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 Summary:
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies, located on South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a team of faculty and staff that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a summer in Turks and Caicos. On a temporary contract basis, the Lecturer in Marine Ecology will co-teach two 50-hour summer courses: Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management in June and Marine Fauna Ecology and Conservation in July.
SFS programs are field-based and experiential. This position will engage students in a classroom and through extensive time spent in the field. We encourage faculty to integrate as much fieldwork and hands-on experience into their courses as possible.
SFS programs do not follow a nine to five model. Faculty are also integral members of the Center’s communal living model, eating and working with the student cohort.
Faculty are expected to be active members in the community-building process. Additional responsibilities outside of teaching may include participation in community engagement days, involvement in student life, organization of laboratory space, and general Center upkeep. We are especially interested in candidates with experience teaching to a diverse student body, and demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in a learning environment, conservation, and the Center’s host community.
Center Focus:
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies is in Cockburn Harbour on the island of South Caicos. The Center sits on a rocky coast 40 feet above the ocean. Within a three-mile radius from the Center you will find coral reefs, mangrove islands, seagrass beds, carbonate platform flats, and deep-water diving. We operate year-round, delivering two semester and two summer programs.
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies is committed to providing educational and research opportunities to visiting students while collaborating with local stakeholders on setting the research agenda and sharing research outcomes. SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies is working with the local community, private industry, and the government to understand marine environment issues and, in turn, determine effective management strategies. The Center’s Strategic Research Plan has three thematic components or areas of work to complete: i) assessment of marine environments and species; ii) understanding drivers of changes to marine resources; and iii) environmental stewardship. Specific projects are developed by Center faculty to answer key research questions posed under each thematic component.
Duties and Responsibilities
SFS Lecturer positions are different than many other university teaching positions. Lecturers are integral members of the Center’s communal living model. The faculty team works closely and collaboratively to deliver a field-based interdisciplinary program, where programming days can be long and active. In addition to providing high quality, inquiry-based teaching, faculty also expected to participate fully in student life.
Teaching
- As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, co-teach the Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management and Marine Fauna Ecology and Conservation courses, alongside other faculty members. Course descriptions are found below.
- Effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum to learners from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds
- Deliver lectures and course materials, and adhere to a daily academic schedule in a timely and professional manner
- Actively support and counsel students on academic issues
- Prepare, administer, and grade assignments, quizzes, and assessments
- Maintain an organized course portfolio
- Participate in preparation of final reports, academic handbook revisions, and other required administrative tasks
- Maintain equipment as required for teaching in the field
Daily Center Life
- Work flexible hours and live on site or nearby the field station with a small team of permanent staff and groups of US undergraduate students
- Contribute to the creation of a living-learning community that is inclusive of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, in which all learners have the opportunity to thrive
- Actively model skills in competence, awareness, and knowledge necessary for meaningfully working with, interacting with, and learning from others who may differ from oneself in identity and/or lived experience
- On a rotating basis, act as on-call "staff of the day/week"
- Participate in the planning of activities and summer calendar prior to the start of the program
- 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
- Participate in evaluations and reflection discussions following students' departure
- Take part in, and occasionally lead, community outreach events, site upkeep projects, and field activities
- In cooperation with other program staff, provide day-to-day coordination of interns and/or field assistants as delegated by the Center Director
- As requested by the Center Director, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks
- At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community
- Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed (driving license may be required)
Safety and Wellbeing
- Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the Center team, for the safety of all program participants
- Complete Risk Management Plans in a timely fashion for each field outing
- Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems
- Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and program policies and procedures, including the values of the SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree and university-level teaching experience in tropical marine ecology, coastal ecology, population biology or monitoring, animal behavior, or related field.
- Field research experience, preferably in the fields of tropical marine or coastal ecology
- Experience teaching classes in the field
- Experience leading students in marine-based activities and excursions and demonstrated commitment to water safety
- Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive learning environments
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
- Fluent in English (all courses taught in English)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in tropical marine ecology, coastal ecology, or similar field.
- Small boat handling experience
- Experience working in Turks and Caicos or the Caribbean region
- Current First Aid, CPR, and/or Wilderness First Aid certification
- Current DAN O2 Provider certification
- Able to operate standard transmission vehicles (driving license may be required)
- Experience with residential student group management and/or risk management
- Experience cross-teaching or collaborating on projects
Course Descriptions:
Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Tropical Marine Ecosystems - Monitoring and Management is an interdisciplinary four-week summer course that highlights the ecological characteristics and current threats to coastal ecosystems, in addition to exploring existing and potential environmental management approaches that would encourage the sustainable development of small island nations such as the TCI. Course participants will gain knowledge of tropical marine ecosystem function and connectivity and will be introduced to the most pressing threats at the intersection of marine conservation and economic development.
Marine Fauna: Ecology and Conservation: This four-week summer course explores the ecological importance and conservation status of macro- and megafauna that are prominent in the coastal waters of the tropics, namely elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), large oceanic and reef fishes, marine and coastal reptiles (sea turtles, island iguanas), and marine mammals and octopuses. The course will consist of lectures, workshops and field-based activities that provide students with an understanding of the diversity and ecological characteristics of these animals. Furthermore, the workshops and field activities will introduce students to the practical techniques that are commonly employed to study and assess marine fauna.
Location: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Closing Date: May 4, 2024
Benefits:
- Covered travel from home of record at the beginning and end of program contract
- On-site room and board (all meals also provided while programs are in session)
- Auto-enrollment in an Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan effective from the first day of employment
- International health insurance reimbursement at 80%
Compensation:
This is a temporary 3-month contract position to fill a vacancy during a faculty sabbatical. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.
