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AWG E-MAIL NEWS 2004-18
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CONTENTS
1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 2004
2) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPECIAL UPDATE: OCTOBER 8,
2004
3) POSITION OPENINGS
2004-062 Brock University - Applied Geosciences Position
2004-067 Kansas State University - Earth Science Educator
2004-069 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Earth
Surface
Chronology
2004-071 Wesleyan University -
Geobiology/Paleoecology/Paleobiology
2004-075 EarthScope - Education and Outreach Manager
2004-077 University of Michigan - Geoscience Professorships
2004-079 University of Tennessee - Sedimentary Geology and
Geophysics Positions
2004-081 Lehigh University - Soil Scientist
2004-082 County of San Diego, CA - Groundwater Geologist
2004-084 University of Minnesota - Tenure-track Position in
Paleoclimatology
Opportunities in Washington, DC
4) CONTACT INFORMATION
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Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of E-mail News
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1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 2004
* FY05 Appropriations to Be Continued.
* Congress Debates NOAA Organic Act and Restructuring
* Smithsonian Set to Build $60 Million Oceans Exhibit
* Six Climate Change Hearings and Counting for McCain
* Tony Blair to Make Climate Change a Top Priority for 2005 G8
* Asia's Environmental Challenges Come to Forefront
* Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail May Be Established
* Bement Nominated for Director of NSF
* Nominations to the National Science Board
* Kerry and Bush on Science Policy
* Bush and Kerry Camps Debate Science Policy at AAAS
* White House Seeks Comment on Draft Plan for Earth Observation System
* AIBS-NEON Project Needs Your Help
* Celebrate Earth Science Week 2004 from October 10th - 16th!
* Get Ready, September Was National Preparedness Month
* Job Opportunity: National Ground Water Program Leader, USFS
Policy Assistant/Analyst, Environment and Energy Study Institute
National Ground Water Program Leader, USFS
AGI Seeks Director of Government Affairs
* Welcome, Intern Dave
* AGI/AAPG Spring Semester Intern Applications Welcome
* Key Federal Register Updates
* New Updates to Website
*** FY05 Appropriations. To Be Continued. ***
So that lawmakers can continue to debate the funding levels for various
agencies past the date when the 2005 fiscal year (FY) began on October
1st, last week Congress was forced to pass its first continuing
resolution (CR) to keep the federal government operating at fiscal year 2004
levels, plus some supplemental spending, through November 20th. The CR
allows federal agencies with budgets not yet approved by Congress to
begin the new fiscal year at current levels. It also allows the Congress
to suspend debate on appropriations, and all other pending business, in
early October to concentrate on the election and resume these debates
in a post-election lame duck session in November.
This month saw legislative action on several appropriations bills. The
House passed the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education
appropriations bill, which contains funding for the Math and Science
Partnership Program within the Department of Education. The House also passed
the VA/HUD appropriations bill to fund the National Science Foundation,
Environmental Protection Agency and NASA in FY05. The Senate, however,
only managed to pass several bills out of committee. The VA/HUD
appropriations bill, Agriculture appropriations bill, Labor, Health and Human
Services and Education appropriations bill, Commerce, State, Justice
and the Judiciary appropriations bill and Department of the Interior
appropriations bill have all been readied for the Senate floor but the full
Senate has yet to take action on them.
Congress is expected to adjourn on or about October 8th in order to let
members campaign back home prior to the election. Once they reconvene
post-November 2nd, there is a lot of work ahead for both chambers.
Only the FY05 Defense spending bill has been signed into law by the
president. The bill that will fund Washington, DC next year is ready for the
president to sign, but the rest of the spending bills are still making
their way through the process - a process that must be wrapped up by
November 20th.
A special update was circulated and posted on AGI's website about
funding for geoscience programs. Log on to
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/update_fy05geoscience_oct.html for
more information.
*** Congress Debates NOAA Organic Act and Restructuring ***
On September 21st, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, presided over a full committee hearing on the Oceans
Commission Report. Opening comments were offered by Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), who
emphasized the urgent need to craft a national oceans policy in order
to mitigate the negative humans impact on the health of the our oceans.
Farr argued that the institutions currently set up to manage ocean
policy are too fragmented, spanning over ten federal departments involved
in implementing over 130 ocean-related statutes. He pointed to
legislation introduced in the house, HR 4900, also known as OCEANS-21, that
"offers comprehensive legislation that would establish several governance
elements of the national ocean policy framework proposed by the
Commission." Despite his leadership efforts in the House and those of the
Ocean Caucus, Farr emphasized that Senate leadership offers the best hope
for the implementation of a national oceans policy.
Frank Murkowski (R), the Governor of Alaska and Chair of the National
Governor's Association Natural Resources Committee, strongly argued for
a state and local approach to oceans management. Vice Admiral Conrad
C. Lautenbacher Jr., the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator and Admiral Watkins (Ret.), the Chairman
of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, also testified. A full wrap-up
can be found at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/ocean_hearings.html.
On September 29th, the House Subcommittee on Environment, Technology,
and Standards marked up H.R. 4546, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Acts. The committee approved Chairman Ehlers' (R-MI)
amendment to strike all parts of the bill aside from the "Organic Act"
due to the time constraints of the impending adjournment. NOAA was
formed by executive order by former President Nixon in 1977 and has since
been defined through a hodgepodge of congressional mandates. Twenty
seven years later, the passage of the Organic Act of 2004 would represent
the first formal declaration of the mission and purpose of NOAA. It
would require NOAA to reorganize around four themes: the National Weather
Service, Research and Education, Operations and Services, and Resources
Management within two years of the date of enactment of the bill.
On September 30, the House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation,
Wildlife, and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 4368, a bill to transfer NOAA
to the Department of the Interior. This bill is part of a larger
discussion on whether NOAA should become an independent agency, stay in the
Department of Commerce, move to the Department of Interior, or become
part of a potential new Department of Resource Management. Timothy
Keeny, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere at NOAA,
testified that NOAA is an integral part of the Department of Commerce,
constituting 60 percent of its budget and 35 percent of its employees. He
argued that the cost of moving NOAA to the DOI would be costly and that
the Bush Administration could not support the types of changes made in HR
4368 until it had time to review the final report of the Ocean
Commission. Federal law allows the administration 90 days from the release of
the Oceans Commission Report to respond to its 212 recommendations
. The report was released on September 20th. More information about
oceans legislation is available at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/ocean.html.
