Department Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Professor

The South Dakota Board of Regents is seeking a Department Head and Professor for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at South Dakota State University, starting January 2025. The role involves leading the department, promoting growth, and enhancing engineering education and research. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or a related field, with a strong record in research and teaching. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Brookings, SD.
About the position

Join us at the forefront of innovation and education! The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is excited to extend an invitation to passionate and forward-thinking individuals for the position of Department Head and Professor available January 2025. Depending on the candidate's area of expertise within Civil and Environmental Engineering, the selected candidate may be appointed as Endowed Professor and Department Head. We are dedicated to cultivating an environment that values both academic rigor and practical application, placing a strong emphasis on design thinking and problem-solving skills. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, as we actively engage in groundbreaking research that directly impacts our region's needs. Moreover, we are deeply invested in providing technical support to both established and emerging businesses, industries, and government entities. As Department Head, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of engineering education while reporting directly to the Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure track position. Within the vibrant Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering (JJLCOE), our CEE Department stands as a pivotal hub of opportunity and growth. At SDSU, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional resources and state-of-the-art facilities that foster cutting-edge research and academic excellence. The CEE Department offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Civil Engineering. Emphasis areas include environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources and hydraulic engineering. Currently, the department has approximately 210 undergraduate students, 35 graduate students, and a vibrant graduate program with external annual funding of over $1M. The department houses 7 labs: the Lohr Structures Lab, the Fluid Mechanics Lab, the HDR Environmental Lab, the Asphalt Lab, the Materials and Concrete Lab, the Geotechnical Lab, and the Transportation Lab. The department also houses the Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center (WEERC). South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Responsibilities
• Lead the CEE Department in identifying future areas of growth and investment.
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• Provide organizational and administrative expertise to the Department and the JJLCOE.
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• Work closely with department faculty, the Dean, and the leadership team of the JJLCOE to promote the land-grant mission.
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• Shape the future of engineering education and research in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Requirements
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or a closely related field by the date of application.
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• A distinguished record of research, teaching, scholarship, and service.
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• Eligible for rank of Professor at SDSU in the Department of CEE as per current standards.
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• Professional leadership experience and/or experience in directing and mentoring the work of others.
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• Demonstrated scholarship, active engagement, and participation in technical and professional societies such as ASCE.
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• Successful experience advancing research, teaching, and practice in the areas of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
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• Experience or potential to be effective at recruitment, retention, and success of faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds.
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• Success in securing competitive grants for research from federal agencies, industry, and corporate sources.
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• Ability to manage resources effectively to promote department growth in research.
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• Understanding of current and emerging issues in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
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• Administrative abilities including management of budget and personnel.
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• Transparent, open-minded, collegial, and approachable leadership style.
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• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
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• Familiarity with ABET processes and procedures, or experience as an ABET Program Evaluator/Team Chair.

Nice-to-haves
• Proven experience and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance department and college performance.
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• Proven experience and commitment to industrial collaboration to enhance department and college performance.
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• Licensed as a professional engineer.

Benefits
• Medical, dental, and flexible benefits
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• Retirement plans
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• Compensation packages
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• Paid holidays
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• Vacation leave
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• Access to internal and state-sponsored training
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• Reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.