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 (DEMA) and other county and state agencies during emergency response events due to weather and climate hazards, especially those that affect the coast.  Serves on local, State, Federal, and interstate working groups, and provides advice to Delaware State and Federal agencies including the Office of the Delaware State Climatologist (ODSC), the Delaware Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Center (DEMAC), the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS), and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Delaware Coastal Programs within the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as with other State agencies and units within UD's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and represents DGS at relevant events.
• May supervise entry-level scientists, graduate students, undergraduate students, hourly-paid employees, and interns on various projects within DGS and UD; may serve on search committees for DGS scientists and other staff throughout UD.
• Supports other DGS field- and office-based projects as necessary.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree, PhD preferred, in geology or a related discipline and seven years of experience in geology or related fields; should have a national reputation and a proven track record of geologic research related to offshore/marine, coastal, and coastal plain geology.
• Ability to perform independent research, plan projects, develop proposals, secure external funding, develop reports, and deliver quality deliverables on-time.
• Proficiency with sedimentology, stratigraphy, and construction of geologic maps.
• Strong writing skills; ability to organize and write high-quality proposals, peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, metadata, and other informational materials; familiarity with data distribution tools and conventions.
• Effective oral presentation and communication skills.
• Proficiency with geologic sample description and analysis is required; experience in core acquisition and sampling in subaqueous environments is preferred.
• Experience in seismic stratigraphy, seismic and other geophysical tools for subsurface and subaqueous data collection is preferred.
• Advanced technical understanding of data management, statistics, analysis, and visualization. Proficiency in the management and manipulation of large data sets, and in the use of GIS and geospatial processing for raster and vector data, including aerial and satellite imagery and LIDAR and DEM data.
• Understanding of natural hazards prevalent in the Delaware region, such as coastal inundation due to storm surge, streamflow flooding, and droughts.
• Experience in resource analysis is preferred.
• Expertise or familiarity with the coastal plain geology of the Middle Atlantic region is preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.