*** Smithsonian Set to Build $60 Million Oceans Exhibit ***
Also on the topic of oceans, on September 16th the Smithsonian's
National Museum of Natural History announced that it will embark on its
largest renovation ever with the creation of the Ocean Hall. This $60
million Ocean's Science Initiative will merge public exhibition with cutting
edge research facilities in a 28,000 square foot hall. Scheduled to
open in 2008 on the first floor near the Rotunda, visitors will be able
to see a 50-foot-long detailed model of a northern right whale, a living
coral reef, a captured giant squid, an immersion theater that will give
visitors the feel of diving into the deep, and more. "Oceans are going
to be the most important topic for the public in the next decade. They
will be the rainforest issue," says Robert Sullivan, the museum's
associate director for public programs. "The hall will be a provocative
starting point for those discussions. We are going to do what has been
impossible for a natural history museum. We are going to do wha
t is current"
For more information on Ocean's Hall and the Ocean Science Initiative,
see http://www.mnh.si.edu/ocean/
*** Six Climate Change Hearings and Counting for McCain ***
On September 15th, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee held its sixth hearing on the impacts of global climate change.
Senators McCain (R-AZ), Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Snowe (R-ME) listened to
three leading climate scientists and an advocate for the Inuit tribes
of the arctic regions testify on their research and experience with
global warming. In his opening comments, Senator McCain underscored his
resolve to act on this issue noting: "We need to take action that extends
well beyond eloquent speeches, and includes meaningful actions such as
real reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases. It has been said
that we are the first generation to influence global climate change and
the last generation to escape the consequences."
A full hearing wrap-up is available at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/climate_hearings.html.
*** Tony Blair to Make Climate Change a Top Priority for 2005 G8 ***
On September 14th, British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced that
global warming will head next year's agenda for the Group of Eight (G8)
summit. He is seeking to re-engage the United States on the issue as
well as promote sustainable development strategies for modernizing
countries such as China and India.
As China and India modernize, their collective population of 2.3
billion people will require the most new energy in the next century. Blair
believes there is a need for a G8 blueprint to guide sustainable
development in these rapidly changing countries. Greenwire quoted Blair as
saying: "While the eight G8 countries account for around 50 percent of
global greenhouse gas emissions, it is vital that we also engage with
other countries with growing energy needs - like China and India; both on
how they can meet those needs sustainably and adapt to the adverse
impacts we are already locked into."
Blair's speech also specifically criticized the Bush Administration's
reluctance to acknowledge the threat of global warming and refusal to
join multilateral agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. "I want
to secure an agreement as to the basic science on climate change and
the threat it poses," Blair said. "Such an agreement would be new and
provide the foundation for further action."
Such an agreement may be contingent upon the results of a meeting in
the U.K. prior to the G8. England is hosting an international summit of
climate scientists and policy makers who will try and determine capacity
of the atmosphere to absorb greenhouse gas and possible methods of
global warming mitigation.
For more information about climate change, see
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/climate.html.
*** Asia's Environmental Challenges Come to Forefront ***
On September 22nd, James A. Leach, Chairman of the House Subcommittee
on Asia and Pacific Economic Policy, held a hearing on Asia's
environmental challenges in the 21st century. Ms. Ruth Greenspan Bell of
Resources for the Future; Elizabeth C. Economy, Ph.D., Director of Asia
Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Mingma Sherpa, Director of Asia
Programs for the World Wildlife Fund; and Mr. Christopher Flavin, President
of the Worldwatch Institute all testified about the current
environmental crisis in Asia.
Ms. Greenspan Bell spoke of dismal air quality in portions of Asia,
inadequate water supply and poor sanitation. Deforestation has progressed
unchecked, causing an unprecedented loss in wildlife habitat. She
stated that although most Asian countries have environmental laws, they are
rarely enforced. She also commented on the growing environmental
movements within Asian countries and also the work of NGOs such as the
Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense, and Sierra Club.
Mr. Flavin testified that China's extraordinary growth in the last
decade has made it, the second largest consumer of oil and water, and the
second largest producer of major pollutants such as sulfur and carbon
dioxide. He pointed out that although China principally relies on coal
to meet its energy needs, it is quickly moving toward a fossil fuel
based economy. He echoed Greenspan Bell's comments that existing
environmental laws are rarely enforced. But, Flavin did suggest that China is
taking some steps in the right direction. He said that the government
has mandated efficiency standards on a variety of devices, including
home appliances and automobiles. It is also a world leader in the
renewable energy technologies of small hydropower and solar water heating.
Flavin noted that China has tremendous potential to steer its rapid
growth in a sustainable manner. Dr. Economy amplified Mr. Flavin's
assessment of the Chinese environmental crisis in her testimony. She also
emphasized the importance of a strong U.S. involvement in Chinese
development.
Mr. Sherpa testified about the environmental crisis in his homeland of
Nepal in the Himalayas. As the Director of Asia Programs of the World
Wildlife Fund, Mr. Sherpa oversees a large scale environmental effort
in the Himalayas. He called for increased technical and financial
support from multilateral institutions such as USAID, the World Bank, and
the International Finance Corporation.
For the full testimony, go to
http://wwwc.house.gov/international_relations/aphear108.htm#Hearings/Meetings%20of%20108th%20Congress
*** Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail May Be Established ***
The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail Designation Act of 2004 was
introduced on September 23rd. The bill, introduced in the House and
Senate as HR.4944 and S.2841 respectively, would establish a trail along
public highways and roads highlighting the major geologic features of
Pleistocene-age cataclysmic floods throughout parts of Montana, Idaho,
Washington, and Oregon. The public will be able to view, learn and
experience the dramatic landscapes caused by rapid and recurring drainage
of the glacial lake that existed near current day Missoula, Montana
through the collaborative efforts of public and private entities. If the
bill is signed into law, maps of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic
Trail would be available through the National Park Service.
The House version of the bill can be found online
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:HR04944:@@@L&summ2=m&.
You can access the Senate version at
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:SN02841:@@@L&summ2=m&.
*** Bement Nominated for Director of NSF ***
On September 15, President Bush announced his nomination of Arden L.
Bement, Jr. for the Director of the National Science Foundation. The
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions moved quickly
to approve Bement for the job. Bement has already been serving as acting
director since February after former director Rita Colwell stepped
down. He will retain the title of acting director until the full Senate
confirms his nomination, which may happen before Congress adjourns for
the year. Hratch Semerjain will now step up to replace Bement as
chairman of the National Institute for Science and Technology. Bement comes
to the NSF after years of working in private industry, academia, and
government, including senior positions in the Department of Defense.
To learn more about Bement, log on to
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/forum/bement/bement_bio.htm.
*** Nominations to the National Science Board ***
The Bush Administration made eight appointments to the 24 member
National Science Board in September. The Board, which meets publicly six
times a year, is the primary steering committee for the NSF, providing
vision on policies, budgets, and programs. All nominees must be confirmed
by the Senate before they can join the Board.
The nominations are: Dan Arvizu replacing Maxine L. Savitz; Steven C.
Beering (Reappointment); Gerald Wayne Clough replacing Anita K. Jones;
Kelvin Kay Droegemeier replacing Robert C. Richardson; Louis J.
