Ecologist Instructor-9month

General Summary:

Watershed, riparian, landscape or aquatic ecologist, with a strong emphasis on connectivity between the land environment and freshwater systems. Disciplinary specialties within this domain that we will consider as especially good fits to our program include rangeland ecology and management, hydrologic and ecological effects of climate change, irrigated and dryland agroecosystems, or analysis of cumulative effects of landscape change on water, plant and animal resources. Experience in research design and execution and expertise in practical field applications in water and natural resource management in western North American watersheds are required. Familiarity with Tribal resource management challenges and opportunities is preferred. Expertise and willingness to teach courses in botany, weather and climate, or visualization and modeling of ecological data will be considered an additional plus. The successful applicant will be expected to teach, advise, and interact with graduate and undergraduate students, develop course curricula within their fields of interest, compete effectively for external funding, and work with internal and external partners to implement a balanced program of instruction directed toward management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems in the western USA.

The individual hired in this position should be motivated to build strong collaborations across departments within the Natural Resources program, across the campus, and with external tribes, agencies, professional organizations, and non-governmental organizations. A demonstrated commitment to student success and to working successfully with students from under-represented groups is a major plus. Proven ability to seek out and successfully apply for teaching and research grants is necessary. Requires the ability to work successfully with faculty and staff peers within a nationally-recognized program in Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Hydrology and Natural Resource Management.

Major Duties and Responsibilities  

Teaching                                                                                              40%                           

·       Plan, prepare, and organize a variety of culturally relevant teaching/learning strategies and instructional material for online and hybrid instruction.

·       Plan and supervise online/hybrid/offline and in-person course experiences for students.

·       Prepare and maintain student records related to course and learning activities.

·       Maintain scheduled office hours and availability to assist and coach students as needed to promote student success.

·       Complete assessment and evaluation tools as requested.

·       Serve as a writing mentor for students.

·       Completing syllabi according to department and college guidelines, course calendar, placement of all course documents on Schoology/current LMS, posting final grades to JICS, and posting all course documents to suitable archive resources

·       Participate in the development and evaluation of Natural Resource Department policies and procedures as they pertain to the Graduate Degree

·       Schedule and attend department meetings.

Graduate Studies                                                                                 25%

·       Develop Graduate curricula to support teaching and research in the Master of Science Natural Resource Management degree

·       Maintain ongoing and collaborative work relationships with natural resources faculty members, students, supporting curricular faculty & support staff.

·       Effectively communicate degree requirements and guidelines and procedures to students.

·       Serve on graduate research committees, maintain close communication with and consistently advise students toward planning, execution and successful completion and defense of a graduate thesis or project.

·       Take a lead role in developing proposals to compete effectively for external funding in support of your research, especially as it articulates with program goals, support for graduate student research, and collaboration with other investigators, whether inside or outside SKC.

·       Complete assessment and evaluation tools as requested.

Graduate Academic Advising                                                 20%                       

·       Advise students on a program of study, particularly in support of their individual areas of professional and graduate research interest.

·       Refer students to appropriate college, community, professional, and research funding resources.

·       Counsel students regarding short and long-term career and academic plans.

College Service                                                                                              10%                               

·       Serve on college committees contributing to the growth of the Natural Resources Graduate Program and the College.

·       Serve on the Graduate Curriculum Committee and work collaboratively with all departments.

·       Participate in college and reservation-wide cultural activities.

·       Attend Staff/Faculty meetings.

 Professional Development                                                                            5%

·       Develop expertise in Native American culture relating to Natural Resource Management and Natural Sciences.

·       Attend selected professional development activities.

·       Pursue ongoing professional development in leadership, online delivery, student development, and professional publication.

Community/Professional Service                                                                   5%

·       Participate in professional and/or community service activities sponsored by SKC.

·       Promote regional tribal community awareness of SKC Graduate Program.

Minimum Qualification

·       Earned Doctoral degree in Ecology, Biology, Hydrology, Forestry, Range Science, Watershed Science, Natural Resources Management, or related field is required.

·       Concurrent possession of a Master’s degree, showing diversity in academic background, in related fields is also desirable.

·       Demonstrated experience or research in some area of natural resource management practice and education is required.

·       History of successful teaching experience as demonstrated by faculty, peer, and student evaluations is preferred.

·       Experience with program accreditation and curriculum development preferred.

·       Other qualifications that will be valued include the demonstrated ability to recruit and mentor students at all levels;

·       Experience in curriculum development and accreditation;

·       Effective organizational skills;

·       Success in grant writing; technical writing skills and education, understanding of evidence-based teaching/learning strategies and methodologies;

·       Proficiency in computer programs and technology;

·       Demonstrated success in peer and student research collaborations, and ability to create an environment and community that supports the school’s faculty and its students.