Coastal and Mapping Geologist, Delaware Geological Survey

PAY GRADE: 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) is a unit of the University of Delaware with a mission to conduct research, exploration, and service of benefit to the First State. Statutory charges include the following: systematic investigation of the geology of Delaware; exploration and research pertaining to the water, mineral, and other earth resources; preparation of reports and maps presenting its findings; and provision of factual information and advice to the officials and citizens of Delaware.

The responsibility of the Scientist is to contribute to the DGS mission in the fields of coastal, offshore, and sedimentary geology. Under the limited direction of the Director, the Scientist conceives, plans, coordinates, and conducts applied research and service, independently and as part of a team, related to the geology of the Delaware coast and adjacent offshore areas and associated natural hazards. The incumbent possesses expertise in sedimentology, stratigraphy, offshore geologic mapping, the identification and assessment/quantification of sand and mineral resources, and the geology of the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain. The incumbent develops and maintains a research program that addresses current needs and anticipates future needs of DGS stakeholders, partners, and citizens in a time of increasing pressures on coastal communities and environments.

The Scientist routinely serves on local, state, Federal, and interstate committees and working groups, and is expected to advise on the effects of severe weather on Delaware’s coastal and inland regions during weather and flooding emergencies. The incumbent prepares research proposals and associated budgets as well as reviews reports and data obtained from external sources. Results from research projects are disseminated primarily through DGS scientific publications and technical reports, web-based tools, peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and meetings, and made available through various avenues to benefit Delaware's state and local government agencies and citizens.  The incumbent may also supervise student assistants or other DGS staff members.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts complex ongoing research related to coastal and offshore geology involving GIS mapping, database construction and management, sediment core description and analysis, and geophysical data interpretation. Applies standard research techniques, procedures, and criteria to accomplish research goals, investigates alternative methods of investigation when required.
• Develops and implements programs for coastal and offshore geologic data collection, including but not limited to description of sediment cores; project management, including experimental design and sampling plans; ensuring data integrity of stratigraphic, borehole, and sediment resource databases; and preparation of statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs.
• Seeks funding by writing proposals and planning appropriate budgets through collaboration with colleagues within DGS, the University of Delaware, and cooperating researchers to internal, state, federal, and other research grant program opportunities.
• Analyzes and interprets complex geologic data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other accepted methodologies including seismic processing and mineral resource analysis in developing resource estimates and geologic maps. Conducts reviews of documents, reports, proposals, data collection activities, or analytical methods submitted to DGS by local, state, and federal agencies.
• Maintains broad technical and scientific knowledge of geospatial data processing and analysis in coastal plain, estuarine, and offshore environments; works with multiple datasets such as aerial imagery, digital elevation and bathymetric models, and other geological-marine-environmental data products.
• Prepares final technical reports, technical report figures, geologic maps, datasets, peer-reviewed external publications, website content, and other documentation relating to coastal geology, offshore sand resources, coastal flooding, natural hazards, sea-level rise, climate change, and other topics within the mission of DGS; presents the research at state, regional and national conferences, meetings and workshops.
• Coordinates work and interacts effectively with a diverse group of collaborators and regional research networks as project work demands, including Federal, State, and private partners, faculty and researchers at the University of Delaware and other academic institutions. Attends, participates in, plans, and/or hosts meetings with project cooperators; interacts with cooperators in obtaining data relevant to the project.
• Coordinates with other DGS staff to provide expertise and recommendations to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency