Location: Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE)
Center in Bumthang, Bhutan
The School for Field Studies (SFS) program on Eastern Himalayan Forests and
Rural Livelihoods (summer) and Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition
(fall and spring semesters), located in Bhutan 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
students spending a semester abroad. In collaboration with the Bhutanese Ugyen
Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), SFS students and
faculty will help advance Bhutan’s research agenda in several priority areas,
including community forestry, human-wildlife interactions, and biodiversity
conservation.
On a contract basis, during the six-week summer program, the Resident Lecturer
will co-teach the Himalayan Forests, Watersheds, and Rural Livelihood course,
and during the fall and spring semesters, will teach the Mountain Ecology
course as well as teach one-third of the Directed Research course. Contribute
to student learning in the areas of ecology, biodiversity, and geography. Lead
designated components of the programs research plan and, as part of this,
oversee, mentor, and grade the student directed research projects.
Course Description: Mountain Ecology
In this course students develop a conceptual and practical understanding of the
ecology the Eastern Himalaya region. Students look at the physical features of
mountain ecosystems: the geology and hydrology, climate and weather. The course
highlights the special features of mountain animals as well as the diverse
flora. Finally, students look at the physical threats mountains pose to
communities, such as glacial lake outburst flooding, and the vulnerabilities of
the mountain ecosystems due to climate change and human development. Frequent
field trips will expose students to an array of ecosystems, some in natural
states, some heavily modified by people. Rivers, forests, and farmland are
examined in various locations and along different altitude gradients showcasing
the ecological diversity within this small mountain state.
Applicants are encouraged to review proposed course syllabi and program
descriptions on the SFS website: [ http://www.fieldstudies.org/bhutan ](
http://www.fieldstudies.org/bhutan/semester )
Program Schedule
Bhutan is currently a year round program with one six-week summer program and
two semester programs (fall and spring). Please note that participation in the
initial summer program may be negotiable depending on current staffing needs.
For the initial summer program, faculty are required to report to the Center in
May 2016 for preparation for the six-week summer program which takes place June
6 – July 14, with a debrief/planning period following the close of the program.
For the fall program, faculty are required to report to the Center in August
2016 for preparation for the fall semester program which takes place August 29
– December 7, 2015. After a brief intersession, faculty will be required to
report back to the Center by late January for preparation for the spring
semester program. Please also note that there is a possibility that lecturers
will be requested to visit SFS HQ prior to employment start for a brief
training.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide high quality, modern and experiential teaching in critical
environmental issues in an interdisciplinary curriculum, and participate fully
in the implementation of the program’s research plan that addresses these
issues. The dissemination of research results is critical. Work closely with
the other program lecturers 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 program’s research plan.
Minimum qualifications
Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in areas related to ecology or
biodiversity conservation with emphasis in mountain or alpine systems.
Candidates with a Master’s degree and significant scholarship may be considered
Field research and/or project implementation experience
Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and
research team
Track record of research publications or professional activity
Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in the Himalayan region, particularly in Bhutan
Experience teaching field courses and familiarity with study abroad practices
Residential student group management and risk management experience highly
desirable
Other Expectations
Obtain First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS reimbursement
available)
Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a
small team of permanent staff and groups of US undergraduate students
Participation in all program activities
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
This is a contract position with a flexible start date. If engaged to teach
the Summer Program, the contract will start in early April 2016, and if engaged
to teach beginning fall semester , then the start date is early June 2016. The
contract will end in mid-May 2016 with continuance depending on successful
completion of duties and sufficient student enrollment. Salary is dependent on
experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package and on-site room
and board included.
For more information about this job posting please visit: [
https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=6815475
](
https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=6815475
).
Abigail Stryker
Academic Program Associate
The School for Field Studies
100 Cummings Center, Suite 534-G
Beverly, MA 01915-6239
[email protected]
[ www.fieldstudies.org ]( http://www.fieldstudies.org/ )
