Head of BioResource & Agricultural Engineering

The California State University; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo invites applications for the Department Head of BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. This tenured leadership role oversees 11 tenure-line faculty, 3 lecturers, and staff, guiding instruction, research, and industry engagement while supporting about 340 students across BRAE and ASM majors.

The successful candidate will shape curriculum, lead ABET assessment, and advance research, teaching excellence, and fundraising efforts. Salary up to $185,000; PhD required.

Qualifications

• A doctorate in agricultural engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• Tenured appointment at Full Professor level is expected.
• Experience leading hands-on engineering education in multidisciplinary environments.
• Proven leadership and management of students, faculty, staff, and community.
• Commitment to inclusive, nondiscriminatory learning and working environments.
• Strong record of publications, grants, and interdisciplinary projects.
• Commitment to teaching excellence across modalities.
• Broad knowledge of BRAE and related areas (irrigation, water management, mechanical systems, etc.).
• Experience in collaborative prioritization and faculty development.
• Experience with institutional advancement and fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for all academic and administrative functions of the BRAE department.
• Teach undergraduate and potentially graduate courses in BRAE.
• Engage in scholarly activities including research, publishing, and grant writing.
• Mentor students and participate in university, college, and department committees.
• Oversee recruitment, budget, facilities, and departmental resources.
• Lead accreditation and assessment efforts (ABET).

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Fundraising

Faculty mentorship

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Diversity and inclusion

Education

Doctorate in agricultural engineering or related field

Job description

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo invites applications for the Department Head of BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. This tenured leadership role oversees 11 tenure-line faculty, 3 lecturers, and staff, guiding instruction, research, and industry engagement while supporting about 340 students across BRAE and ASM majors.

The successful candidate will shape curriculum, lead ABET assessment, and advance research, teaching excellence, and fundraising efforts. Salary up to $185,000; PhD required.