Lecturer in Marine Resource Management

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.

 

Start Date: May 2024

 

Compensation:

 

This is a 14-month contract position through the end of July 2025 with likely contract renewal depending on successful completion of duties. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.

 

 

Position Summary:

 

The SFS Center for Marine Resource Management, located on South Caicos Island in the Turks and Caicos 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 or semester in Turks and Caicos. On a contract basis, the Resident Lecturer in Marine Resource Management will deliver the 50-hour Principles of Marine Resource Management course during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, during fall and spring, they will co-teach the 50-hour Directed Research course with other faculty members, leading a faculty-developed directed research project with a small group of students. During two month-long summer sessions, this position 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 setting 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 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 participate fully in student life and in the implementation of the Center’s research plan. The publication of both student-assisted and independent research results is encouraged and supported.

 

-Teaching

 

As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach and co-teach the semester-long Principles of Marine Resource Management and Directed Research courses, respectively. Course descriptions are found below.

 

As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, co-teach the summer Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management and Marine Fauna: Ecology and Conservation courses. Course descriptions are found below.

 

Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum to learners from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds

 

Organize lectures, prepare 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

 

Supervise and mentor a student research group during the Directed Research course

 

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

 

-Research

 

Participate in the development and upkeep of the Center’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP) and conduct designated and aligned independent research

 

Identify appropriate components of the SRP suitable for student DR projects that prioritize community needs and build on local knowledge networks

 

Prepare research results for community stakeholders and broader scientific and non-scientific audiences using accessible communication methods

 

Assist, as required, with reviewing program research policies, priorities, and budgets

 

Follow data management, record keeping, and reporting systems

 

Represent SFS and/or present research at local, regional, or international meetings and conferences

 

-Daily Center Life

 

Work flexible hours and live on site or nearby the field station with a small team of permanent staff, 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 semester calendar prior to the start of the program and in training for new program staff

 

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 regular 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.

 

Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS support and reimbursable available) and ensure first-aid certifications are kept up to date