Careers at Virginia Tech

Beavers Professor of Practice of Heavy Construction

The Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Virginia Tech seeks qualified applicants for a non-tenure track Professor of Practice position, effective August 2025. The title of the position is the Beavers Professor of Practice of Heavy Construction. We are seeking candidates motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary community in several core mission areas of the university.

The CEE Department has 52 tenured/tenure-track faculty and 7 professors of practice. Seven faculty are recent early investigator recipients, and numerous other faculty are recognized nationally and internationally. The department is home to 640 undergraduate students and 310 full-time graduate students. The civil and environmental engineering graduate programs are currently ranked 9^th and 4^th, respectively, and the civil and environmental engineering undergraduate programs are ranked 9^th and 7^th, respectively, by U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR).

The primary duties associated with this position will be teaching undergraduate courses offered by the CEE Department in civil engineering with a particular emphasis on construction engineering and management, developing and implementing a heavy civil construction initiative at Virginia Tech, and administrative duties such as advising CEE students. Developing and implementing a heavy civil construction initiative at Virginia Tech includes promoting heavy civil construction industry workforce opportunities to students, developing and maintaining Virginia Tech relations with firms and public agencies engaged in the heavy civil construction industry/sector, and leading extracurricular activities that will expand and enrich student understanding of the heavy civil construction sector. Successful candidates will have the capacity to teach courses in one or more disciplinary areas within the CEE Department.

A graduate or professional degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field is required and relevant experience in the heavy construction industry. The successful candidate must demonstrate professional experience in at least one aspect of construction, such as project planning, control, and management. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required along with a proven ability to work collaboratively and a commitment to interdisciplinary instruction. Preferred qualifications of the successful candidate include experience and a demonstrated record of teaching of civil engineering or construction courses as an instructor of record, licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE), and recognition by and involvement in the premier construction organizations.

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world. The College of Engineering undergraduate program ranks 13^th, and graduate program ranks 31^st among all U.S. engineering schools (USN&WR). The Mission of the College of Engineering is to educate and inspire our students to be critical thinkers, innovators and leaders. Our core values are inclusiveness, excellence, integrity, perseverance, and stewardship.

This faculty position will be filled at Virginia Tech's main campus, located in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Blacksburg, and the surrounding areas, are consistently ranked among the country's best places to live.  The earliest position start date is August 10, 2025.  This is a restricted appointment. The initial appointment will be for a period of five years with subsequent renewals contingent on available funding, performance, and need of service. 

Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu (posting number 533230). Application materials include a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant research publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. In addition, applicants must provide a research statement and a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy (up to 3 pages each) including the candidate’s ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support and extend our University’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Review of applications will commence on June 30, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. David Ford at davidnford@vt.edu (540-231-6635).

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation, please contact Kira Ritter at kirafs81@vt.edu or at (540) 231-2491.