Director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and Wisconsin State Geologist

This position provides overall leadership, administrative direction, vision, and oversight for all activities carried out by WGNHS staff and reports to the Director of the Natural Resources Institute, within the Division of Extension. This position offers direct service, research, outreach and education to constituents and partners, bringing the resources of the University to all regions and people of the state – i.e., applying the Wisconsin Idea. The WGNHS Director also provides leadership, planning, and oversight of finances and funding for WGNHS, ensuring resources including facilities are aligned with organizational needs. WGNHS has approximately 30 staff members, and an annual budget of $2.5 million. Staff at the Survey work closely with faculty, staff and students within UW-Madison, such as with colleagues within the Department of Geoscience and the Division of Extension, as well as with collaborators at several UW campuses. This role directly supervises administrative and research positions within the Survey and also oversees hiring, managing performance, and ensures reporting expectations are met across the unit. The Director is expected to foster organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Director is expected to have a strong ability to communicate the need for and impact of the applied research carried out by WGNHS with diverse audiences and organizations, including those in academia, governmental and non-governmental organizations, legislative representatives, county officials, tribal communities, and the public. The Director represents WGNHS, Extension, and the University on various state and national committees, boards, and councils, and serves as Wisconsin’s delegate to the Association of American State Geologists (AASG). The Director/State Geologist works actively to maintain and enhance the Survey’s reputation for objective unbiased, high-quality science, and related public service. The Director/State Geologist also works with the Chair of the UW-Madison Department of Geoscience to identify mutually beneficial collaborative opportunities between Survey and Departmental students, faculty, and staff.

The principal duties of the Director include administrative leadership and vision, representing the WGNHS as it fulfills its mission, guiding WGNHS research and publications, and overseeing institutional obligations of the WGNHS.