Temporary Lecturer in Human Dimensions of Endangered Species at The School for Field Studies

Reports To:  

Center Director, Center for Endangered Species Conservation 

Dean, Office of Academic Affairs 

Position Summary:  

• The SFS Center for Endangered Species Conservation, located in Kenya, 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 semester in Kenya. On a contract basis, the Lecturer in Human Dimensions of Conservation will deliver the 50-hour Human Dimensions of Endangered Species Conservation course during the spring semester. Additionally, during 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. SFS Kenya has a thematic focus on wildlife and natural resource management and community livelihoods and well-being in the rift-valley of rural Kenya. 
• SFS programs are field-based and experiential. This position will engage students in a classroom 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 may 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.   

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 Human Dimensions of Endangered Species Conservation course and Directed Research courses, respectively. 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 and 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) 
• Any other duties as assigned by the Center Director 

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 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Candidates must have pre-existing work authorization or be a Kenyan national to be considered. 
• M.S. and university-level teaching experience in areas related to conservation sociology or human dimension relationships, or related field.   
• Experience teaching international students (preferably U.S. students) 
• Field research experience, preferably in the fields of conservation or sociology. 
• Experience with Maasai or other pastoral communities in community resource conservation 
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive learning environments 
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team 
• Track record of research publications 
• Experience teaching classes in the field 
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues 
• Fluent in English (all courses taught in English) 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in East Africa (Kenya is preferred) 
• Ph.D. in areas related to conservation sociology or human dimension relationships, or related field. 
• Experience teaching field courses 
• Comfort with camping in the parks and other field expeditions in the field 
• Enjoys working with others, taking the initiative, and functioning without close supervision 
• Experience with residential student group management and/or risk management 
• Experience cross-teaching or collaborating on projects  
• Able to operate standard transmission vehicles and boats (driving license may be required) 
• Track record of grant writing success 
• Current First Aid, CPR, and/or Wilderness First Aid certification 
• Fluent in English