Water Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Utah State University (USU) seek applicants for an academic year, nine-month, tenure track research and extension faculty position in water resources engineering at the assistant/associate professor level. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a research and extension program related to large river basin management in Utah, with particular focus on the Colorado River, aligned with Utah State University's land grant mission.
Water management in Utah has become more challenging as drought continues to adversely impact the Western U.S. It is critical to find novel ways to adapt to the ever-increasing limitations of water supply in the face of increasing demands. The current state of the Colorado River basin highlights the complexity of the policy, economic, social, and engineering challenges that must be considered and overcome when establishing possible solutions. USU is seeking an individual to provide leadership and support for applied research and extension outreach that will collaboratively work to solve Utah's water management needs in the context of the Colorado River and other complex river basins. The successful candidate must have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in water management within the Colorado River basin along with a vision for how that experience can be extended and/or applied within other large river basins within Utah, the western U.S., nationally, and abroad.
The UWRL and USU Extension provide many collaborative opportunities across disciplines to address the social, economic, and policy aspects of water resources problems. Additionally, they provide immediate connections to the statewide Cooperative Extension system.
Review of applications will begin July 15, 2026, but applications will be accepted and fully considered after that date until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2026.
Further inquiries should be made to:
Dr. Jeff Horsburgh
Search Committee Chair
Email: jeff.horsburgh@usu.edu
Responsibilities
This position will be a nine-month, tenure track appointment with a role assignment of 50% research, 40% extension, and 10% service.
50% Research: The successful candiate will establish a nationally recognized, applied research program focused on water resources engineering and large river basin management options that are economically viable and environmentally and socially responsible with particular focus on the Colorado River. This includes:

1. Securing extramural funding adequate to support a nationally recognized research program.
2. Publishing research results in peer reviewed journals
3. Developing, leading, and participating in collaborative research and extension teams with a wide range of scientists and professionals at USU, other universities, and with federal, regional, and state agencies.
4. Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students to the successful completion of their degree programs.

40% Extension: The successful candidate will establish a high-quality extension program that engages stakeholders and provides practical, data-driven solutions to critical issues facing Utah and the surrounding region. Preferred areas of focus include surface water management in river basins. This may include:

1. Developing need assessments and evaluations of prioritiy extension opportunies in the areas of water resources engineering and large watershed management.
2. Establishing working relationships with Colorado River Basin stakeholders.
3. Developing collaborative extension programming that includes publication of white papers, fact sheets, bulletins, videos, data products, and other related extension materials that inform Colorado River management options to meet the needs of water managers in Utah and throughout the western U.S.
4. Securing extramural funding for extension programming.

10% Service: The successful candidate will participate in department, university, and professional service and outreach along with service to the broader community through professional societies, committee memberships, reviews, and other leadership activities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. in Civil and/or Environmental Engineering, water resources engineering, watershed science, hydrologic sciences, or related field by the time of hire.
• Established record of research experience appropriate for the candidate's rank.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in academic journals.
• Working knowledge, experience, and training in water resources management and associated modeling tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Colorado River Basin science, western U.S. water resources management, and policy issues.
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate with diverse stakeholder groups and experience working with key stakeholders throughout the Colorado River Basin.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse research and extension audiences.
• Capability to develop an externally funded research program that complements extension efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience that demonstrates leadership in water resources engineering and large river basin management and modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to secure extramural research funding.
• Demonstrated potential for effective collaboration with the UWRL, CEE, and USU Extension faculty and staff.

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please include:

1. Curriculum Vitae to be uploaded as a PDF document at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

The documents listed below to be uploaded as PDF documents at the beginning of your application in the Candidate profile under "Documents 1-10":

1. Cover Letter.
2. A concise research statement of up to 2 pages that describes research accomplishments, current work, and potential future research directions.
3. A concise extension statement of up to 2 pages describing potential goals, approaches, programs, and applications along with description of how the candidate would reach audiences critical for successful extension in the Colorado River Basin.
4. Names and contact information for three professional references.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.
College/Department Highlights
Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) faculty, in collaboration with colleagues across USU's campus, conduct cutting edge water research that contributes to addressing growing societal water challenges and advances basic understanding and its application in the water sciences. For more 60 years, the UWRL has conducted practical research in the State of Utah, the nation, and the world directed at solving water-related challenges, informing water policy and management, and training the next generation of water experts. As the oldest and one of the largest university-based water research facilities in the United States, we strive to generate the knowledge needed to solve pressing water problems now and in the future.
For additional information about the CEE department or the UWRL, please consult:
http://cee.usu.edu
http://uwrl.usu.edu
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 07/2026
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In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
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The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:
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Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 10/2025