Lanzerotti replacing George M. Langford; Alan I. Leshner replacing Luis
Sequeira; Jon C. Strauss replacing Joseph A. Miller, Jr.; and Kathryn D.
Sullivan replacing Pamela A. Ferguson. All nominees would serve six year
terms, from confirmation until May 10, 2010.
Additional information about the National Science Board can be found
online at http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/.
*** Bush and Kerry Camps Debate Science Policy at AAAS ***
On September 30th, the American Association for the Advancement of
Science (AAAS) hosted a public forum on science and technology policy with
representatives from the Bush and Kerry campaigns. Former House
Science Committee Chairman Bob Walker represented the Bush-Cheney campaign
and physicist Henry Kelly, former assistant director for technology of
the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, spoke for
Kerry-Edwards.
After opening statements, each representative fielded questions from
the audience. The topics included stem cell research, visas for foreign
students, peer review, political accountability for scientists,
alternative fuel investment, space exploration, endangered species, the
obesity epidemic, and cap and trade schemes. To listen to the debate in real
audio or mp3, see the AAAS website at, http://www.aaas.org/election/.
*** Kerry and Bush on Science Policy ***
The September issues of Science and Nature published articles comparing
President Bush and Senator John Kerry's stances on a myriad of current
science policy issues. Each candidate was asked a series of questions
and given the chance to expound their philosophies on science issues in
the national debate on issues ranging from stem cell research, to
climate change and energy policy, and visa policy for foreign students.
The Science article is available online at
http://www.sciencemag.org/sciext/candidates2004/. The Nature article
can be found by logging on to
http://www.nature.com/news/specials/uselection/index.html.
*** White House Seeks Comment on Draft Plan for Earth Observation
System ***
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is
requesting public comment on its draft 10-year Strategic Plan for the U.S.
Integrated Earth Observation System. The plan is the culmination of the
efforts of 18 federal agencies under the auspices of the National
Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to integrate and upgrade earth
observation systems in order to better understand global geological,
biological, atmospheric, and ecological processes. The plan underscores nine
principle benefits from such a system including improved climate change
modeling, monitoring and managing of natural disasters, ecosystem health
and diversity, ocean and fresh water resources, and disease control.
The U.S. is also expected to participate in an international Global
Earth Observation summit in February 2005, a global collaboration of 49
countries, the European Commission, and 29 international organizations.
The draft Strategic Plan is available at
http://iwgeo.ssc.nasa.gov/draftstrategicplan. Comments on the draft
are due by November 8th, and should be sent to IWGEOcomments@noaa.gov.
For more information on the Earth Observation System, see the U.S.
Interagency Working Group on Earth Observations website at
http://IWGEO.ssc.nasa.gov/ and the Global Earth Observation System
website at http://earthobservations.org/.
*** AIBS-NEON Project Needs Your Help ***
The National Science Foundation and the American Institute of
Biological Sciences (AIBS) have reached a collaborative agreement to build the
National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). The NEON Project
Office, now open at the AIBS headquarters in Washington DC, is soliciting
help in the visioning phase of the project.
According to an NSF press release, available at
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/newsroom/pr.cfm?ni=15100000000112: "NEON,
envisioned as field and lab instrumentation deployed across the United
States and integrated via cutting-edge cyber infrastructure into a
continent-wide research platform, will be the first national ecological
observation system designed to answer scientific questions at regional and
continental scales to enable ecological forecasting."
Richard O'Grady, executive director of AIBS, announced in
mid-September, "The NEON visioning process we will undertake, as detailed in our
proposal, is community-based and is structured around working committees
and subcommittees. While the leadership of these committees has been
partly established, the committee membership will be drawn from the
broader community. We encourage you to nominate yourself or other skilled
and thoughtful members of our community. Three major meetings are
planned for the first half of 2005 (January 3-7, March 14-18 and June 6-10).
It is essential that committee members attend all three meetings;
substitutions and the back-tracking that results cannot be entertained. The
NEON project will cover expenses and provide an honorarium for
service."
Those who cannot commit to serve on committees but are interested are
encouraged to review and comment on the documents generated during the
design process. Graduate students are also encouraged to get involved.
More information can be found on the NEON website at
http://www.neonic.org. Nominations for committees will be reviewed
beginning October 8th.
*** Celebrate Earth Science Week 2004 from October 10th - 16th ***
Called "Living on a Restless Earth," this event gives students and
citizens new opportunities to discover Earth sciences and encourages
stewardship of the Earth. It highlights the important contributions that
Earth and environmental sciences make to society and engages the public in
current scientific exploration. AGI invites you to attend an event,
visit a classroom or go on a field trip! For more information on how you
can participate, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org . Address any
questions to info@earthsciweek.org.
*** Get Ready, September Was National Preparedness Month ***
A coalition of over 80 organizations including the Office of Homeland
Security and the American Red Cross promoted National Preparedness Month
in September. Hundreds of activities such as preparedness booths at
fairs, press conferences, and town hall meetings, took place across the
country to emphasize the need to be prepared for terrorist attacks and
natural disasters. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness,
published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a guide for
understanding disaster survival techniques, disaster-specific information,
and how to prepare for and respond to both natural and man-made
disasters. The Office of Homeland Security's readiness website gives specific
information concerning different types of attacks and disasters. The
site gives a list of suggested materials such as first aid survival
supplies for preparing a general emergency kit.
To learn more, log onto http://www.ready.gov.
*** Job Opportunities in Washington, DC ***
Policy Assistant/Analyst, Environment and Energy Study Institute The
Environmental and Energy Study Institute, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable societies, seeks a
full-time Policy Program Assistant. Applicants should possess strong writing
and verbal skills, ability to work well in teams or independently,
strong computer skills (database & website), ability to meet deadlines and
work under pressure, be a self-started, able to juggle multiple tasks,
and committed to the environment. Bachelor's degree (environmental
science or policy preferred) and 2 years experience required. Experience
in transportation, biofuels, renewable energy and/or on Capitol Hill
desired. Salary mid-20s to low 30s, depending on experience; excellent
benefits; growth potential. Please send cover letter, resume and a
short writing sample either via mail, fax or e-mail to: Employment, EESI,
122 C St., NW, Suite 630, Washington, D.C. 20001, fax: 202-628-1825
, email: eesi@eesi.org. No phone calls please.
For more information on this position visit www.eesi.org
National Ground Water Program Leader, USFS The USDA Forest Service will
soon be advertising for the position of National Ground Water Program
Leader GS-1301-13/14. Located in Washington DC, this is a shared
position within the Minerals and Geology staff and the Watershed, Fish,
Wildlife, Air, and Rare Plants Staff. Applicant must be able to provide
authoritative advice on ground-water resources and hydrogeology with
specific focus on interpretation of broad resource management-related
legislation and policy for program implementation. Activities also include:
program leadership and guidance, working with agency specialists at all
levels and partners with a stake in ground-water management, organizing
and participation in national training involving ground-water resources
and hydrogeology, represents the agency as an expert witness during
litigation of ground-water-related issues, and participation in the
formulation of resource proposals, programs and budgets.
