Assistant, Associate or Professor of Practice, Mining Engineering

University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

Job Description

The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering (MME) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for a 9-month contract, non-tenure Assistant, Associate or Professor of Practice in Mining Engineering. This position is designed for individuals with substantial industry experience who are eager to share their expertise with students and help shape the next generation of mining professionals. We welcome applicants from across the mining industry.

Candidates with experience in surface and underground mining operations are encouraged to apply, particularly those who have held leadership roles in production, planning, operations, or mine management.

We also place special emphasis on professionals from the aggregate and quarry industry, including those with demonstrated expertise in production, operations, or management. Both general mining and quarry-focused candidates will be considered, and applicants from all areas of mining are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching & Mentorship

• Design and deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in mining engineering, ensuring students gain both theoretical foundations and practical, industry-relevant skills.
• Mentor and advise students to foster career readiness and professional growth.

Industry & Professional Engagement

• Build strong connections between the department and the mining industry through guest lectures, site-based projects, and collaborative initiatives.
• Engage actively with professional organizations such as SME, NSSGA, or similar societies, encouraging student participation and industry visibility.
• Where appropriate, organize or contribute to industry-focused conferences, workshops, or summits.

Outreach & Workforce Development

• Support departmental outreach, workforce training, and applied research partnerships.
• Help prepare students for leadership roles in both traditional mining and aggregate/quarry operations.

Required Qualifications

All candidates are required to have the below required qualifications. Please see detailed breakdown of required qualifications per level (Assistant/Associate/Professor of Practice) below.

• A Master's degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of six (6) years of industry experience in mining operations, engineering, or management.

Assistant Professor of Practice

• Minimum six (6) years of relevant industry experience in mining engineering or related areas
• Minimum one (1) year of teaching, mentoring, training, or student engagement experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to contribute to applied and industry-focused education

Associate Professor of Practice

• Minimum (ten) 10 years of relevant industry experience with increasing professional responsibility
• Minimum three (3) years of teaching, mentoring, workforce development, or training experience
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to contribute to curriculum development and industry engagement

Professor of Practice

• Minimum (fifteen) 15 years of significant industry experience with senior-level responsibilities and recognized professional expertise
• Minimum (five) 5 years of teaching, mentoring, workforce development, or industry training experience
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to support program growth, industry partnerships, and student professional development

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive industry experience in mining, with demonstrated expertise in production, operations, or management. Relevant experience may be in aggregate and quarry mining, or in open-pit and underground operations.
• A Ph.D. in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• Evidence of leadership, mentoring, or workforce development within the mining sector.
• Active engagement in professional organizations such as Society for Mining Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), or similar

Compensation Grade based on the Engineering Salary Scales

Assistant Professor, 9 month

Associate Professor, 9 month

Professor, 9 month

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit:
Salary Schedules and select Academic Faculty (Engineering Nine-month). Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Perks of Working at UNR!

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options. E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center
• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to Wolf Card holders
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments.…