Apply to Health and Wellness Manager
About SFS:
The School for Field Studies (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:
Center for Climate and Sustainable Futures, Paro Valley, Bhutan
Reports to:
Center Director (CD)
Start Date:
Anticipated travel and arrival are scheduled for January 18, 2027. A later start date may be discussed and negotiated with prospective applicants during the interview process, with the latest eligible arrival date being May 15, 2027. The final start date will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will be required to participate in virtual training sessions both prior to and following arrival.
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.
Duties & Responsibilities
Under the oversight of the Center Director, the HWM, as an individual and as a member of program faculty/staff team, will:
Student Affairs:
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Assist Center Director with delivery of 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
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Serve as the primary point of contact for students’ health and wellness needs, including medical needs
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Support students with personal and non-academic program-related concerns, in collaboration with the Center Director and Chief Program Manager
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Facilitate communication within the student group and act as a liaison between staff and students
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Preemptively monitor and address individual student and group attitudes and behavior
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Keep the Center Director informed of potential problems
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Participate in resolving group conflict and student conduct
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Facilitate establishment and support of student committees
Safety & Risk Management:
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Support Center Director in overseeing the safety of all program participants
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Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all school-wide and program rules and polices
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Utilize incident reporting system, providing written reports to SFS Headquarters
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Coordinate on-site safety audits
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Submit a Risk Management Plan to SFS headquarters prior to field trips
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Participate in the review and revision of program risk assessment and management plans
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Coordinate the program’s emergency plans, including for evacuation and fire safety
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Recommend and review policies and procedures for risk management
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Serve as a main point of contact for student emergencies, effectively managing crisis situations
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Facilitate the safety and health portions of the on-site orientation
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Keep all medical kits and safety supplies stocked and up to date
Community Outreach:
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Work with program faculty/staff to develop and implement community outreach activities
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Arrange recreational programming for students within the local community
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Develop meaningful partnerships between the program and the local community in consultation with the Center Director and Chief Program Manager
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Organize and facilitate guest speakers from the community
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Coordinate with other staff to develop and administer community engagements initiatives
Program Support:
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Coordinate and communicate scheduling of program to students as needed
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Participate in training activities for new program staff prior to and during the program
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Provide periodic reports, marketing materials, and student input to SFS headquarters
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Manage SFS Bhutan social media content
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Participate in preparation of final reports and program field preparation guide revisions
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Participate in planning activities prior to program start and in review post-program
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As requested by the Center Director, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks, and any other tasks assigned in the interest of the program and the Center
Daily Program Life:
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Live on-site for the duration of each program period and eat meals with students
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On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Program-specific staff of the day duties
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Ensure that all staff understand the responsibilities of the staff of the day role
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Take part in, and occasionally lead, program upkeep projects, social, and field activities
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Serve as program caretaker during breaks as requested by the Center Director
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Drive standard transmission vehicles as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree
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Ability to obtain proper work visas (with assistance from SFS)
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Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification
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Experience living, working, or studying abroad
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High emotional and cross-cultural intelligence
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Professional experience with group facilitation or leading experiential education programs
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Willingness to live and work on a residential campus, including use of shared facilities and participation in campus activities and community outreach
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Accustomed to working long hours in remote environments with limited resources
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Experience with incident and risk management
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Commitment to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community
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Clean driving record and ability to operate manual transmission vehicles
Preferred Qualifications:
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Advanced medical certification (e.g. EMT or WEMT certification)
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Experience living, working, or studying in Bhutan
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Familiarity with navigating medical resources in developing countries
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Background in wilderness, travel, or tropical medicine
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Residential affairs experience in higher education
Statement on Employee Conduct:
The School for Field Studies strives to create and maintain a work environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency, and respect. The SFS environment is characterized by mutual trust and the absence of intimidation, oppression, and exploitation. SFS will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, of any kind. Through enforcement of this policy and by education of employees, SFS seeks to prevent, correct, and discipline behavior that violates this policy.
All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check, which may include, depending on the candidate’s home of record and local requirements, a certificate of good standing or clearance from the local police precinct. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates and on all employees as deemed necessary.
To Apply: Submit a cover letter, references 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: 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, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
