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Jim E O'Connor

Jim O'Connor is a Research Geologist in the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He chiefly works on the geology and geomorphology of the Pacific Northwest.

Jim O’Connor majored in Geological Science at University of Washington and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at University of Arizona. Since 1991, he has worked at the U.S. Geological Survey, intent on improving understanding of the processes and events that shape the remarkable and diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.​​

Professional Experience

  • 2014 - present, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Portland, Oregon

  • 1996 - present, Adjunct professor, Dept. Geology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon

  • 1996 - 2014, Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Portland, Oregon

  • 1994 - 1996, Research Hydrologist, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, Oregon

  • 1991 - 1994, National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow, U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington

  • 1985 - 1987, Hydrologist, Pima County Dept. Transportation and Flood Control, Tucson, Arizona

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Geosciences, University of Arizona, 1990

  • M.S., Geosciencesm University of Arizona, 1985

  • B.S., Geological Sciences, University of Washington, 1982

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • 1984 - present, Geological Society of America (Fellow)

  • 1985 - present, American Geophysical Union

  • 2015 - present, Sigma Xi

  • Portland State University

  • Oregon State University

Science and Products

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government