Department Head and Professor

Department Head and Professor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota

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.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

South Dakota State University seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as the Head of the CEE Department. The Department Head will work closely with the department faculty, the Dean and the leadership team of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering (JJLCOE) to promote the land-grant mission and an ambitious agenda to address the world’s grand challenges in the areas of civil and environmental engineering. The selected candidate is expected to lead the CEE Department in identifying future areas of growth and investment while providing organizational and administrative expertise to the Department and the JJLCOE.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, starting at $170,000. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays.  Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access.  The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.  South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.  Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or a closely related field by the date of application. A distinguished record of research, teaching, scholarship, and service. Eligible for rank of Professor at SDSU in the Department of CEE as per current standards. Professional leadership experience and/or experience in directing and mentoring the work of others which may include professional staff, graduate students, post-doc, etc. Demonstrated scholarship, active engagement, and participation in technical and professional societies such as ASCE and other relevant professional societies. Successful experience advancing research, teaching, and practice in the areas of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Experience or potential to be effective at recruitment, retention, and success of faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds. Success in securing competitive grants for research from federal agencies, industry, and corporate sources (the candidate is expected to steer the growth of the department consistent with SDSU’s refreshed strategic plan titled “Pathway to Premier 2030”. The strategic plan includes a goal to elevate SDSU as a research university and pursue a pathway to achieve designation as an R1 Research University by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education). Ability to manage resources effectively to promote department growth in research. Understanding of current and emerging issues in Civil and Environmental Engineering as defined by rapidly changing workforce needs as well as applied and fundamental research needs. Administrative abilities including management of budget and personnel. Transparent, open-minded, collegial, and approachable leadership style. Clear understanding of the land-grant mission. Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Familiarity with ABET processes and procedures, or experience as an ABET Program Evaluator/Team Chair.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by September 30, 2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site.  To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.”  The system will guide you through the electronic application form. The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, Teaching Statement (limit 2 pages with 11 font size, attached as ‘other’ document), Research Statement (limit 2 pages with 11 font size, attached as ‘work sample’), Administrative and Leadership Philosophy (limit 1 page with 11 font size, attached as ‘portfolio’), and reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.  

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

For questions on this position, contact Dr. Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan at Kas.Muthukum@sdstate.edu.   

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 access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu.  Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:  Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD  57007.  Phone: (605) 688-4128.