Lecturer - Director of Design Build Program

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Building and Construction Technology Program in the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seek a full-time lecturer to direct and serve as the primary instructor for the UMass DesignBuild program. The position provides the program’s core organizational, administrative, and instructional leadership. DesignBuild offers students experiential instruction integrating architectural design with full-scale construction; past projects have included high-performance building design, experimental materials and systems, and MEP/HVAC systems integration. The lecturer teaches courses across the academic year: a fall course on high-performance light-frame residential construction; a spring undergraduate and graduate design studio leading to construction documents; and two six-week, full-time summer build courses. The role also manages project construction, including site preparation, procurement, safety instruction, technical instruction, coordination with officials and contractors, and completion and delivery of projects to community partners. Throughout the year, the lecturer manages the DesignBuild program, soliciting projects, negotiating agreements, coordinating fundraising and financing, overseeing program and construction finances, managing agreements, recruiting students, conducting outreach, and supervising the campus construction site. This is a 12-month, 100% appointment jointly held by Environmental Conservation (primary) and Architecture (secondary). The initial appointment is for two years and may be renewed based on performance and program need. The successful candidate will be a core faculty member in both departments and collaborate with academic groups and industry in the region. The position emphasizes faculty-student interaction, teaching, and mentoring, and is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as architecture, building science, construction technology, construction management, civil engineering, or a similar field.
Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) or equivalent by the time of hire.
OSHA 10 Safety License by the time of hire.
Previous on-site experience in full-building light-frame construction.
Previous teaching experience in construction, design-build, and/or design programs.
Driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Massachusetts architect license by the time of hire.
Experience in high-performance building design and construction.
OSHA 30 safety license.

Responsibilities

Teach the fall BCT 313 course on high-performance, light-frame residential construction; duties may overlap with completing the previous DesignBuild project.
Teach the spring undergraduate and graduate DesignBuild studio (ARCH 404/604), developing construction documents for the upcoming project.
Teach two six-credit summer DesignBuild build courses, each delivered in a full-time, six-week session.
Prepare the DesignBuild site for student arrival, including tools, materials, construction equipment, and safety equipment.
Procure materials and equipment needed for each build.
Instruct students in construction procedures, tool safety, and job-site safety.
Provide on-site technical instruction about building systems, including structural and MEP systems.
Coordinate with code officials, municipal authorities, specialty contractors, and materials suppliers.
Complete construction as needed after the summer courses and ensure delivery to the community partner.
Operate construction equipment and UMass vehicles.
Solicit and procure projects for the DesignBuild program.
Negotiate project agreements with community partners, the University, and other potential collaborators.
Collaborate with Development Offices to secure philanthropic cash and in-kind contributions.
Pursue and coordinate project financing and fundraising, including gifts, grants, and purchase or transfer of completed projects.
Oversee program and construction finances and work with University accountants.
Coordinate with UMass Legal as needed on annual recipient agreements and manage agreements among project participants.
Recruit students and conduct outreach to media, donors, town officials, AEC professionals, faculty, and UMass administrators.
Supervise maintenance and updates at the campus construction site.
Work collaboratively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness; partner across the College and campus in support of the Dean’s strategic priorities; and perform other duties supporting the College’s mission and goals.