River Semester Field Instructor

~ Augsburg University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to approximately 3,500 students of diverse backgrounds. ~

With a student/faculty ratio of 15:1, the university focuses on close personal interaction with faculty and experiential education opportunities on campus and in the community. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Position Overview

Augsburg University invites applications for a Field Instructor faculty position to assist in developing and implementing river-based curriculum and programs as part of the River Semester as a joint project of Augsburg University and Wilderness Inquiry.

The person in this position will work in collaboration with the Program Director and Augsburg's Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE); develop curriculum in outdoor leadership, environmental studies, and stream ecology; travel with the expedition down the Mississippi River from August 20 through early December.

Part-time responsibilities starting August 1, with full-time duties from August 20 to December 10, 2018. Responsibilities finished once final grades are submitted by December 21, 2018.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and delivery of the River Semester program.
• Assist and collaborate with Program Director.
• Work with two field staff from Wilderness Inquiry.
• Teach three River Semester courses in the areas of Environmental Science, Stream Ecology, and/or Conservation Biology, under the supervision of the Program Director and other Augsburg faculty.
• Provide risk management leadership in coordination with Wilderness Inquiry staff.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and care to ensure a safe and supportive environment for individual students and the cohort.

Additional Examples of Work Performed:

• Assist in finalizing details and assignments for experiential river-based and interdisciplinary courses.
• Assist with planning food, lodging, and transportation logistics for river-related programs.
• Assist as needed with outreach, program promotion, and networking with other river-related programs, institutions, and organizations.
• All other duties as apparent or as assigned by Program Director.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental or Sustainability Studies, Conservation Biology, Stream Ecology, or related field.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in outdoor education.
• At least one (1) year of field research experience.
• Knowledge of river studies programs.
• Ability to recruit and retain students for the program through effective communication and group management.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to be attentive to details, be accurate, be precise.
• Ability to lead/teach and mentor others.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to reason/analyze; maintain confidentiality; and demonstrate patience, understanding in challenging conditions on a 100-day river expedition.
• Ability to show initiative; organize workflow; manage one or more projects; and handle frequent interruptions.
• Knowledge of GIS and ecological field research methods is preferred.

Additional Information

Among the distinctive features of the University are its deep dedication to civic and community engagement, and a strong belief in the integration of liberal arts and professional studies across all programs. The University's commitment to the local neighborhood and the world is enhanced through the work of four signature centers: the Christensen Center for Vocation, the Center for Global Education, the Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning, and the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work. At both undergraduate and graduate levels, students actively engage in international travel and intercultural experiences that broaden their view of the world and deepen their engagement in it.

Augsburg's main campus is located in the vibrant Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, one of the most diverse areas in the Twin Cities. The University of Minnesota West Bank campus and one of the city's largest medical complexes are adjacent to Augsburg; the Mississippi River and the Seven Corners Theatre district are just a few blocks away. In addition to its Minneapolis campus, Augsburg has a vibrant branch campus in Rochester, the fastest growing city in Minnesota and headquarters of the Mayo Health System. In addition to these locations, Augsburg owns and operates international sites in Mexico, Guatemala, and Namibia.

Augsburg University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, CV, and official transcripts. Deadline for applications is June 8, 2018. As part of the online application process, you will be required to provide the names of three professional references. If your application advances in this search, you will be notified prior to Augsburg contacting your references.