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Civil Engineering Professor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineering Professor information

See Minnesota salary details

$10.8K

$159.2K

How much do civil engineering professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering professor in Minnesota is $157,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $157,700.00 and $157,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil engineering professor?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Professor, you need a doctorate in civil engineering or a related field, a strong research background, and expertise in core civil engineering principles. Familiarity with engineering design software (such as AutoCAD or MATLAB), learning management systems, and scholarly publication processes is essential. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help in effectively teaching and guiding students, as well as collaborating with academic peers. These abilities ensure the delivery of high-quality education, advancement of research, and positive impact on student and institutional success.

What does a civil engineering professor do?

A Civil Engineering Professor teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in civil engineering, covering topics such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and transportation systems. They also conduct research in their area of expertise, publish scholarly papers, and supervise student projects and theses. In addition, they may participate in curriculum development, mentor students, and serve on academic or professional committees within their university.

What opportunities for research collaboration exist for civil engineering professors within academic institutions?

Civil Engineering Professors often have robust opportunities to collaborate on research projects with colleagues from other departments, industry partners, and governmental agencies. These collaborations can involve interdisciplinary work in fields like environmental science, urban planning, or materials engineering, and are frequently supported by institutional grants or external funding. Engaging in such partnerships not only enhances the impact and scope of research but also provides access to state-of-the-art resources and broader networks within the civil engineering community. Professors may also mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, further enriching the collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Professor vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Engineering ProfessorCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, universities, research institutionsConstruction sites, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research organizationsConstruction companies, engineering firms, public sector
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, teaching, research rolesPractical engineering, project management, design

The main difference between a Civil Engineering Professor and a Civil Engineer lies in their work environment, credentials, and career focus. Professors primarily teach and conduct research in academic settings, requiring advanced degrees, while Civil Engineers work on practical projects in the field, focusing on design, construction, and project management.

What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Professor jobs in Minnesota? For Civil Engineering Professor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Professor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,590 per year, or $75.8 per hour.

Department Head - Civil, Environmental, and, Geo- Engineering

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

$165K - $220K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About the Job
 

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota seeks applicants for the position of Department Head. 
The successful candidate should possess a distinguished record of scholarship and research, strong leadership and management abilities, an interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty, and a deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The candidate should be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives. 
The head of the department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term is nominally 5 years with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University. 
Responsibilities for this position include:  
Departmental Leadership 

  • In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs, strengths, and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University
  • Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for CEGE faculty and staff and support a culture that fosters a community of inclusion and excellence for all
  • Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department
  • Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages
  • Raise funds from alumni and external partners in support of the departments missions of teaching, research, and service
  • Understand the financial needs and stability of the department and work with the departmental leadership on related matters

Faculty Oversight, Recruitment, and Development 

  • Support, provide oversight, and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the departments faculty members
  • Lead faculty recruitment efforts and, in conjunction with departmental faculty, identify areas of current need and future development for the department
  • Partner with College and University offices, facilitate and oversee recruitment, promotion, and tenure processes
  • Interface frequently with departmental faculty, providing mentoring, guidance, and effort redirection (when appropriate)

Educational Direction and Outreach 

  • Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development, and assess educational outcomes
  • Oversee the undergraduate program to ensure academic excellence, an enriching student experience, and strong career outcomes
  • Provide stewardship to the graduate program, engage with faculty on requirements, advising, and growth

College and University Leadership 

  • Serve on the Deans Administrative Council with other department heads and collegiate leadership
  • Report directly to the Dean and work with other college leadership to achieve collegiate goals
  • Participate in collegiate and university-level budget processes
  • Attend and participate in college, university, and external activities identified by the Dean as critical to the mission of the institution
     
Qualifications
 

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in engineering or a scientific discipline of relevance to the broad research areas of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering 
  • An outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering at the University of Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with department faculty, a vision for the departments future that builds upon and accentuates the departments strengths
  • Strong leadership, management, and communication abilities 
  • Ability to maintain and nurture the departments culture of collaboration and collegiality
  • Ability to recognize and promote a diversity of strengths and expressions of excellence among the faculty 
  • A willingness and ability to advocate for the needs of the department
  • Interest in encouraging and supporting multi-disciplinary collaborations
  • Deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives 
     
About the Department
 

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota is a mid-sized department dedicated to conducting cutting-edge theoretical, computational, and experimental research in all areas related to Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, with noted excellence in the areas of water resources and environmental engineering, geomechanics, transportation systems, structural engineering, and advanced materials. The department features state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including multiple excellent core facilities (imaging, genomics, research computing, etc.), the Lacabanne Rock Mechanics Laboratory, the Waves and Imaging Laboratory, the Pavement Mechanics Laboratory, and the Galambos Structural Engineering Laboratory. CEGE also manages the Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Lab, and several faculty are affiliated with the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (https://cse.umn.edu/safl), a unique and globally recognized facility for pioneering research in experimental and computational fluid mechanics, hydrology, geophysics, and (micro)biology.  

CEGE is one of twelve departments within the College of Science and Engineering, which offers outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary research due to the unique combination of mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering in one college. The College has a strong Data Science Initiative and provides state-of-the-art computational facilities through the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, https://msi.umn.edu.  

About the College of Science and Engineering 
Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together the University's programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the College is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The College includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.
 

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $165,000 - $220,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/188116). To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  

Applications should include:  

  • CV/ Resume
  • A letter of interest that explains how you would lead the department and that addresses the themes in this profile  
  • Vision statement 
  • List of at least 3 professional references (name, contact info) 

Application review will begin on September 13, 2026. This position will remain open until filled. 

Questions regarding the search can be directed to Char Psihos (psiho002@umn.edu), CEGE Departmental Administrator.