Resident Lecturer in Tropical Coastal Ecology (Panama)

Program Objective:
The central theme of The School for Field Studies (SFS) Panama study abroad program is "islands as a delicate system," with emphasis on the resources of Panama's spectacular coastal and marine environments. Students will explore several key interfaces: human and natural systems, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and conservation and development. The goal of this undergraduate study abroad program is to assess the state of the archipelago's fragile natural habitats, define the main environmental issues, and understand the community goals in natural resource management. Our ultimate goal is to help islanders maintain balance and harmony between people and nature in this
fragile ecosystem.

Course Overview:
The Tropical Coastal Ecology is a course that will provide fundamental
knowledge necessary to understand the main ecological processes and
interactions in a fragile marine island ecosystem. Basic ecological
principles will be paired with field observation and measurement to
understand the interdependencies of species, populations, communities and
ecosystems in the coastal and marine environment, and with particular
attention to the management of resources and environments for consumptive
and non-consumptive use.
Our studies will focus on the benthic, neritic, and on-shore coastal
environments of Bocas del Toro with emphasis on coral reef, seagrass, and
beach and intertidal zone, and mangrove habitats. Coastal terrestrial
environments, such as swamps, streams and forest will also be considered for
their interactions with the marine environment. We will also study the
biology, ecology and behavior of important marine and coastal species in the
area. These include the leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, reef fish,
lobster, and marine mammals. Finally, we will consider the impact of
anthropogenic disturbance and global climate change to the fragile island
ecosystem and the habitats and species upon which the livelihood and
well-being of island residents depends.

The successful candidate will 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. The successful candidate will work closely with the other program
lecturers 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.

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

Resident Lecturer - Duties and Responsibilities:

     Teaching

*       As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach one course and
co-teach 1/3 of a second course on undergraduate research (minimum 67
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 8 students 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

*       Conduct designated research according to the program's research plan
*       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 and 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 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

*       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 Coastal or Marine
Ecology, or related field
*       Field research experience, preferably in the fields of Invertebrate
Ecology and Reef Fish Ecology; Tropical Coastal Zone Ecology; Marine
Protected Areas; Coral Reef Monitoring; Marine Policy Formulation
*       Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary
teaching and research team
*       Demonstrated upper level organizational management experience in
such areas as project management, conducting academic and/or research
programs, or heading environmental issue-driven projects, programs or
organizations
*       Minimum three years' experience in university teaching
*       Knowledge of U.S. higher education system
*       Track record of research publications
*       Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
*       Fluency in English, spoken and written; excellent command of Spanish


Preferred Qualifications

*       Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with small island
governments and communities
*       Knowledge of Caribbean island life, including culture, history, and
governmental operations
*       Residential student group management and risk management experience
highly desirable
*       Current First Aid certification
*       Experience living at a field station preferred
*       Scuba qualification, driver's license and boat driver's license


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
*       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 10 month contract position for the 2015-2016 academic year, with
the possibility for continuance depending on successful completion of duties
and sufficient student enrollment. Salary is dependent on experience and
qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package and onsite room and board
is included.

Location:
Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity and Conservation Studies - Bocas del
Toro, Republic of Panama

Reports to:
The Center Director with support from the Office of Academic Affairs

Start Date:
On or before August 15, 2015

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&jobOrde
rID=5078964.  Recommendation letters will be required upon request.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer.