Director and State Geologist

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Job Posting Title:

Director and State Geologist

   

Position Type:

Faculty

   

Department:

LSUAM ORED - Energy Institute (John C Flake (00002004))

   

Work Location:

3079 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

   

Pay Grade:

Professional

   

Job Description:

The LSU Energy Institute is seeking applications for the position of Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS). The Louisiana Geological Survey is the official geological survey of the State of Louisiana and is housed within the LSU Energy Institute pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 17:1492.The Director serves as Louisiana's State Geologist and provides strategic leadership and overall management of the Louisiana Geological Survey. In this capacity, the Director serves as the chief scientific authority for the Survey while overseeing statewide geological investigations, mapping activities, subsurface studies, geological hazard assessments, geological data resources, field operations, core and sample repositories, and related scientific and technical initiatives. The Director works collaboratively with state agencies, academic researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and external partners to advance the Survey's mission, scientific excellence, and long-term development. A faculty appointment at Louisiana State University may also be considered, consistent with qualifications and university policies.

Job Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the Louisiana Geological Survey while serving as Louisiana's State Geologist. Direct the Survey's scientific, technical, administrative, and operational activities. Provide scientific leadership and technical direction for statewide geological investigations, mapping activities, subsurface studies, geological hazard assessments, and related research initiatives. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and other stakeholders, and pursue external funding opportunities through grants, contracts, and strategic partnerships to support and expand the Survey's mission. (35%)

Pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 17:1492, oversee the maintenance of current surface and subsurface geological surveys of the State of Louisiana. In addition, oversee the stewardship of the LGS core facility to ensure that cores, logs, and data are preserved, inventoried, and easily accessed by internal and external stakeholders. (25%)

Serve as the primary spokesperson and subject matter expert for the Louisiana Geological Survey. Represent the Survey before policymakers, governmental entities, industry stakeholders, academic audiences, professional organizations, media, and the public through presentations, testimony, technical briefings, outreach activities, and other engagement efforts. Communicate complex geological information in a manner that supports informed decision-making and public understanding. (25%)

Contribute to Louisiana Geological Survey and LSU Energy Institute activities, including conferences, workshops, and meetings, and collaborate across LSU academic departments and colleges on geology, energy, and other interdisciplinary initiatives. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in geology or related field and 7 years of experience. Eligible for Louisiana Professional Geoscientist licensure.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply--a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D in geology or related field. A record appropriate for senior rank at LSU; demonstrated scientific leadership; eligibility for Louisiana Professional Geoscientist licensure; and strong communication skills. The candidate should be familiar with coastal geology, deltaic systems, Class VI and or groundwater regulations, state surveys, and federal or regulatory policies.

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring (if applicable).

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. John Flake at [email protected].

   

Skills Needed:

   

Preferred Skills:

   

Posting Date:

October 13, 2026

   

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

February 10, 2027

  

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

   

Essential Position (Y/N):

N

   

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

   

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

   

HCM Contact Information: