*Call for Coastal Ecology Instructor Sept 28-Oct 15 2015* The Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society (HGHES) is opening a call to instruct the course HGSE 356: Biophysical Dynamics of the Marine-Terrestrial Interface in the Haida Gwaii Semester (HGS) in Natural Resource Science. It is a three-week third year undergraduate course that runs from September 28th to October 15th. The course (description below) has some flexibility and can be taught by someone with a solid understanding of Pacific Northwest/British Columbia’s coastal ecology. Already scheduled are guest speakers and field trips according to the tides, as well our HGHES Program Coordinator will be in the class/field in a TA-like support role.
ABOUT The Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society (HGHES) is a non-profit organization that develops and delivers world-class education inspired by the communities and environments of Haida Gwaii (haidagwaiisemester.com). In partnership with the UBC Faculty of Forestry, we offer students an immersive, experiential learning opportunity in a rural, resource-dependent community in transition. Here the Haida Nation, Islands communities, and provincial and federal governments are working together through complex joint management models towards reconciliation and sustainability. As the management of natural resources around the globe becomes increasingly complex, our programs provide students on-the-ground experiences with local leading-edge solutions that prepare them to become future leaders and decision-makers. COURSE DESCRIPTION Land and sea have dynamic and profound influence on one another in Haida Gwaii, and students taking this course have a unique opportunity to explore such marine-terrestrial connections. Students learn about nutrient cycling between the marine environment and coastal terrestrial ecosystems, how the physical characteristics of this interface can affect these inputs, and which species play a pivotal role in driving interactions. Topics include: basic hydrology, oceanographic dynamics of the coast, key habitats that bridge land and sea, biophysical characteristics of the shoreline and coastal terrestrial areas, and natural and anthropogenic impacts on coastal interface ecosystems. Field sampling exercises during the fall salmon spawning season provide hands-on experience in different methods used to understand the dynamics of salmon bearing streams, estuaries, salt marshes, sand dunes, and a first-hand understanding of key factors driving land‐sea interactions. Exemplary species demonstrate the application of course concepts, including indicators of ecosystem health, coastal habitat protection and restoration, impacts of fisheries on the health of coastal ecosystems and impacts of land management practices on coastal ecosystems. QUALIFICATIONS - Ph.D. preferred, or a combination of experience and demonstrated equivalency in a discipline relevant to the course. - Field research experience - Teaching experience at the post-secondary level - Meaningful experience working with First Nations and rural communities TO APPLY Interested applicants should send a cover letter and C.V. to [email protected]. The call will remain open until the position is filled. For more information about the position, please contact Emily-Sky Collins (Email: [email protected]; Tel: 250-559-7885 ext. 230). -- Carlos G. A. Ormond, PhD Executive Director Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society Ph: 250-559-7885 ext. 230 Cell: 604-512-8254 Web: hghes.org
