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. 

Position Title: 

Health and Wellness Manager (HWM) 

Location: 

Bocas del Toro, Panama – SFS Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies 
 

Reports to: 
Center Director 

Start Date:
August 2025

Position Summary: 

The HWM works closely with the Center Director to coordinate all non-academic components of the program, including student health and wellness, risk management, group dynamics, community engagement, and daily program operations.  
 

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:   

SFS 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 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. 
 

Duties & Responsibilities 
Under the oversight of the Center Director, the HWM, as an individual and as a member of program faculty/staff team, will be responsible for: 
 
Student Affairs: 

• Deliver in-country orientation and ongoing training to students in the areas of community building, critical thinking, cross-cultural issues, conflict resolution, self-awareness, communal living, and health and safety 

• Assist HQ team in the delivery of Pre-departure online orientation as needed 

• Act as a resource to students for their program-related and personal needs 

• Facilitate communication within the student group and between staff and students 

• Preemptively monitor and address individual student and group attitudes and behavior 

• Keep the Center Director informed of potential problems 

• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems 

• Facilitate establishment and support of student committees 

• Develop and schedule on-campus activities 

 

Safety & Risk Management:  

• Take responsibility for the safety of all program participants 

• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all school-wide and program rules and polices 

• Coordinate incident reporting system and on-site safety audits 

• Ensure that Incident Reports are provided to SFS headquarters 

• Submit a Risk Management Plan to Headquarters and Center Director prior to field trips  

• Participate in the review and revision of program risk assessment and management plans 

• Coordinate the program’s emergency plans, including for evacuation and fire safety 

• Recommend and review policies and procedures needed to manage risks 

• Serve as a main point of contact for student emergencies, effectively managing crisis situations and accompanying students to hospital or clinic 

• Coordinate the safety and health portions of the on-site orientation 

• Maintain all medical kits and safety supplies 

 

Community Outreach:  

• Work with Community Coordinator and Cultural Liaison and other program faculty/staff to develop and implement community outreach activities   

• Arrange recreational programming for students within the local community 

• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the program and local community 

• Organize and facilitate guest speakers from the community 

 

Program Support:  

• Coordinate and communicate scheduling of program to students as needed 

• Work with the Operations Manager and Kitchen Staff to coordinate dietary needs and restrictions prior to and during program 

• Coordinate all packed lunch needs, especially during Directed Research 

• Work with Operations Manager and Site Manager to communicate maintenance issues and needs as they arise 

• Participate in training activities for new program staff prior to and during the program 

• Provide periodic reports, marketing materials, and student input to SFS headquarters 

• Participate in preparation of final reports and program field preparation guide revisions 

• Participate in planning activities prior to program start and in review post-program 

• As requested by the Center Director, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks 

 

Daily Program Life:  

• Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take meals with students 

• On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Program-specific staff of the week duties 

• Ensure that all staff understand the responsibilities of the staff of the week role 

• Take part in, and occasionally lead, program upkeep projects, social, and field activities 

• Serve as program caretaker during breaks as requested by the Center Director 

• Drive standard transmission vehicles as needed 

 
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree 

• Pre-existing work authorization for Panama or ability to obtain proper work visa (with assistance from SFS) 

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification  

• Experience living, working, or studying abroad 

• Ability to swim and comfortable in open water 

• High emotional and cross-cultural intelligence 

• Professional experience with group facilitation or leading experiential education programs  

• Willingness to live and work on a residential campus, including use of shared facilities and participation in campus activities and community outreach 

• Accustomed to working long hours in remote environments with limited resources 

• Experience with incident and risk management 

• Commitment to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community 

• Clean driving record and ability to operate manual transmission vehicles   

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Advanced language skills or fluency in Spanish 

• Advanced medical certification (e.g. EMT or WEMT certification) 

• Master’s Degree 

• Rescue diver certification  

• Driver’s License, ability to drive manual transmission 

• Experience living, working, or studying in program region 

• Familiarity with navigating medical resources in developing countries 

• Background in wilderness, travel, or tropical medicine 

• Residential affairs experience in higher education 
   

Compensation/Benefits: 

Salary, covered travel, and health insurance reimbursement. On-site room and board with all meals provided during program time.  

To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experiences via the online application on the SFS Careers page at https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/ 

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)  

Equal Opportunity Employer:  

SFS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, caste, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetics, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnic origin, or veteran status.