David Applegate has left the job of U.S. Geological Survey director and donned a new role as the agency’s chief scientist.
Applegate’s job shift to the chief scientist position is noted in his LinkedIn page. The agency did not respond to a request for comment.
It’s a natural move for the natural hazards expert, who was a longtime USGS career scientist before the Biden administration tapped him to lead the agency, first in an acting capacity and then as full-fledged director following his Senate confirmation in August of 2022.
The next move is up to President Donald Trump and Interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum to find a Senate-confirmed leader for the agency that has an annual budget of about $1.6 billion and a deep roster of science programs — some more politically sensitive than others.
