[Coral-List] Open Position - Resident Lecturer in Natural Resource Management, Bocas del Toro, Panama

[Jobs]

The SFS program on Tropical Island Biodiversity 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. 

On a contract basis, teach the Principles of Resource Management course
during the fall and spring semesters in Tropical Island Biodiversity
Studies. Contribute significant content to the Coastal Ecology course on
terrestrial ecology. Contribute to student learning in the area of natural
resource management, including coastal and forest resources and agricultural
systems. Lead designated components of the programs research plan and, as
part of this, oversee, mentor, and grade the student directed research
projects.
 

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 various agencies and organizations in Bocas del Toro to
develop management strategies to help conserve coastal / marine and on-shore
terrestrial biodiversity that may provide economic opportunities for island
residents. Student field research is helping to provide the local
government, community, and tourism developers with data and recommendations
that will help sustain the economic, social, and ecological stability of the
Bocas del Toro archipelago.

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: Principles of Resource Management EE (NS) 374:
The Principles of Resource Management course provides students with the
concepts and tools for natural resource management and resource-based
productive activities such as artisanal fisheries, agroforestry systems, and
forest management in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
This course establishes the link between the complementary courses offered
in the program, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomics and Coastal Ecology.
Topical areas may include: ecosystem services, forest management,
anthropogenic impacts, regulation and enforcement, conservation practices,
coastal zone management, tropical marine resources, tropical fisheries and
fisheries management, parks and protected areas, natural areas and
development, and tourism development and planning. The goal of the course is
for students to gain concepts and tools helpful to manage island resources
for long-term sustainability.
 
Applicants are encouraged to review proposed course syllabi and programs
descriptions on the SFS website:  www.fieldstudies.org
<http://www.fieldstudies.org/> /panama


Duties and Responsibilities
 
Provide high quality, modern and experiential teaching in critical
environmental issues in an interdisciplinary curriculum, and participate
fully in the implementation of the program's research plan that addresses
these issues. The publication of research results is critical. Work closely
with the lecturers in Coastal Ecology and Environmental Policy and
Socioeconomics to deliver an interdisciplinary program through education and
research in a field setting. Each lecturer is expected to provide high
quality, inquiry-based teaching and will lead students in Directed Research
projects defined in the program's research plan.
 
Teaching
 

*	As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach a significant
portion of the academic program (minimum 50-60 lecture hours)
*	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 a student research group in 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 program's research plan and conduct designated
research according to it
*	Identify appropriate components of the program's research plan
suitable for student Directed Research projects
*	Prepare research results for clients and partners and for
publication and conference presentations
*	Assist in the creation and implementation of program research
policies, priorities, budgets as required
*	Follow data management, record keeping, and reporting systems
*	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 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 program 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 program 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
*	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 program
policies and procedures
*	Ensure that first-aid certifications are kept up to date

 
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 "staff of the day"
duties
*	Take part in, and occasionally lead community outreach, site upkeep
projects, social and field activities
*	Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed
*	Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and program policies
and procedures

Minimum qualifications

*	Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in Forest and
Agroforest Management or related field.  Field research experience,
preferably in the fields  of Forestry, Agriculture systems
*	Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary
teaching and research team
*	Track record of research publications
*	Small boat handling experience (for marine focused faculty)
*	Experience leading water related excursions - snorkeling (for marine
focused faculty)
*	Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues

Preferred Qualifications

*	Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with small island
governments
*	Experience in cross-teaching or collaboration in environmental
policy, socioeconomics or other related social science field; climate
change, and sustainable living and development
*	Residential student group management and risk management experience
highly desirable
*	Track record of grant writing success
*	Good command of Spanish language

Other Expectations

*	Obtain First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS
reimbursable 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
*	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 an academic year contract position starting in early January, 2014
and ending in mid-May, 2014 with the likely continuance in the fall semester
of 2014 depending on successful completion of duties and sufficient student
enrollment. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package and on-site room and board included.
 
Location:
The SFS program center, Isla Colon and Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro,
Republic of Panama

Reports to:
Center Director

Start Date:
No later than January 3, 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=2602903>
http://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrde
rID=2602903

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