Position Vacancy Announcement, Kansas Geological Survey

Director/State Geologist

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Kansas is seeking an individual to serve as the Director of the Kansas Geological Survey and State Geologist. This individual must develop and articulate a vision of Survey programs, understand the concept of serving Kansas through high-quality research in the applied geosciences, and embrace a collegial administrative style. The Survey is among the premier earth-science research and service institutions in the U.S., with a reputation for excellence, scientific leadership, and service to the State. The Survey is a research and service unit of the University of Kansas, thereby providing opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students in other departments and research groups at the University.

Appointment/start date: Full-time, permanent position appointed by the Chancellor of the University of Kansas, subject to review, normally every five years. Review of applications will begin on November 19, 2010. The position is open until filled. Position available March 15, 2011; exact start date is negotiable.

Salary, employment status, and fringe benefits: Starting salary negotiable depending on qualifications. Benefits include University staff privileges; sabbatical eligibility; 22 days vacation leave, 12 days sick leave, and 9 holidays annually; group medical, life insurance, and retirement program options.

Responsibilities:

Research, Service, and Program Development (50%)

1. Sustain and enhance the environment for creative research and service at the Survey to meet the needs of the State, the University, and the geoscience profession. Provide administrative and scientific leadership in the areas of energy, water, and mineral resources; environmental issues; data collection, analysis, and access; basic and applied research in the geosciences; and public access, dissemination, and archival collection of research results and natural-resources data.
2. Establish policies for maintaining balance between research and service goals and objectives, work with State government and University leadership to address the diverse funding needs of the Survey, and interact with staff in the development and review of programs and personnel to ensure that the Survey fulfills its mission. Planning and implementation must be responsive to the needs of Kansas and sensitive to the State's public-policy issues.
3. Maintain an awareness of significant developments in geoscience research and relevant technology to anticipate the directions of geoscience research and applications. Integrate this knowledge with an understanding of the needs of Kansas so that new advances are incorporated into long-term research planning.
4. Maintain involvement in geoscience research and be publicly visible in Kansas and national natural-resource discussions.

Leadership (50%)

1. Foster collaborations and positive working relationships with academic departments and divisions of the University, the Legislature, local government, State and Federal agencies, the private sector, and the public. This includes, but is not limited to, providing leadership and counsel for other government bodies regarding resource and environmental policy, economic development and management of natural resources, and ensuring that relevant research results are effectively and efficiently communicated to users.
2. Serve on various committees and advisory boards for the State of Kansas (e.g., the GIS Policy Board and the Kansas Water Authority) and, as appropriate, for other University and governmental units and professional societies.
3. Ensure that the highest quality staff are recruited, developed, and retained to enhance the research and service mission of the Survey, with special attention to diversity and Equal Opportunity.
4. Communicate regularly about budgetary, scientific, and professional issues with the scientific leadership of the Survey.
5. Provide for the coordination and involvement of the Geological Survey Advisory Council in setting Survey priorities.
6. Manage the business, personnel, and financial affairs of the Survey.

Required Qualifications:

1. Doctorate in the geosciences and at least 10 years of professional experience in the geosciences;
2. A minimum of three years of administrative experience, which must be demonstrated to include budgeting, personnel evaluation, and program development;
3. National recognition in a field of geoscience research, as demonstrated by a record of refereed publications, professional service, scientific leadership, and other qualifications suitable for an appointment in an academic department within the University;
4. Demonstrated ability to work in a university setting with a wide constituency, including Survey staff, academic faculty, the public, government officials, and the private sector;
5. Evidence of a collegial management and leadership style that seeks consultation with staff about decisions and programs;
6. Demonstrated ability to obtain financial support for research programs through a competitive and merit-based process;
7. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with public-policy issues and demonstrated knowledge of natural resources and environmental aspects of their use;
8. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. More than five years of administrative experience, which must be demonstrated to include budgeting, personnel evaluation, and program development;
2. Service on state, national, and international committees and in professional societies;
3. International recognition in a field of geoscience research, as demonstrated by a strong record of refereed publications, professional service, scientific leadership, and other qualifications suitable for an appointment in an academic department within the University;
4. Knowledge of Kansas geology and geography and the state's economy;
5. Professional geologist license (or reciprocity equivalent) in the State of Kansas.

Application Procedure:

Apply online at http://jobs.ku.edu/, search for position number 00008363. You can also use the QuickLink. Complete the online Faculty/Academic Staff Applicant Data and upload a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and the names of five references (include addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses).

For application information, contact Annette Delaney, Human Resources, Kansas Geological Survey, (785) 864-2152 or hr@kgs.ku.edu. For further information about the position contact Jim Butler, Co-Chair, Director's Search Committee, (785) 864-2116 or jbutler@kgs.ku.edu. Applications will be kept confidential until candidates agree that references may be contacted.

Placed online Aug. 5, 2010
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