Resident Lecturer in Environmental Policy & Socioeconomic Values

~ The School for Field Studies (SFS) creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. ~

Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

Position Overview

On an annual basis, the Resident Lecturer will teach the Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values course during two semester sessions and one-third of the two summer courses. Lead designated components of the Center's Strategic Research Plan and, as part of this, oversee, mentor, and grade the student directed research projects related to these research lines.

The Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values course is designed to assist students in understanding the political, legal, economic, ethical and social pressures that influence the environment and the community’s attitudes toward development.

Issues to be addressed will likely include: social and political systems (TCI and Caribbean); economic status of South Caicos (within context of TCI and Caribbean); Environmental policy (marine and terrestrial); Political Ecology; Artisanal fisheries in the TCI and Caribbean; Anthropological and sociological aspects of community development; Politics and processes of environmental regulation including protected areas management; Environmental/ecological economics (marine emphasis);  Social survey techniques; Globalization  on the local and regional community; Tourism, Pollution impacts (terrestrial and marine); Marine protected areas.

In addition, the empowerment of local people in the creation of sustainable development projects will be examined within the context of the current development plans for South Caicos. This course is based on a comprehensive approach that encompasses management, economics, policy, legal and social issues. The Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values faculty will work closely with our Tropical Marine Ecology, and Marine Resource Management faculty to deliver an inter-disciplinary program. The successful candidate will provide high quality, experiential teaching and participate fully in the implementation of the center's multi-year research plan that addresses these issues.

• Reports to: Center Director and Office of Academic Affairs
• Start Date: Optimally no later than August 1, 2018

Applicants are encouraged to review the course syllabi and programs descriptions on the SFS website.

Responsibilities

• Educate students about the complexity of local development, management, and conservation issues through field-based teaching, scientific research and training
• Create a rich mosaic of research questions centered on supporting functional ecosystems while balancing the needs of human communities
• Empower local communities and decision makers to address their sustainable development challenges through applied research that informs local decision making
• Contribute to the scientific community through the dissemination of research, including peer-reviewed publications or presentations at professional meetings

 Teaching:

• As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach one third of the academic program (minimum 60 instructional  hours per semester)
• Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum
• Organize lectures and prepare course materials in a timely and professional manner
• Adhere to the daily academic schedule
• Prepare, administer, and grade assignments, quizzes, mid-term and final examinations in a timely manner
• Supervise and mentor 8 to 12 students in their directed research projects each semester
• Actively support and counsel students on academic issues
• Maintain records of: lectures, exams, quizzes, readings, field experiences and homework assignments

 Research:

• Conduct designated research according to the center's current strategic research plan
• Identify appropriate components of the center's research suitable for student Directed Research projects
• Prepare research results for clients and partners and/or for publication and conference presentations
• Assist in the creation and implementation of center research policies, priorities, budgets as required
• Implement appropriate data management and record keeping
• Present research findings at local and international conferences (budget dependent)      

 Administration:

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and in review/analysis following students' departure
• Participate in training activities for new center staff prior to and during the program, particularly interns
• Participate in and lead parts of the orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program period
• In cooperation with other center staff, provide day-to-day coordination of Interns as delegated by the Center Director
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems
• Participate in preparation of the final reports, academic handbook revisions and other required reports
• As requested by the center director, assist with other logistical, group management and administrative tasks

 Safety & Risk Management:

• Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the center faculty/staff team, for the safety of all program participants
• Participate in the review and revision of center risk assessment and management plans
• Recommend and review policies and procedures needed to manage risks
• Know the emergency procedures plan for the center, including evacuation plan
• Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and conduct safety briefings for students and/or staff
• Complete incident reports when appropriate and contribute to safety audits
• Comply with, actively model, and enforce all SFS and center policies and procedures
• Ensure that first aid certifications are kept up to date via periodic courses offered by SFS between program sessions

 Daily Center Life:

• Live on-site (or in an approved off-campus site) for the duration of each program period and take some meals with the students
• On a rotating basis, take responsibility for center-specific "staff of the day" duties
• Take part in, and occasionally lead community outreach, center upkeep projects, social and field activities
• At the request of the center Director, serve as caretaker for center during program breaks and center rentals
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed
• Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and center policies and procedure

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain Turks & Caicos work permit
• Ph.D. (or ABD status) and university-level teaching experience in Environmental Policy, Socioeconomics, Anthropology, Human Geography, Environmental/Ecological Economics, or similar field
• Field research experience in any of the above disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team
• Good track record of research publications or scholarly products commensurate with experience
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with small island governments
• Residential student group management and risk management experience highly desirable
• Proven track record of grant writing success
• SCUBA certification and high comfort level in water-based activities (snorkeling and swimming)
• Current first aid certification

 Other Expectations:

• Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs
• Represent SFS at local and international meetings and conferences
• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload a cover letter outlining relevant experiences and addressing the qualifications and expectations stated above and curriculum vitae online. Recommendation letters will be required upon request.

~ Equal Opportunity Employer ~