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and should have: the ability
to develop and lead an emerging ground-water resource management
program at the national level; the ability to provide technical and
procedural advice and guidance about ground-water resources, hydrogeology, and
ground-water utilization, development, and remediation to program
specialists at all agency levels; and an understanding of how ground-water
systems function on the broader context of the dynamic nature of aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems and the ability to provide expertise in this
area.
If you have specific technical questions regarding this job contact
Michael J. Burnside, Assistant Director, MGM at 703-605-4788 or Deanna J.
Stouder, Assistant Director, WFW at 202-205-1790. Please express your
interest no later than October 22nd by submitting a one page resume to
mjburnside@fs.fed.us and dstouder@fs.fed.us
AGI Seeks Director of Government Affairs. The American Geological
Institute (AGI), a nonprofit federation of 43 geoscience societies, is
seeking a director of Government Affairs. This position is responsible for
all phases of AGI's Government Affairs Program, working actively with
member societies, Congress, and federal agencies to bring accurate
science into the decision-making process of public policy; serve as a
focused voice for the shared policy interests of the geoscience profession;
monitor and analyze legislation and policy developments affecting the
geosciences; and develop AGI congressional testimony and policy positions
on national geoscience issues.
Candidates should have an advanced degree in the geosciences, with a
Ph.D. preferred, as well as experience in science and public policy.
Demonstrated outstanding written, verbal, and management skills are also
required. A strong familiarity with the geoscience community through
active society participation is desired.
Candidates should submit a resume, including salary requirements and
the names of three references, with cover letter to: Government Affairs
Director Search, AGI, 4220 King Street, Alexandria VA 22302-1502 or
jobs@agiweb.org.
For more information on the program, see http://www.agiweb.org/gap.
Applications will be considered on a continuous basis until the
position is filled. EOE.
*** Welcome, Intern Dave ***
Dave Millar, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, recently
graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz. He double
majored in Earth Sciences and Politics, and in 2003, he studied abroad for a
full year at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Now living in
Washington DC and working in AGI's Government Affairs Program, Dave is
learning first hand the realities of the appropriations process as well
as tracking legislation on climate change, oceans policy, global earth
observation, and energy. His internship will extend through
mid-December.
*** AGI/AAPG Spring Semester Intern Applications Welcome ***
The American Geological Institute (AGI) is seeking outstanding
geoscience students and recent graduates with a strong interest in federal
science policy for a 12-week geoscience and public policy internship in
spring 2005.
Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process
and the operation of executive branch agencies. They will also hone
both their writing and Web-publishing skills. AGI gratefully
acknowledges support from American Association of Petroleum Geologists for the
semester internships.
Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 15, 2004. For more information,
please visit http://www.agiweb.org/gap/interns/index.html.
*** List of Key Federal Register Notices ***
Below is a summary of Federal Register announcements regarding federal
regulations, agency meetings, and other notices of interest to the
geoscience community. Entries are listed in chronological order and show
the federal agency involved, the title, and the citation. The Federal
Register is available online at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont04.html. Information on
submitting comments and reading announcements are also available online
at http://www.regulation.gov.
EPA: Extension of comment period for the Standards and Practices for
All Appropriate Inquiries Proposed Rule. On August 26, 2004, EPA
published for public comment a proposed rule that would set federal standards
and practices for conducting all appropriate inquiries, as required
under Sections 101(35)(B)(ii) and (iii) of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The original
comment period was to expire on October 25, 2004. Today's action extends
the comment period to November 30, 2004.
Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. SFUND-2004-0001, to
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting comments. If you have questions,
contact Patricia Overmeyer of EPA's Office of Brownfields Cleanup and
Redevelopment at (202) 566-2774 or at overmeyer.patricia@epa.gov.
(September 17, 2004,Volume 69, Number 180.)
DOE: Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board Panel Meeting: October 13-14,
2004--Salt Lake City, UT: The U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review
Board's Panel on the Waste Management System Will Meet To Discuss Issues
Related to the U.S. Department of Energy's Planning for the Possible
Transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste to a
Proposed Repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. The purpose of the
meeting is to discuss the DOE's transportation planning and the experience
of regional groups involved in transporting spent nuclear fuel and
high-level radioactive waste (Wednesday) and to review the experiences of
Private Fuel Storage, LLC, in planning for transportation of spent
nuclear fuel to its proposed facility in Utah (Thursday). On Thursday, the
panel also will review issues of risk perception in the transportation
planning process. For more information, contact the NWTRB: Karyn
Severson, External Affairs; 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 1300; Arli
ngton, VA 22201-3367; (tel.) 703-235-4473; (fax) 703-235-4495.
(September 21, 2004 Volume 69, Number 182.)
NOAA: Call for Proposals for FY 2005 Coastal Services Center Integrated
Ocean Observing Systems--Amendment. The National Ocean Service (NOS)
publishes this notice to amend a notice entitled Availability of Grants
Funds for Fiscal Year 2005 to make a revision to the NOS FY 2005
Coastal Services Center Integrated Ocean Observing System. NOS amends the
notice to broaden an existing funding priority, to extend the due date
for all applications to December 1, 2004, and to inform applicants that
the maximum total available funding under this announcement is expected
to be $5,000,000. All applications for projects must be received by
the NOAA Coastal Services Center by COB on December 1, 2004. All
submissions should be directed to: NOAA Coastal Services Center, Attn: Paul
Scholz, 2234 South Hobson Ave., Charleston, SC 29405-2413. FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Scholz, (843) 740-1208, Paul.Scholz@noaa.gov.
(September 24, 2004 Volume 69, Number 185.)
*** New Updates to Website ***
FY2005 Dept. of Education MSP Appropriations (9-21-04)
FY2005 Interior Appropriations (9-21-04)
FY2005 NASA, NSF and EPA Appropriations (9-21-04)
FY2005 Commerce (NOAA) Appropriations (9-21-04) Public Access to
Scientific Research (9-21-04) Climate Change Policy Overview (9-17-04)
Climate Change Hearings (9-17-04) High-Level Nuclear Waste Legislation
(9-2-04) Climate Change Science Program (9-2-04)
Monthly Review prepared by Emily Lehr Wallace, AGI Government Affairs
Program and David Millar, AGI/AAPG 2004 Fall Intern
Sources: AAAS; U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security; National Science
Foundation; Nature; Science; Thomas Legislative Database; NOAA; EPA; ASFE;
NGWA; ASCE; Greenwire; Energy and Environment Daily; The Washington Post
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
2) GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPECIAL UPDATE: OCTOBER 8, 2004
*** FY05 Geoscience Funding Action in the House, Senate ***
In A Nutshell: September saw legislative action on several
appropriations bills. The House passed the Labor, Health and Human Services and
Education appropriations bill, which contains funding for the Math and
Science Partnership Program within the Department of Education. The
House also passed the VA/HUD appropriations bill to fund the National
Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency and NASA in FY05. The
Senate, however, only managed to pass several bills out of committee.
The VA/HUD appropriations bill, Labor, Health and Human Services and
Education appropriations bill, Commerce, State, Justice and the Judiciary
appropriations bill and Department of the Interior appropriations bill
have all been readied for the Senate floor but the full Senate has yet
to take action on them.
*******************
Congress is expected to adjourn on or about October 8th in order to let
members campaign back home prior to the election. Once they reconvene
post-November 2nd, there is a lot of work ahead for both chambers. The
government is currently operating on a continuing resolution, which
keeps the government running on last year's funding levels until new
spending is approved. Only the FY05 Defense spending bill has been signed
into law by the president. The bill that will fund Washington, DC next
year is ready for the president to sign, but the rest of the spending
bills are still making their way through the process - a process that
must be wrapped up by
November 20th, the date the current continuing resolution expires.
This special update reports on spending levels for geoscience-related
programs at the National Science Foundation, NASA, NOAA, EPA and the
Departments of Education and Interior.
*** House VA/HUD Appropriations ***
On September 9th, the House Appropriations Committee passed their plan
for funding the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban
Development, and Independent Agencies in FY05. The Committee recommended
$5.47 billion for the overall budget of the National Science Foundation.
This amount represents a decrease of $111 million from the FY04
allocation and a $278 million decrease from the President's budget request.
The Committee expressed disappointment that the NSF submitted their
budget request in a strategic plan format with the strategic goals:
'People,' 'Tools,' and 'Ideas.' The NSF has been instructed to prepare a
traditional appropriations account structure of greater detail, to be
submitted no later than October 15, 2004. Given the lack of a detailed
budget request from the NSF, the Committee did not made funding
recommendations for all programs and directorates, including the Geosciences
Directorate or the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation.
The Research and Related Activities account was allocated $4.2 billion,
$73.7 million below FY04 and $194.3 million below the budget request.
Office of Polar Programs was given $350 million, as requested by the
President. In its report the Committee noted that, "expenses for the
Antarctic operation programs have substantially increased due to rising
fuel costs, increased Coast Guard support costs, the weather, and
extraordinary ice conditions in the bay. The Committee expects NSF to provide
the necessary resources for operations, research support and logistics,
and science and research grant support to fully fund the Antarctic
operations."
The Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction account is
slated to receive $208 million, an increase of $53 million from FY04 but
$5 million short of the President's request. Within this account, the
Committee recommends $47.3 million for Earthscope and $30 million for the
Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.
NSF's Education and Human Resources activities are designed to
encourage the entrance of talented students into science and technology
careers, to improve undergraduate and K-12 science and engineering education,
and to provide opportunities for underrepresented segments of the
scientific and engineering communities. The Committee proposes $843 million
for this account, $90.5 million short of the FY04 level and $2.9
million less than the budget request. The Math and Science Partnerships
would receive $82.5 million, $2.5 million more than the request and $56.7
million less than the 2004 level.
In other of the bill's provisions, the Committee recommended that NASA
receive $15.1 billion for FY05, $1 billion less than requested and $228
million less than the 2004 funding level. The House did provide full
funding for several important NASA missions, such as the Mars
exploration programs, because, "the Committee believes that the planetary
exploration and space science programs at NASA are essential to the mission
and success of the federal space programs." The Committee also urged
NASA to take the advice of the National Academy of Sciences and look into
ways to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Committee explained the cuts it did make by saying that, although
they are supportive of the exploration aspect of NASA's vision and
President Bush's proposal, they do not believe it should take priority over
NASA's science and aeronautics programs. The elimination of funding
for many new initiatives accounts for most of the cuts to the agency.
The House also cut the funding requested for the International Space
Station due to delays in the shuttle operations.
Also in that bill, the Environmental Protection Agency was funded at
$7.75 billion for FY05, $613 million short of last year's allocation and
$36 million less than the President's request. For a more detailed
account of the House's allocations in the VA/HUD bill, see
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/appropsfy2005_vahud.html#House.
*** Senate VA/HUD Appropriations ***
On September 21, 2004, the Senate Committee on Appropriations passed
the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 Veteran's Affairs and Housing and Urban
Development and Independent Agencies Bill, S.2825. The Committee recommended
$5.7 billion for the National Science Foundation. This follows the
president's request and gives the agency a 3% increase over the current
funding level. The report states, "The Committee continues to be
supportive of the efforts achieved in the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-368) and the pursuit of a doubling
path for NSF funding. However, due to funding constraints, the Committee
is not able to provide such funding at this time, but will continue to
pursue these efforts in the future."
According to the report, the Research and Related Activities account
would receive $4.3 billion, 3.6% more than the current level but 1.1%
less than the budget request. The Geosciences Directorate would be funded
at $728.5 million. This is the same as the president's request; it
reflects a 1.9% increase over the current level. The Office of Polar
Programs would suffer a 19% cut from the budget request and an 18% cut from
current funding, falling to a $281.6 million budget for FY05. There
were no recommendations specified for the Network for Earthquake
Engineering Simulation or the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.
The Committee recommended $929 million for the Education and Human
Resources Account, roughly equal to current funding but also a 20% increase
over the request. According to the report, "the education and human
resources appropriation supports a comprehensive set of programs across
all levels of education in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics [STEM]. The Committee is on record expressing disappointment by
the administration's lack of support in its budget request for assisting
smaller research institutions and minorities."
The Committee rejected the administration's request to transfer the
Math and Science Partnership [MSP] program to the Department of Education.
According to the report, "The MSP program is an important asset in
providing improved math and science education by partnering local school
districts with faculty of colleges and universities." Therefore, the MSP
program is recommended to receive $110 million, 38% more than requested
but 21% less than current funding.
The Committee recommended $15.6 billion for NASA, flat funding from
FY04 and 4% less than requested. According to the report, "The current
Federal fiscal environment is not favorable to supporting completely the
budget NASA has presented for fiscal year 2005. The out-year costs
also seem overly optimistic at time when both the administration and
Congress are committed to reducing the Federal budget deficit. However,
steps toward laying the foundation of future NASA initiatives must be
taken in order for there to be a future for many NASA activities once the
Shuttle program is retired and the International Space Station is
completed." An additional $300 million is intended for emergency funding of
an emergency servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Science, Aeronautics, and Exploration account is slated to receive
$7.7 billion in FY05, on par with the budget request and current
funding levels. The Earth Science Enterprise would receive $164 million, a
10% increase over the request and a 1.8% increase over the current
enacted level. According to the report, "The activities of NASA's Earth
Science Enterprise seek to understand the total Earth system and the
effects of humans on the global environment. This pioneering program of
studying global climate change is developing many of the capabilities that
will be needed for long-term environment and climate monitoring and
prediction. Governments around the world need information based on the
strongest possible scientific understanding. The unique vantage-point of
space provides information about the Earth's land, atmosphere, ice,
oceans, and biota as a global system, which is available in no other way.
In concert with the global research community, the Earth Science
Enterprise is developing the understanding needed to support the
complex environmental policy decisions that must be addressed. The
Committee believes that Earth science has been a critical part of a balanced
space program long advocated by this Committee. The Committee remains
fully committed to a robust Earth science program at NASA notwithstanding
the recent headquarters reorganization plan. The Committee expects
NASA to remain fully committed to Earth science, with future missions
identified with 5 year funding profiles that reflect a serious commitment
to Earth science as a vital part of the Nation's space program."
The Office of Space Science is slated to receive the budget request of
$4 billion, 8.3% more than current funding.
The Committee recommended $8.5 billion for the Environmental Protection
Agency in FY05. That is a 9.5% increase over the request and 1.6% more
than the enacted level. The Science and Technology Account, which
"provides funding for the scientific knowledge and tools necessary to
support decisions on preventing, regulating, and abating environmental
pollution and to advance the base of understanding on environmental
sciences," is slated to receive $758.2 million, 10% more than the request and
3% less than the current level.
The Environmental Programs and Management account would receive $2.3
billion under the Senate's funding plan. This is the same as the
president's budget request and a 1.3% increase over the current enacted level.
The Hazardous Substances Superfund account is slated to receive the
requested $1.4 billion, 9.7% more than the current level. The Committee
recommends $70 million for the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust
Fund, 7.3% less than the current level and 3.4% less than the president's
request. State and Tribal Assistance Grants are slated to receive $3.9
billion, roughly equal to the current funding but 20% more than the
budget request. Within this account, the Clean Water State Revolving Funds
would continue the FY04 level of $1.4 billion. That's $50 million, or
3.8%, more than the budget request. The Safe Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund would also receive the FY04 level $850 million as requested
by the budget. The Brownfields account would receive $140 mil
lion, 16% above the budget request at the current enacted level.
For a more detailed account of the Senate's allocations in the VA/HUD
bill, see
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/appropsfy2005_vahud.html#Senate.
*** Interior Appropriations ***
On September 14th, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the
FY05 Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
The bill divides a total budget of $20.2 billion amongst its
constituent agencies. The Senate recommended $939.5 billion for the USGS, $1.5
million more than requested by the President. This increase of 2.1%
restores the funding cut proposed by the Administration but does not meet
the rate of inflation. The Senate's report cautions, "The Committee is
concerned that both Department of the Interior [DOI] and
administration-wide priorities, as well as the Survey's administrative changes, are
being balanced on the backs of the programs disciplines that are the
basis for the Survey's existence and its scientific reputation. The
strength of the Survey's existing efforts in many program areas is deserving
of additional support. The Committee urges that future budget requests
place a stronger emphasis on the Survey's core programs, which
have proven value and strong public support."
The Committee recommends $542.5 for fossil energy research and
development at the Department of Energy, a decrease of $130 million or 19%
below the enacted level and a decrease of $93 million or 14.6% from the
budget request. Within this account, the Committee would allocate $41
million for Natural Gas Technologies, 4.7% less than current funding and
58% more than requested by the President. Petroleum - Oil Technologies
would receive $31 million, a 107% increase over the $15 million
requested but an 11.4% decrease from the current level. The Exploration and
Production account received $13 million above the request. According to
the report, "The Committee is aware of the success of the Carbon
Capture Project" and has agreed to the budget request of $49 million for
Carbon Sequestration research, 19.5% more than the current funding level.
More information on these programs as well as the Bureau of Land
Management, Minerals Management Service, National Park Service, Smithsonian
and Forest Service is available at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/appropsfy2005_interior.html#Senate.
*** Commerce, State, Justice Appropriations ***
On September 15th, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed its
Commerce, State, Justice and the Judiciary (CJSJ) Appropriations bill for
FY05. The Committee recommended a $6.9 billion total budget for the
Department of Commerce, a 14% increase over the budget request, a 16%
increase over the FY04 enacted level, and just over a billion more than
recommended by the House.
The budget recommendation for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service, the
National Ocean Service, and the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research account,
are available at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/appropsfy2005_commerce.html#Senate.
*** Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations ***
On September 15th the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY05
spending plan for the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education
appropriations bill. The Committee recommended $61.4 billion dollars for
the Department of Education, 10% more than the FY04 enacted level and
7% more than the President's request. The Mathematics and Science
Partnership (MSP) Program would receive $200 million, $9 million or 4.5%
less than requested but $51 million or 34% more than current funding. The
report states, "These funds will be used to improve the performance of
students in the areas of math and science by bringing math and science
teachers in elementary and secondary schools together with scientists,
mathematicians, and engineers to increase the teachers' subject-matter
knowledge and improve their teaching skills."
More information about funding for the MSP program at the Department of
Education is available on AGI's website at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/appropsfy2005_labor.html.
Special update prepared by Emily Lehr Wallace, AGI Government Affairs
Program and David Millar, AGI/AAPG 2004 Fall Intern
Sources: National Science Foundation; Thomas Legislative Database;
NOAA; EPA; Greenwire; Energy and Environment Daily.
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3) POSITION OPENINGS
2004-062
Brock University
Applied Geosciences Position
The Department of Earth Sciences at Brock University is seeking to fill
a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level in a field
of applied geosciences that complements and enhances the current
departmental expertise. Exceptional candidates will be considered at the
Associate Professor level.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to an existing
broad-based undergraduate program. The candidate will also be expected
to maintain a productive, externally funded research program and to
attract and supervise graduate students.
The department current research strengths are broadly based in
Quaternary environments.
Further information about the Department of Earth Sciences can be found
at:
http://www.brocku.ca/earthsciences.
The review of submissions will begin December 2004 but applications
will be considered until the position is filled. The preferred start date
for the position is July 1, 2005. This position is subject to final
budgetary approval.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians
and permanent residents will be given priority. Brock University is
committed to a Positive Action Policy aimed at reducing gender imbalance in
faculty; qualified women candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
More information on Brock University can be found on the University.s
website www.BrockU.ca
Applications, including a curriculum vitae and the names, surface and
electronic addresses of three referees should be sent to: The Chair,
Department of Earth Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St.
Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Tel: (905) 688-5550, ext. 3526; Fax: (905)
682-9020; e-mail: earth@brocku.ca.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-067
Kansas State University
Earth Science Educator
The Department of Geology at Kansas State University invites applicants
for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in Earth Science
Education to start fall 2005. The successful applicant will also take an
active role in the activities of the K-State Center for the Understanding
of Origins. Job responsibilities include teaching introductory
geoscience courses, coordinating lab sections and training Graduate Teaching
Assistants. It is expected that this faculty hire will develop an
externally funded research/graduate program in earth science education, have
a firm commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, and be
involved in outreach activities. Interdisciplinary collaboration with
K-State colleagues is strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to
applicants who are dynamic teachers and who can demonstrate multicultural
competence and expertise in the scholarship of teaching. A PhD is
required, preferably in an area of the geological sciences; however, r
elated areas will be considered if expertise in geosciences is
demonstrated. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2004 and will
continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a
complete vita, a teaching portfolio that demonstrates applicant's experience
in education scholarship, and a statement of research interests. Three
letters of reference must be sent to the department at the time of
application. All materials should be sent to: Dr. Jack Oviatt, Search
Committee Chair, Department of Geology, Kansas State University, Manhattan,
KS 66506 (joviatt@ksu.edu). For further information about the
department and the K-State Center for the Understanding of Origins see:
http://www.ksu.edu/geology and http://
http://www.phys.ksu.edu/~origins.%A0. Kansas State University is an
equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and actively seeks
diversity among its employees.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-069
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Earth Surface Chronology
The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a tenure-track faculty
position at the assistant professor level to begin July 1, 2005.
We seek applicants who pursue research in near-surface processes
through low-temperature or cosmogenic chronometry. The successful applicant
will use chronologic methods to quantify the timing and rates of
tectonic, geomorphologic, sedimentologic, climatic/oceanographic, hydrologic
or biologic events and processes. We are interested in candidates who
use absolute dating techniques to decipher exhumation history,
land-surface evolution, sediment transport and deposition, or high-resolution
stratigraphy. Departmental equipment includes a multi-collector thermal
ionization mass spectrometer with complete element-separation and
clean-lab facilities, an SEM, a DCP, and access to other instruments (ICP-MS
w/ laser, electron microprobe, gas source mass spectrometers) in the
Marine Sciences Department and at Duke University and N.C. State
University.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. at the time of appointment, and
postdoctoral and teaching experience is highly desirable. The successful
candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research
program and to demonstrate excellence in undergraduate and graduate
education.
Applicants must submit a letter of application, vita, statements of
research and teaching interests, and the names and contact information for
four references to Surface Chronology Search, Department of Geological
Sciences, CB # 3315 Mitchell Hall, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC 27599-3315. We will begin reviewing applications December 1,
2004 and continue until the position is filled, and will initiate the
interview process by early January of 2005. For more information on the
department and the university see www.geosci.unc.edu. Members of the
department will be present at the GSA meeting in Denver and AGU meeting
in San Francisco.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to
apply.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-071
Wesleyan University
Geobiology/Paleoecology/Paleobiology.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Wesleyan
University, a highly selective liberal arts college, invites applications for a
tenure-track position in the areas Geobiology, Paleoecology, or
Paleobiology to be filled at the assistant professor level. Our department
offers a B.A. and an M.A degree. We seek a colleague who will have a
strong earth science background, contribute to the Environmental Studies
curriculum, and be an excellent educator. The new faculty member will
be required to teach an upper level course in Geobiology, a course
accessible to non-majors, a course in the Environmental Studies curriculum,
and courses of the candidate.s choice. Candidates who use quantitative
methods in their research are especially encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will have or will be developing a strong
record of published research, the ability to secure extramural funds, and
the vision to establish a strong research program involving undergraduate
students.
Applications received by December 1, 2004 will receive full
consideration. He or she must have a Ph.D. by the start date. We anticipate that
the successful candidate will begin July 1, 2005. Please send letter of
interest, curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching
interests, and three letters of reference to: Dr. Suzanne O.Connell, Chair,
Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wesleyan University,
Middletown, CT 06459. Questions about the position should be sent via email to:
soconnell@wesleyan.edu. Wesleyan University is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to
apply.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-075
EarthScope
Education and Outreach Manager
EarthScope invites applications for the position of EarthScope
Education and Outreach Manager at the EarthScope Headquarters Office in
Washington, DC. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating
the development of a high-profile education program for EarthScope that
emphasizes the integrated nature of the project and the importance of
EarthScope.s research initiatives.
EarthScope (www.earthscope.org) is the National Science Foundation.s
largest undertaking in solid Earth Sciences. It provides a unique
opportunity for integrating scientific research and education while advancing
the Earth Sciences with a diverse national audience. EarthScope has the
potential to enable a broad range of students and the public to
participate in a national experiment, and for the first time to observe and
measure geological processes within the time frame of an academic school
year. As EarthScope observatories are installed at over 3,000
geographical locations across the nation, students and the public will be
introduced to scientific questions and to the role their region plays in
understanding the formation of the North American continent. To do so,
EarthScope will develop and coordinate educational activities, provide
science and data products that are accessible to students, and create
teaching modules that will allow EarthScope resources to be incorporate
d into an inquiry-based learning experience consistent with national
educational standards.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate is an outstanding individual with a
Ph.D. in Earth Science or
equivalent experience, broad interests, a demonstrated record in
education, and a reputation and interest commensurate with that of university
academic responsibility, or equivalent rank from government or
industry. Applicant must have demonstrated leadership and community-building
skills, demonstrated communication and organizational skills, the ability
to develop funding for educational and outreach activities, and the
ability to work effectively in a team environment.
To apply, please mail your curriculum vitae, a statement of experience
and interest, and contact information for three references to:
Ms. Patricia Sheatsley
psheatsley@earthscope.org
EarthScope
1200 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
The review process will begin on September 15 and continue until a
candidate is selected.
EarthScope is an equal opportunity employer. Women, members of
underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-077
University of Michigan
Geoscience Professorships
Geological Sciences
The Geological Sciences Department at the University of Michigan
anticipates that one or more faculty positions will be available with a
September 2005 start date. The position or positions will be enhanced by
the newly established Henry N. Pollack Professorship Endowment. We are
seeking candidates at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level.
The department plans to fill positions over the coming years in several
areas spanning the general fields of Earth System Science and
Geological Hazards. Applicants with strengths in any of the following fields
are especially encouraged to apply: physical and chemical processes
linking the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and terrestrial surface; interactions
between biological and geological processes; neotectonics; processes
that occur in coastal environments; and seismology. Priority will be
given to applicants that complement existing strengths in the Geological
Sciences and/or interactions with other closely related departments at
the University of Michigan.
The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent
research program and to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching
programs. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a statement of
present and future research plans, a statement of teaching experience and
interests, and the names of at least four persons who can provide letters
of recommendation. Additional information about the department can be
found at: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/.
