Lead Instructor

~ Wildlands Studies offers participants first hand experience about the issues facing our wildlands.  Started 36 years ago by Crandall and Marcee Bay, in 2008 Wildlands Studies moved under the direction of Leslie Arutunian, a long-time Wildlands Studies colleague, and Wildlands Studies alumni of the Hawai'i and Baja, Mexico programs. ~

Wildlands Studies is an educational partner of Western Washington University. We have been providing environmental field programs to undergraduates for over 36 years, and can transfer credit to your home institution.

Participants of Wildlands Studies field study projects come from all over the US and Canada.  Generally our participants are undergraduate students or recent college graduates.  We often have participants who graduated and are looking to build their resume with field research experience or intend to apply for graduate school.  More and more, we are excited to welcome international students.

Position Overview

Renowned for its accredited researched-based undergraduate field programs, Wildlands Studies seeks candidates holding an MSc or PhD to be the Lead Instructor for new field programs. Students consistently report that their Wildlands Studies experience added depth and meaning to their on-campus classes and “changed their lives”. Wildlands Studies instructors enhance their own credentials with unique opportunities to teach in the field while engaging students in active research.

Responsibilities

• The Lead Instructor will direct students on an academically rigorous, wilderness-based six-week field study to explore habitats and cultures of specific international locales, with the aim to offer the course repeatedly each year.
• Students earn 15 quarter credits for three field classes covering Environmental Studies, Field Research Practices, and Environment and Culture.
• Lead Instructor is responsible for on-going seminars, lectures, instruction, guided field work and field methods, and assessment of all student work, as well as group dynamics and the overall well-being of participants.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience of field study location required.
• Applicants must have graduate degree in hand. 
• A qualified Lead Instructor will have experience leading field study programs, experience teaching at the undergraduate level, specifically upper division environmental studies classes; a good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, understanding and the know-how to work with and manage 16 students and the group dynamics that occur on a six-week field study.

Compensation: Compensation is competitive.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your CV, cover letter detailing experience with course topics/field study experience and brief initial course proposal. WS staff will work with applicants on formal proposals. Locations and programs that include wildlife study preferred. Check our website for details. Review website and current course offerings to ensure understanding of program requirements.