Description

Position Overview

The Editor develops and implements the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) publication program. The position ensures scientific and public information materials produced by KGS meet high editorial and design standards, support the agency's mission of "Advancing Science, Serving Kansas," and are disseminated effectively through print and digital platforms.
The Editor provides editorial oversight for all KGS publication series and serves as the technical editor for Midcontinent Geoscience, the Survey's peer-reviewed journal. The position also collaborates across units on communications, web content, and outreach materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to KGS publication policies.

Job Description

55% - Editing and Publication Planning

• Edit manuscripts, maps, and related materials prepared by KGS researchers and external collaborators for publication in print and online.
• Manage the scientific peer-review process for KGS publications.
• Serve as technical editor for Midcontinent Geoscience.
• Work closely with authors to ensure scientific accuracy, clarity, and adherence to KGS style and format.
• Maintain and update publication policies, author guidelines, and the internal KGS style manual.
• Determine placement of manuscripts within established KGS publication series and solicit submissions.
• Coordinate editing of educational materials, public information circulars, and outreach publications in partnership with the KGS Outreach team.
• Provide editorial assistance on manuscripts for outside publication, presentations, and posters.
• Review and submit works as unpublished KGS open-file reports, coordinating submissions with the KGS Librarian.
• Assist with editing grant proposals and final reports, as needed.

25% - Publication Design, Production, and Printing

• Design and layout printed and digital publications using Adobe Creative Suite or comparable desktop publishing software.
• Plan production schedules and coordinate all publication printing and digital dissemination.
• Write technical specifications for publishing jobs and obtain bids from outside printers.
• Manage technical aspects of the publication program, including OJS administration, ISBN/ISSN/DOI registration, and coordination with KGS Publications staff for pricing.
• Ensure publications meet accessibility standards and are archived according to KGS repository and state guidelines.

10% - Digital Publications, Web, and Social Media Review

• Serve on the KGS web development team to review and edit web pages for clarity, consistency, and adherence to KGS style before publication.
• Work with the web developer to establish workflow for publication and review of online materials.
• Review and approve social media posts for accuracy, tone, and compliance with KGS communication standards.
• Provide editorial guidance for interactive maps, story maps, and online educational content.

5% - Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities

• Serve as ex-officio member of the KGS Stratigraphic Nomenclature Committee and on search and internal committees as assigned.
• Manage permission requests for reproduction of KGS publications, photos, and illustrations.
• Oversee budget preparation, planning, and expenditure tracking for the publication and editing program.
• Collaborate with the Library/Archive staff and IT to ensure digital preservation and long-term accessibility of KGS publications.

5% - Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, advertising, communications, business, marketing, English, earth sciences, or relevant field, plus minimum of four (4) years of related experience.
2. Five (5) years of experience in scientific or technical editing or related area.
3. Experience editing publications across formats (print, digital, maps, brochures) as evidenced by application material.
4. Excellent organizational and written communication skills as evidenced by application material.
5. Prior experience working independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment as evidenced by application material.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter addressing the preferred number of hours per week, required and preferred qualifications, and position requirements.
2. Resume.
3. Contact information for 3 references (email address, phone number, and relation to reference).

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, December 15, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.