A. The Arizona geological survey is established within the university of Arizona with offices located in proximity to the university of Arizona in Tucson. The state geologist shall administer the Arizona geological survey and shall serve at the pleasure of the Arizona board of regents. The state geologist shall be a graduate of an accredited institution and either registered as a geologist by the state board of technical registration or a trained geologist as defined in section 32-144 and shall be otherwise qualified by education and experience to direct the research and information functions of the Arizona geological survey.

B. The state geologist may:

1. Engage the services of faculty members or students, and shall have reasonable access to the data and other resources, of the university of Arizona or any other state university in this state to conduct or supervise research, experimentation or other related work of the Arizona geological survey.

2. Organize field expeditions to perform work for the Arizona geological survey using university students who are sufficiently advanced in their study of geology to be able to perform satisfactory work.

3. Establish and appoint an advisory board consisting of independent practicing geologists, university or college faculty, mining geologists and others who use and rely on data, information and other services of the Arizona geological survey.

4. Engage volunteer staff as necessary.

C. The expenses of the Arizona geological survey shall be paid by annual appropriation from the state general fund and as otherwise provided by this article.