About the job

Institutional MissionSFS 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 communities and 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.Institutional Position On Diversity And InclusionSFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all of its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve.Position DescriptionThis is a contract position starting in January 2024 with the likely continuance in the summer of 2024 and beyond, depending on successful completion of duties and sufficient student enrollment. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package and on-site room and board included. To learn more about SFS Field Benefits, please visit: Careers | The School for Field StudiesStart Date: January 2024Location: Moyo Hill Camp, Rhotia (Karatu), TanzaniaThe SFS program on Wildlife Management Studies (CWMS) located in Tanzania 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 or summer abroad. 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. SFS Tanzania has a thematic focus on wildlife and natural resource management and on community livelihoods and socio-economic development in northern Tanzania.The position will deliver the Techniques in Wildlife Management course during semesters and teach one-third of the Directed Research course each semester. Co-teach two summer sessions on topics related to Wildlife Management and Conservation, and Techniques for Wildlife Field Research - course topics / description may vary from year to year. Contribute to student learning in the areas that complement Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management and Conservation, Environmental Policy and Socio-economic Values. Lead designated components of the strategic research plan and oversee, mentor, and grade the student directed research projects.Program FocusFew places in the world are more iconic than the plains of Africa. In Tanzania, baobabs and acacia trees dot the horizon, while wildebeests stampede through the Serengeti on their Great Migration. The Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos – are all found here. Tanzania is also home to the Maasai, Hadzabe and Iraqw tribes, some of the few remaining tribes practicing traditional lifestyle in East Africa.This rich landscape faces many challenges, including land-use changes, habitat fragmentation and destruction, poaching threats, human-wildlife conflicts, climate change impacts, and ever-increasing competition for limited natural resources. Our research focuses on understanding these impacts in order to develop sustainable solutions for sustainable conservation of natural resources and reduce conflict between humans and wildlife.To learn more about our Tanzania center, please vist the SFS website here: Wildlife Management Studies | SFS Tanzania Study Abroad (fieldstudies.org)Duties And ResponsibilitiesProvide high quality, modern and experiential teaching in critical environmental issues in an interdisciplinary curriculum and participate fully in the implementation of the program’s strategic research plan that addresses these issues. The publication of research results in peer reviewed scientific journals is critical. Work closely with the other program staff 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 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 55-60 contact hours)
• Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum to learners from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds.
• 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 an organized course portfolio

Research

• Participate in developing and reviewing the program’s strategic research plan Identify appropriate components of the program’s research plan suitable for student Directed Research projects that prioritize community and key stakeholders needs and build on local knowledge networks
• Prepare research results and reports for community and stakeholders and broader scientific and non-scientific audiences using accessible communication methods
• 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)
• Actively seek collaborative research opportunities that leverage skillsets and resources across local partner organizations

Administration

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start in processing the necessary permits and consultations with local authority/communities where field activities take place
• Participate in review/analysis of the program delivery following students' departure
• Participate in training and orientation activities for new program staff prior to and during the program, particularly interns, program assistants
• 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 program activities as delegated by the Centre director
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student disciplinary proceedings
• Participate in preparation of the final reports, academic handbook revisions and other required reports
• As requested by the Centre director, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks

Health and Wellbeing Management

• Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the program faculty/staff team, for the safety of all program participants
• Comply with, actively model, and enforce all SFS and program policies and procedures including the creation of an inclusive living-learning environment for all Center community members
• 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
• Ensure that first-aid certifications are kept up to date
• Participate in first AID training and certification to acquire skills for providing emergency first AID and ensure to have valid first AID certificate at the time

Daily Center Life

• Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take most meals with the students.
• Actively model skills in competence, awareness, and knowledge necessary for meaningfully working with, living with and learning from others who may differ from oneself in identity and/or lived experience
• Contribute to the creation of a living-learning community that is inclusive of diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds, in which all learners can thrive
• 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 during field training excursions and 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 areas related to wildlife biology/ecology, animal science, wildlife conservation and management or related field. Advanced students (ABD) may be considered based on qualifications.
• Field research design and analytical skills and/or project implementation experience essential
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team
• Track record of research publications
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment in which all learners have the opportunity to thrive
• Fluency in English language

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in East Africa region (Tanzania is highly preferred)
• Experience in field research, data analysis and training field-based courses
• Residential student group management and risk management experience highly desirable
• Fluency in a language of the region
• Comfort with camping in the parks and other field expeditions in the field
• Enjoys working with others, taking the initiative, and functioning without close supervision

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
• At all times, uphold the values of the SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion.

Course Description: Techniques in Wildlife ManagementThis course introduces students to the questions, principles, and tools used by resource managers in Tanzania’s savanna ecosystem. Students are trained in techniques for habitat assessment, plant and animal identification, associations and distributions, and other approaches to evaluating ecosystems. Students examine the behavioral, physiological, and social responses of animals to a changing environment. The course introduces field and laboratory techniques for monitoring wildlife populations and optimizing management and conservation practices, as well as addressing decision-making processes on which wildlife management programs are based.Course Description: Directed ResearchThe aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to apply ecological, biological, and/or social-scientific methods to a field research project that addresses a local issue related to the environment. It focuses on investigating the ways that various methods and theories distinguish fact from interpretation, cause from correlation, and advocacy from objectivity. The directed research topics are derived from the Center’s strategic Research Plan as defined by the Center staff and local stakeholders. Through the Directed Research projects, students contribute to a growing body of scientific research that informs local conservation and resource management decisions. SFS program researchers lead a small group of students in this research component of the program.To apply, please visit: Careers | The School for Field Studies (catsone.com) Submit a cover letter outlining relevant experiences and addressing the qualifications and expectations stated above and curriculum vitae online. Two Recommendation letters will be required upon request.The School for Field Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer:The School for Field Studies provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.