Applications should be sent to:
Joel D Blum, Chair
Department of Geological Sciences
425 E. University Avenue
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1063
For full consideration applications should be received before January
3, 2005. The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory/affirmative
action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The
University is supportive of the needs of dual career couples.
Turner Postdoctoral Fellows
The Department of Geological Sciences invites applications for Turner
Postdoctoral Fellows, which are positions of two-year duration that are
open to any area in the Geological Sciences. We offer a competitive
compensation package that includes benefits and a travel/research fund.
Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with existing researcher(s) at
the University of Michigan or to propose an independent research
project, which cost-share salary with other sources involving research and/or
teaching responsibilities. Visit our Department webpages for more
information on faculty and research (http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu); contact
Profs. Eric Essene (essene@umich.edu), Ben van der Pluijm
(vdpluijm@umich.edu) or Lynn Walter (lmwalter@umich.edu) for additional
information. Please submit a curriculum vitae, a brief (3 pages or
less) research proposal and names of at least three references by January
7, 2005 to: by email, turnerpdf@umich.edu; by mail, Turner Postdoctoral
Commi
ttee, Dept. of Geological Sciences, 425 E University Ave., Univ. of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1063.
The University of Michigan is an affirmative action/equal opportunity
employer.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-079
University of Tennessee
Sedimentary Geology and Geophysics Positions
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences invites applications for
two tenure-track faculty positions starting Fall 2005. The successful
candidates are expected to develop strong, externally-funded research
programs involving graduate and undergraduate student supervision and
publication. Post-doctoral experience and the ability to complement one
or more existing departmental strengths in tectonics and structural
geology, carbonate sedimentology/geochemistry, global climate change,
hydro/environmental geology and planetary geology are desirable.
Sedimentary Geology: The position (Assistant Professor) is open to
candidates with a PhD in Earth Sciences, Geology or a related discipline
and with experience in sedimentary geology, preferably focusing on
clastic sediments. Candidates with a wide range of research and teaching
interests, including sedimentary facies and basin analysis, modern
depositional/erosional processes, diagenesis and hydrocarbon reservoirs are
encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to teach
undergraduate courses in historical geology and stratigraphy-sedimentology,
as well as graduate courses in his/her specialty.
Geophysics: The position (Assistant Professor) is open to candidates
with a PhD in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geophysics or a related
discipline, with experience in geophysical research. Candidates with a wide range
of research and teaching interests including geodynamics, seismic
imaging, crustal structure, reservoir imaging and engineering or
environmental geophysics are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is
expected to teach undergraduate courses in physical geology and
geophysics, as well as graduate courses in his/her specialty.
UT-Knoxville is the flagship campus for the UT system and is located
close to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has 15
tenure-track faculty, 7 research or teaching faculty and 5 postdoctoral
research associates. Research instrumentation includes a flume, stable
isotope mass spec with dual inlet and continuous flow, electron microprobe
with high resolution CL capabilities, CL luminoscope with
spectrophotometer, and digital imaging, XRD and wavelength-dispersive XRF, Viborseis
and seismic recorder trucks, a Lacoste-Romberg gravity meter and a $3M
LANDMARK software license grant for stratigraphic and seismic
processing. Applicants should e-mail their resume, a letter describing research
and teaching interests and a list of 3 references to Professor Larry
McKay, Search Committee Chair, Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences,
1412 Circle Drive, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-141
0; Phone 865-974-0821, Fax 865-974-2368; e-mail: <lmckay@utk.edu>.
Supplementary materials, such as copies of journal articles, can be mailed
to Dr. McKay at the above address. Review of applications will begin
on January 15, 2005 and will continue until both positions are filled.
For additional information see: http://web.eps.utk.edu.
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section
504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment
programs and services.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-081
Lehigh University
Soil Scientist
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has an opening at
the assistant-professor level for a scientist whose research focuses on
the .critical zone., the near-surface environment in which biological
processes, rock, water, air, and soil interact. We seek an individual
doing innovative research that will complement existing expertise in the
areas of surface processes and environmental change.
We expect the successful candidate to develop a vigorous externally
funded research program, teach a modern course in soil development,
otherwise contribute to our undergraduate and graduate curricula in their
area(s) of expertise, and mentor Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate students
in internships and research. This position is one of several new hires
in Earth and Environmental Sciences, engineering, and the social
sciences expected to participate in a university wide, multidisciplinary
initiative focusing on the environment.
To receive full consideration, applicants should submit by November 15
a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of research and
teaching interests, up to 3 reprints, and the names of three referees to
Gray Bebout, Search Committee Chair, Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences, 31 Williams Drive, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
18015. For further information about the EES Department, see:
http://www.ees.lehigh.edu/.
Lehigh University is committed to recruiting and retaining women and
minorities.
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2004-082
County of San Diego, CA
Groundwater Geologist
Groundwater Geologist . County of San Diego, CA ($69,118 - $83,990
annually, plus benefits) Reviews land use permit applications for
consistency with the County.s Groundwater Ordinance and the California
Environmental Quality Act; delineates and maps groundwater impacted basins as
stipulated within the County Groundwater Ordinance; maintains and updates
the groundwater monitoring program; conducts or reviews hydrogeological
studies to determine groundwater characteristics of the fractured rock
and alluvial aquifer systems of the County; attends public meetings and
assists in the education of residents and other public agencies; and
communicates with the media as a groundwater authority. Requirements:
Must be a registered Geologist in the State of CA or meet qualifications
for registration within one year from date of hire and possess at least
three years of professional work in the field of hydrogeological
analysis, evaluation, and management, under the supervision of a CA r
egistered geologist. APPLY IMMEDIATELY AT: www.sdcounty.ca.gov or call
(619) 236-2191 for an application; recruitment is subject to close at
any time.
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2004-084
University of Minnesota
Tenure-track Position in Paleoclimatology
The Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Minnesota
invites applications for a tenure track position in the broad field of
paleoclimate research over any interval of geologic time. The main
research approach may be record-based or modeling but should emphasize
processes. We seek applicants who will take advantage of many
collaborative opportunities within the Department and the University, which
include, but are not limited to, the National Center for Earth-surface
Dynamics housed at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Limnological
Research Center and LacCore (National Lacustrine Core Curation Facility), the
Minnesota Supercomputer Institute, the Institute for Rock Magnetism,
and Quaternary Paleoecology Graduate Minor Program.
The appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor level. The
successful applicant is expected to teach at both the graduate and
undergraduate levels, advise graduate and undergraduate students, and
establish a research program in the area of paleoclimatology which involves
supervision of students who are PhD candidates. Review of applications
will begin on November 12, 2004. Send research and teaching statements,
CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to Paleoclimate Search Committee,
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, 310
Pillsbury Drive, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. A PhD is required at the
time of appointment. Interested persons are encouraged to visit
www.geo.umn.edu. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator
and employer.
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Opportunities in Washington, DC
Several position openings are listed in the September AGI GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW (above).
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