The Illinois State Water Survey is seeking a Survey Director who will provide strategic direction and overall administration for the Survey to administer research activities of the Survey by conceiving, recommending, implementing, directing, and participating in scientific research focused on the selected candidate’s area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI). This position will also hold a Principal Research Scientist job. This is an in-person position based in Champaign, Illinois. See website for details.
News
Board Election Information
Call for Applications for UCOWR Board of Directors
December 1, 2025
Apply today for one of two open positions. Last day to submit application materials is Friday, January 16, 2026.
Help lead UCOWR and the water resources profession into the future! Service on the Board of Directors of UCOWR is a fantastic leadership opportunity as you help guide, direct, and cast a vision for the organization. The opportunity to work with other water resource leaders in UCOWR allows you to be part of the decision-making process on the national level, driving the strategic goals of the organization. This is an exciting time to join the leadership of UCOWR and help us map our ambitious future.
How can this service opportunity help my professional development?
You will:
- Develop valuable skills in non-profit governance, conference program planning, strategic planning, and guiding a peer-reviewed journal
- Expand your network of contacts
- Achieve recognition from your employer, community, peers
- Develop leadership experience
- Serve with and for a highly engaged water resources community across the nation
What does a UCOWR Board Member do?
Members of the Board of Directors work closely with the UCOWR home office at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where a small, dedicated staff takes care of managing UCOWR day-to-day operations. Board of Directors members each serve a three-year term. Members may seek election for a second term, and some continue their Board service in role of President. The specific roles and responsibilities fulfilled by individuals on the UCOWR Board are detailed here: Roles and Responsibilities of Board of Directors.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be a delegate of a current UCOWR member institution. Not sure of the member status of your institution? You can check here: UCOWR Directory.
Only one delegate from any member institution may serve on the Board at any given time. Thus, nominated individuals cannot be from a member institution that is already represented by our continuing Board members. Members of the Board of Directors continuing their terms for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 are:
- President, Ginger Paige, University of Wyoming
- President Elect, Sam Fernald, New Mexico State University
- Past President, Lucas Gregory, Texas A&M University
- Laura Bowling, Purdue University
- Drew Gholson, Mississippi State University
- Bridget Guerrero, West Texas A&M University
- Erin Haacker, University of Nebraska
- Andrea Ludwig, University of Tennessee
- Mike O’Driscoll, East Carolina University
- Julie Padowski, Washington State University
How to apply:
Complete and submit this Microsoft Form no later than Friday, January 16, 2026. For questions, reach out to Kristy at the UCOWR home office at ucowr@siu.edu.
The Board committee will review the applications and finalize the slate of nominees to be included in this year’s election.
The election will open early March 2026 and conclude April 2026. New board members will take office at the end of our June 2026 Board of Directors Meeting.
Board of Directors Graduate Student Position
Call for Applications for Graduate Student Board Member
December 1, 2025
The UCOWR Board seeks graduate student input. Apply today to be considered!
This position provides graduate students a voice in UCOWR planning and governance. Particularly, the student member will add a valuable perspective toward promoting greater student involvement in our annual conference. Applications for this student position on the Board will follow the same timeline as the regular Board Nomination and Election process.
- The election will open March 2026 and conclude April 2026.
- New board members will take office at the end of our June 2026 Board of Directors meeting.
- Deadline for Applications: January 16, 2026
What is expected of the Graduate Student Board Member?
- Complete a one-year term on the UCOWR Board of Directors
- Serve as a voting member of the Board
- Attend annual conference and quarterly Board meetings (3 teleconference, 1 in-person at conference)
- Help to plan annual UCOWR/NIWR conference, particularly special sessions, student activities/events and field trips
- Serve on an award committee
- Actively participate in ongoing Board activities as appropriate (See Roles and Responsibilities of Board of Directors.)
What is the application process for a Graduate Student Board Member?
1) Graduate student applicants must be from a UCOWR member institution.
2) Applicants must complete this Microsoft form with a vision statement.
3) Applicants must email a recent CV to Kristy Bender at ucowr@siu.edu.
4) Applicants must have a letter of recommendation from a current UCOWR Delegate emailed to Kristy Bender at ucowr@siu.edu.
Application materials must be submitted no later than Friday, January 16, 2026. For questions, reach out to Kristy at the UCOWR home office at ucowr@siu.edu.
The Board committee will review the applications and finalize the slate of nominees to be included in this year’s election.
The election will open early March 2026 and conclude April 2026. The new graduate student board member will take office at the end of our June 2026 Board of Directors meeting.
Griffith Endowed Chair and SD Water Resources Institute Director Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering South Dakota State University
The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department (ABED) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) excited to announce a new opening for the William Mibra Griffith and Byrne S. Griffith Endowed Chair in Agriculture and Water Resources and South Dakota Water Resources Institute Director. This role will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of water-related research and outreach initiatives. The successful candidate will provide leadership and conduct research and outreach focused on water issues associated with agricultural production.
See posting for additional information: SE9438 Griffith Endowed Chair and SD WRI Director Position Announcement
Assistant Professor in Water Quality Management – Utah State University
The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a full-time (12-month), tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor in water quality management. The position’s responsibilities will be distributed as follows: 60% extension, 30% teaching, and 10% university/professional service. The position will be based at USU’s main campus in Logan, Utah, with a start date of August 2025.
They are seeking candidates who will develop and lead a statewide extension program focused on water quality management and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. The position may also involve applied research in support of the extension program.
See posting for additional information: Assistant Professor in Water Quality in Logan, Utah | Careers at Logan Campus (icims.com)
Job Posting: West Texas A&M University
8/8/24 – Department of Agricultural Sciences – Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics_Texas A&M
