Scott Ausbrooks

Commissioner Ausbrooks is the Director of the Office of the State Geologist and State Geologist since May 1, 2021.

Commissioner Ausbrooks has worked for the Arkansas Geological Survey for 18 years and State of Arkansas for almost 20 years, which included a brief period at the Arkansas Department of Transportation. More recent work includes geologic mapping and research into earthquakes previously occurring in north-central Arkansas and their potential of had being man-induced. Mr. Ausbrooks was co-investigator that studied the earthquakes in north-central Arkansas and their relationship to saltwater disposal which was found to trigger the Guy-greenbrier Earthquake Swarm. He was project leader overseeing the installation of the Arkansas Seismic Network, which consists of nine-state-of-the-art permanent broadband seismic stations across Arkansas. Mr. Ausbrooks has conducted numerous “Earthquake 101” and Overview of the NMSZ” presentations and worked with several agencies and organizations involved in NMSZ research and mitigation projects. He previously served as chairman of the Arkansas Governor’s Earthquake Advisory Council. Mr. Ausbrooks’ previous experience includes geologic mapping; quality control sampling for quarries; preparation of geological reports for bridge replacement projects; landslide studies; drill core inspections; monitor well driller; technical writing; geotechnical logging; surveying; and environmental consulting.