(Hybrid) Director - West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI)

Description

The West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of the West Virginia Water Research Institute.

WVWRI is seeking a collaborative, experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as Director. The Geological Survey (USGS)-designated Water Research Institute is responsible for the execution of the USGS Water Resources Research Act (WRRA) in the state. WVWRI represents West Virginia as the state member of the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR).

About the Opportunity

The Director leads WVWRI's portfolio of applied research, education, and outreach that supports faculty research and WV's priority water needs. The Director leads program development and strategic stakeholder engagement across federal, state, academic, and private sectors. This role also convenes multi-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary teams that grow sponsored research across the university and deliver economic or health benefits to communities consistent with WVU's land-grant mission. Focus areas of research include watershed management, source- and drinking-water protection, emerging contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), water and watershed restoration, flood resilience, and water infrastructure modernization. The Director also serves on the WV Department of Environmental Protection Special Reclamation Advisory Council. This role reports to the Associate Vice President in charge of Tech Transfer and Economic Development in WVU's Research Office and collaborates closely with WVU's colleges, centers, and statewide partners.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including :

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays ( staff holiday calendar )
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year ( employee leave )
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information ? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Qualifications

Leading water or environmental research / programs in a university, national lab, agency, or industrial setting.

Technical expertise in at least two of the following : watershed and drinking-water protection; watershed restoration and mitigation activities; water-quality monitoring & informatics; hydrologic / watershed modeling; flood risk & resilience; water infrastructure planning; contaminants of emerging concern; Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) remediation; community-engaged research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

Requirements

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu .

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting

: Nov 10, 2025

Posting Classification : Classified

Exemption Status : Exempt

Benefits Eligible : Yes

Schedule

: Full-time