[Coral-List] Open Position - Resident Lecturer in Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values in Bocas del Toro, Panama

[Jobs]

The SFS program on Tropical Island Biodiversity and Conservation Studies
(TIBS), located in Bocas del Toro, Panama, seeks an enthusiastic,
team-oriented individual to serve as part of a residential team of faculty
and staff that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience
to students spending a semester abroad.  TIBS has a thematic focus on the
tropical island ecosystems, including the coastal and terrestrial ecosystems
and the economic and sociocultural systems unique to the Bocas del Toro
archipelago in the Panamanian Caribbean.
This position is for a resident lecturer to teach the Environmental Policy
and Socioeconomics course during the spring 2014 semester (February to May).
Resident lecturers also lead designated components of the research plan and,
as part of this, oversee, mentor, and grade the student Directed Research
projects. The successful candidate will provide high impact, experiential
teaching and participate fully in the implementation of the Center's
multi-year research plan that addresses these issues.
 

Institutional Mission:
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.

Program Focus:
SFS is working with the local government, community, and tourism developers
in Bocas del Toro to develop management strategies to help conserve coastal
and on-shore terrestrial resources and biodiversity and continue to provide
economic opportunities for island residents.
 
The program's objective is to quantify social and ecological baselines,
conduct on-going ecosystem and resource monitoring, help to mitigate change
to the marine and terrestrial environment, and prepare the local community
for the continued evolution of eco- and adventure-tourism through research
and education.
 
Course Description: Environmental Policy and Socio-economic Values EE (SS)
302:
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 include: social and
political systems (Bocas del Toro and the rural Caribbean); economic status
of Bocas del Toro (within the larger context of the nation of Panama);
Environmental policy (marine and terrestrial); Political Ecology; Artisanal
fisheries in the Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean; Anthropological and
sociological aspects of community development; Politics and processes of
environmental regulation development; The evolution of eco-  and
adventure-tourism, Environmental/ecological economics (marine emphasis);
Economic assessment techniques; Social survey techniques; Pollution impacts
(terrestrial and marine); Protected ecosystems.
 

Applicants are encouraged to review the course syllabi and programs
descriptions on the SFS website:  www.fieldstudies.org/panama

 
Duties and Responsibilities
Educate students about the complexity of local development 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 and domestic
economics. 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 and
professional meetings
 
Teaching

*	As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, deliver a significant
part of  the overall academic program (minimum 50-60 lecture 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
*	Supervise and mentor up to ten students in their directed research
projects
*	Actively support and counsel students on academic issues
*	Maintain records of: lectures, exams, quizzes, readings, field
experiences and homework assignments

 Research

*	Help design the new program's research plan and conduct designated
research according to it.
*	Identify appropriate components of the research plan 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 program 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 student departure
*	Participate in training activities for new program 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 program 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 program
faculty/staff team, for the safety of all program participants
*	Participate in the review and revision of program risk assessment
and management plans
*	Recommend and review policies and procedures needed to manage risks
*	Know the emergency procedures plan for the field station, 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 for the duration of each program period and take meals
with the students
*	On a rotating basis, take responsibility for program-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
station 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 procedures

 Minimum qualifications

*	Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in Environmental
Policy, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental/Ecological
Economics, Community Development, or similar field.  [consideration may be
made for a highly qualified candidate with a Master's degree]
*	Field research experience, preferably in the fields of sustainable
development, human ecology, cultural anthropology / ethnography or
environmental education with an emphasis in the humid tropics and / or
tropical island systems
*	Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary
teaching and research team
*	Track record of research publications
*	Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
*	Fluency in English, spoken and written; excellent command of Spanish

Preferred Qualifications

*	Experience working or performing research at the interface of forest
and marine ecosystems
*	Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with small island
governments and communities
*	Residential student group management and risk management experience
highly desirable
*	Current First Aid certification

Other Expectations

*	Obtain First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS
reimbursement available)
*	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
*	Participation in all program activities
*	Represent SFS at local and international meetings and conferences
*	At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the
local community

Compensation/Benefits
This is a four month contract position starting in mid-January, 2014 and
ending in mid-May, 2014 with the possibility for continuance in the fall
semester of 2014 depending on successful completion of duties and sufficient
student enrollment. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. A
comprehensive benefits package and on-site room and board is included.

Location:
Isla Colon and Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro, Republic of Panama

Reports to:
Center Director
 
Start Date:
On or before January 15, 2014

To Apply: Submit a cover letter outlining relevant experiences and
addressing the qualifications and expectations stated above and curriculum
vitae online at
<http://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrd
erID=3203696>
http://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrde
rID=3203696.  Recommendation letters will be required upon request.
Equal Opportunity Employer.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to SFS Dean of Academic
Programs Mark Seifert at mseifert at fieldstudies.org