship, show evidence of professional development and growth, make contributions to the profession, and participate in faculty governance.  The candidate will take a leadership role in the outreach and educational functions of WGNHS and UW-Extension.

 Primary Duties/Essential Job Functions:

• Formulate, prioritize, and lead multiple field-based geologic investigations on various aspects of the origin, nature, distribution, and stratigraphic relationships of Quaternary and/or Paleozoic sedimentary units in Wisconsin
• Conduct investigations in a timely and efficient manner, including project leadership, planning, preparation of proposals, budgeting, field work, data management and report preparation
• Serve as a resource for WGNHS colleagues with questions relating to sedimentary processes and principles for any age package of Wisconsin sediments
• Hire, train, and supervise student employees to assist with investigations
• Seek opportunities to design and develop proposals of new projects for submittal to both internal and external funding sources
• Perform field work, such as examination of rock/sediment exposures, geologic mapping, and collection of subsurface samples and geophysical logs; may require travel to distant parts of Wisconsin and an absence from Madison for several days at a time
• Collect, manage, and analyze subsurface geologic data, including field sampling, laboratory examination of subsurface samples, and literature reviews; as well as developing and updating project-specific databases, exchanging and sharing data with project cooperators, and incorporating both subsurface and surface mapping data into WGNHS databases
• Communicate the results of investigations through publication of peer-reviewed written reports and maps; present results of research at scientific meetings; present workshops, training sessions, field trips, and lectures for a variety of scientific, technical, regulatory, and public audiences
• Assist other WGNHS personnel, employees of other state, local, and federal agencies, and the public with questions and problems concerning Wisconsin's geology as needed; provide review of reports and related materials prepared by other professional colleagues
• Make all reasonable effort to ensure equitable access to programs and facilities

Administrative Relationships:
This position is accountable to the Director and State Geologist while fulfilling the duties associated with carrying out the mission or WGNHS and the outreach and educational functions of the University of Wisconsin-Extension.  In addition, the position is accountable to the Director and State Geologist on matters related to vacation, leave of absence, salary, promotion, office management, and performance development.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in geology (or a closely related field) or Master's degree in geology (or a closely related field) with a minimum of 4 years relevant professional experience beyond the Master's degree.
• Strong, demonstrated commitment to field-based investigations
• Broad knowledge of geology, especially related to analysis of clastic sedimentary processes and deposits
• Experience with relevant software including but not limited to spreadsheets and graphic analysis, and GIS applications
• Ability to teach, present, and otherwise communicate ideas effectively verbally, in writing, and through educational technology
• Ability to work collaboratively with other staff; ability to take personal responsibility to help team efforts to succeed
• Ability to provide supervision to others engaged in mutual work projects
• Skillful in establishing and maintaining professional work relationships and networks
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, form and effectively maintain working relationships with persons or associations from cultures other than one's own

Preferred Qualifications:

• Up-to-date training and experience in clastic sedimentary processes, potentially including regional stratigraphic analysis and correlation
• Knowledge of sedimentary processes and their application to groundwater, mineral/aggregate resources, and issues identified by the successful candidate
• Volunteer or paid experience working with people from culturally diverse groups and/or locations
• Demonstrated background in outreach

Equal Opportunity:
As an affirmative action employer, UW-Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. UW-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, arrest record or non-program related conviction record; or identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service.  We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. 

Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request.  Please call 711 if you are hearing or sight impaired and need assistance.   Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to:  UWEX Workforce Equity and Diversity; Room 501; 432 N. Lake Street; Madison, WI  53706.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:
To receive full consideration, application materials must be received by December 29, 2009 and include all of the following:

• Cover letter (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the required qualifications of this position.  Please include formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research, and any related life experiences in your response.  Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills. 
• Professional resume, include related education, professional work history and volunteer experience.
• Contact information for three (3) professional work references, including at least one person who has been your immediate supervisor.  For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person's title, e-mail address and telephone number.
• Official college transcripts for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies are acceptable at this point in the process. Official transcripts are required upon hire.
• Applicant Survey Form
  
  

Application materials that do not comply with these instructions are incomplete and will not be considered.  Applications will continue to be accepted until the screening process is complete.
Submit application materials to Cooperative Extension Human Resources at:
   a) ces.jobs@uwex.edu (preferred method); OR
   b) 432 N. Lake Street, Room 249; Madison, WI  53706

Optional Confidentiality Form.  Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested in writing that their identities remain confidential.  The identities of all finalists must be released upon request.
Please note that a criminal records review will be conducted prior to employment.  In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, convictions and pending charges will be considered only as they relate to this position. 

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
GEOLOGIST WITH EMPHASIS IN SEDIMENTARY PROCESS (100%) - WISCONSIN GEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY (WGNHS)
Posted: 10/23/09
Refer to: PVL# C10021
REVIEW BEGINS: 12/29/09