The SFS program at the School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), located in the Turks and Caicos Islands seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a residential team of faculty and staff who deliver an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to US-based students spending a semester or summer abroad. 
On an annual basis, teach the Principles of Resource Management course during the fall and spring semester sessions and participate in one or more shorter-course sessions in winter and/or summer (level of engagement is to be determined).  During semesters, lead designated components of the Center's Strategic Research Plan and, as part of this, oversee, mentor, and grade student directed research projects related to these research lines.
 
Location:
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies
South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands


Reports to:
Center Director (TCI) and the Office of Academic Affairs (USA)

Course Overview:
 
The Principles of Resource Management course presents students with the disciplines and tools required to understand marine resources and consequences of management decisions in the context of economic development and changing climate.  Content focused on the management of fisheries resources in the TCI and the sustainable use of lobster, conch and finfish.   This component of the TCI program establishes the link between the complementary courses offered in the semester program, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, and Tropical Marine Ecology.  Topical areas include: ecosystem analysis, anthropogenic impacts, regulation and enforcement, conservation practices, coastal zone management, fisheries and fisheries management, parks and protected areas, natural areas and development and, ultimately, human management techniques in a changing climate. The goal is to provide the tools to manage natural systems for long-term sustainability.
 
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 Center’s strategic research plan that addresses these issues.
 
The publication of research results is critical. The successful candidate will work closely with the lecturers in Marine Ecology 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 Center’s strategic research plan.

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Educate students about the complexity of local development, management, 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
• 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 or presentations at professional meetings

 Teaching

• As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, deliver the Principles of Marine Resource Management course (60-semester hours of instruction in 15-weeks).
• 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, field projects, mid-term and final examinations in a timely manner
• Supervise and mentor 8 to 12 students in their directed research projects each semester
• Actively support and counsel students on academic issues
• Maintain an organized academic course portfolio

 Research

• Conduct designated research according to the center's current strategic research plan
• Identify appropriate components of the center's research 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 center 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 students' departure
• Participate in training activities for new center staff prior to and during 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 period
• Provide routine coordination of program support staff 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 center faculty/staff team, for the safety of all program participants
• Participate in the review and revision of center risk assessment and management plans
• Recommend and review policies and procedures needed to manage risks
• Know the emergency procedures plan for the center, 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

 Daily Center Life

• Live on-site / or near-by (TBD) for the duration of each program period and take some meals with the students
• On a rotating basis, take responsibility for center-specific "staff of the day" duties
• Take part in, and occasionally lead community outreach, center upkeep projects, social and field activities
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed
• Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and center policies and procedure
• At the request of the center director, serve as caretaker for center during program breaks and center rentals

Minimum qualifications:

• Ability to obtain Turks & Caicos work permit
• Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in Marine or Coastal Ecology, Fisheries, Marine Resource Management, Stock Assessments, or similar field(s).  Candidates with Masters degrees and significant professional experience may be considered.
• Field research experience in any of the above disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team
• Good track record of research publications or scholarly products commensurate with experience
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in collaboration with small island governments
• Residential student group management and risk management experience highly desirable
• SCUBA certification and high comfort level in water-based activities (snorkeling and swimming)
• Current first aid certification (or ability to obtain)

 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
• 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

Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.  Comprehensive benefits package and on-site room and board included.
 
Location:
South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands
 
To Apply: Submit a cover letter outlining relevant experiences and addressing the qualifications and expectations stated above and curriculum vitae online.  Recommendation letters or reference testimony will be required upon request.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Mark E. Seifert, Chief Program Officer and Dean, at academics@fieldstudies.org.