Summer Instructor

The UCSC Doris Duke Scholars Program (DDCSP) (https://conservationscholars.ucsc.edu/) is excited to be hiring an instructor that will work alongside other DDCSP Faculty to deliver an 8-week field-based immersive program this summer in conservation research, leadership, and communication. This position has a flexible start as early as late March continuing through August 15.  Instructions to apply online and a full description at https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01226.

For six years this summer immersion has been a transformational experience for a diverse group of emerging conservation leaders from across the United States.  Scholars are early undergraduates with a range of disciplinary interests in conservation.  At UCSC DDCSP you’ll be joining a vibrant community of inquiry and field-based educators, working with an established field program, supported by a range of guest instructors, and able to contribute your own special vision to the Scholars program.  The instructor will be co-teaching with and supported 80% of the time by other rotating DDCSP Faculty (Drs. Abe Borker, Erika Zavaleta, and Dan Hernandez).  We have a thorough inquiry-based curriculum, but there’s enough room to bring in your unique voice and experience.  Importantly, in contrast to other faculty, this instructor will be a consistent presence throughout the 8-week program, managing graduate mentors, logistics coordinators, guests, and the overall experience.

Beginning in late March, work to co-design and plan the summer program and deliver staff training will be available (flexible, part-time, and/or remote work possible).  Beginning June 1, 2022, we expect the instructor to be in Santa Cruz, to prepare for the June 9 start of the summer program. During the field portion of the program (June 8 through July 25), the position requires that the instructor be on-site at UC Natural Reserves (living and traveling with Scholars and other staff). Lodging, travel, and food expenses will be covered during this field portion.

The instructor will be expected to maintain a psychologically safe learning environment, proactively manage physical and emotional risks to course participants and staff, communicate openly and frequently with UCSC-based staff while in the field, and maintain a professional and positive attitude during sometimes stressful and challenging moments.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:  

• Teaching and advising program Scholars on conservation research and practice, experimental design, data analysis, scientific report writing, and spoken presentations.
• Providing written and verbal feedback on Scholar assignments.
• Leading and facilitating curricular elements, including, but not limited to: conservation research, communication, and leadership with Scholars.
• Overseeing two-course assistants and two graduate mentors in the field.
• Inviting, managing, and hosting guest speakers and instructors.
• Driving 12-passenger vans between field stations, excursions, and airports.
• Coordinating gear cleaning/repair/return and administrative program wrap-up.
• Participating in summer debrief sessions with permanent and seasonal staff.

The position requires that the instructor be physically capable of carrying 25 lbs. of field equipment, work variable hours, sometimes weekends and evenings, as well as possess (or readily obtain) a California driving license.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. candidate status (or an equivalent foreign degree) in ecology, conservation science, or a related field at the time of application
• A minimum of one year experience in conservation research or practice, such as agency or NGO work, hands-on restoration, and/or applied research resulting in publications
• A minimum of one quarter or semester teaching college or university-level courses

Applicants with a Ph.D. (or an equivalent foreign degree) in ecology, conservation science, or a related field; experience teaching field-based courses; over one year of university-level teaching experience; and/or experience mentoring individuals from marginalized backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary starting at a full-time annual rate of $66,038, commensurate with qualifications and experience such as summer faculty salary rate if appropriate.

How to apply:

https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01226