USGS Water Resources of Michigan - USGS Michigan Organization

The Water Science Center (WSC) has approximately 60 employees. The employees consist of hydrologists and hydrologic technicians that represent a variety of scientific backgrounds, including biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, and statistics. Additional experienced staff with backgrounds in computer administration, report production, and clerical and administrative services complete the makeup of the WSC Staff.

WSC operations are grouped into four sections-- Administrative/Clerical Services, Information Technology Section Network Operations, and Hydrologic Studies. The functions and major purpose of each section are described in the following paragraphs. Click here for map and addresses.

Click for graphical representation of Organizational Chart.

OFFICE OF THE MICHIGAN WATER SCIENCE CENTER: J. R. Nicholas, Center Director

ADMINISTRATIVE/CLERICAL SERVICES SECTION: D. Huntsman, Administrative Officer; C. M. Hoque, Office Automation Assistant; D. L. Post-Ennen, Budget Analyst; D. L. Wagner, Administrative Operations Assistant

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTION: T. J. McElhone, IT Specialist (System Administrator); R. M. McGowan, IT Specialist (Sys Admin/Computer Hardware/Software/LLMA); M. S. Reynolds, IT Specialist (Sys Admin/Computer Hardware/Software/Webmaster)

NETWORK OPERATIONS SECTION: S. P. Blumer, Chief (Network Operations); S. Beeler, Hydrologic Technician; T. L. Weaver, Hydrologist (SW & GW Data Collection and Analysis)

LANSING FIELD OFFICE: R. L. LeuVoy, Supv. Hydrologic Technician; B. M. Heissenberger, Hydrologic Technician; R. W. Howell, Hydrologic Technician, (SW Data Collection); D. L. Hubbell, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection and Analysis); T. R. Morgan, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection); D. J. Obenauer, Hydrologic Technician; C. K. Taricska, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection)

ESCANABA FIELD OFFICE: J. M. Ellis, Supv. Hydrologic Technician (SW & QW Data Collection and Analysis); D. Burdett, Hydrologic Technician; M. Holmio, Hydrologic Technician; S. B. Horton, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection); J. C. Knudsen, Hydrologic Technician (SW & QW Data Collection and Analysis, Instrumentation); M. F. Soper, Administrative Clerk; D. G. Wydra, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection and Analysis)

GRAYLING FIELD OFFICE: R.J. Minnerick, Supv. Hydrologic Technician (SW & QW Data Collection and Analysis); E. J. Carter, Administrative Clerk; T. A. DeWitt, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection and Analysis); D. A. James, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection and Analysis, Gage Construction); C. E. Lipinski, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection and Analysis); R. G. Nettleton, Hydrologic Technician (SW Data Collection and Analysis, Electronic Instrumentation); J. A. Wilkinson, Hydrologic Technician (SW & QW Data Collection)

HYDROLOGIC STUDIES SECTION: S. J. Rheaume, Chief (Hydrologic Studies) (NAWQA Biology); J. W. Duris, Microbiologist; L. R. Fogarty, Hydrologist; L. M. Fuller, Geographer; S. K. Haack, Hydrologist (Microbial Ecologist); D. F. Healy, Hydrologist (Water Quality Specialist, Safety Officer); C. J. Hoard, Hydrologist; D. J. Holtschlag, Hydrologist (Systems Analysis); R. S. Jodoin, Geographer; C. L. Luukkonen, Hydrologist (Ground Water, Geology); C. M. Rachol, Hydrologist (Geographic Information Systems); H. W. Reeves, Research Hydrologist (Environmental Engineering)

Midwest Area Great Lakes Focus Area: N. G. Grannemann, Hydrologist (GLFA Coordinator)

Eastern Region Geospatial Information Office: S. S. Aichele, Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems)

This section provides the WSC guidance and support services for financial planning, analysis, and management; human resource development and utilization; acquisition procedures and property management; general clerical procedures; and compliance with federal regulations and operating policies.

The Information Technology Section offers computing and networking services, technical advice, and collaboration in informational sciences in support of the research and management programs. The section is established to provide for an overall integrated information management system. This section is charged with providing computer network security, data processing, storage, retrieval, output, and technical support of a variety of computer software applications and computer hardware. The section also manages the WSC's webpages.

This section is responsible for the collection, compilation, and publication of hydrologic data including records of stream discharge, ground-water levels, and quality of water. Data are collected as part of a statewide, county-wide, or township network, and are used in projects designed to appraise the water resources of the state. These data are collected largely on a routine basis at fixed sites. Data collection may last for short periods (several months) to many years.

A report containing these data is published annually. Hydrologic data are also stored in the Survey's computer storage files called NWIS. Surface-water, ground-water, and quality of water data are available for tabular presentation, statistical manipulation, or graphical display.

About 57 percent of the Michigan WSC's program is directed toward hydrologic-data collection (fig. 1).

Figure 1. --Distribution of funding by category of work performed in fiscal year 1997, in Michigan.

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Hydrologic Studies Section

This section is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting hydrologic data to determine availability, quantity, quality, and use of water within the State; these investigations generally are of short duration, areal in nature, and require a thorough understanding of hydrology. Present activities include studies of surface-water and ground-water conditions in specified areas, investigations of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of aquifers, lakes, and streams, studies related to ground-water supply and contamination, water-use studies, and miscellaneous investigations to assist community and state planning agencies in management decisions.

Studies may range from complex, highly technical computer models of surface-water or ground-water systems, to reconnaissance appraisals of water resources. About 43 percent of the Michigan WSC's program is directed toward hydrologic studies (fig. 1).

In addition to the above work, reports on the results of hydrologic investigations are processed within this section prior to publication. Several different publication outlets are used to accommodate the diversity of subject matter. Most reports are published in a formal series of the USGS or of a cooperating agency.

Geographic information system (GIS) personnel collect, manage, and analyze geographic data in a planned and systematic way. GIS analysis enables users to recognize patterns and relationships in geographic data, helping establish location insight, focus actions, or choosing the best option. GIS output includes a map, values in a table, a graphic, or a chart for discussion, presentation, or scientific review.

Michigan Water Science Center Organization