Joint Appointment in Field Science
Teaching Faculty in Ecology at the Teton Science Schools’ Graduate Program
Research Faculty at the Teton Science Schools’ Conservation Research Center
Job Description:
Ph.D. in natural sciences or related field required. Position is a 12 month joint appointment in Teton Science Schools’ (TSS) Graduate Program and Conservation Research Center (duties split evenly between Graduate Program & Conservation Research Center).
Graduate Program Job Duties:
Excellence in teaching and pedagogy required, with an emphasis on modeling good teaching practice. Demonstrated success in teaching field ecology required. Successful applicant will teach block scheduled, field ecology courses to graduate students with a variety of academic backgrounds (most students have an education emphasis). Courses taught will include: Community Ecology, Winter Ecology, Ecological Inquiry, and Advanced Elements of Field Ecology Course Design. Courses co-taught or collaborated on include Introduction to Field Science Teaching and seasonal Teaching Practica. Development and maintenance of close professional relationships with graduate students is expected. Successful applicant will also teach 3-4 undergraduate field ecology courses (1-2 weeks long). Successful applicant must be qualified for adjunct status at University of Wyoming, University of Idaho, Prescott College, and Antioch New England University.
Conservation Research Center Job Duties:
Applicant must have demonstrated skills with wildlife study design, data analysis, manuscript preparation and grant writing. Successful applicants will be able to integrate into existing research projects and encouraged to initiate additional applied, original research projects. A critical component of this position includes an ability to work with research partners and peer organizations.
Graduate Program Background:
The graduate program integrates ecology and place based education to develop innovative leaders in science and education. Graduate students have mainly educational backgrounds and interests. Approximately 15-25 graduate students spend the first year of their master’s work in residence at TSS’ Kelly Campus in Grand Teton National Park and complete their graduate degrees at various universities. Courses are accredited through the University of Wyoming. Students are matriculated into the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center at the University of Wyoming during their year at TSS. http://www.tetonscience.org
Teaching Responsibilities:
• Teaches ecology courses and mentors graduate students in field and classroom settings
• Graduate courses include – Community Ecology of the Greater Yellowstone, Winter Ecology of the Yellowstone Ecosystem, Ecological Inquiry, and Advanced Elements of Field Ecology Course Design. Courses co-taught or collaborated on include Introduction to Field Science Teaching and seasonal Teaching Practica.
• Teach 3-4 undergraduate field ecology courses (1-2 weeks long)
• Coordinates & participates in special projects based on organization’s needs and individual expertise
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Conservation Research Center Background:
Teton Science Schools’ Conservation Research Center was formed in response to the growing need in Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for responsible conservation and land stewardship. In our work, we seek a reasonable balance between wildlife and people to develop resource management strategies and models that other western communities can follow.
The Research Program of the Conservation Research Center examines and monitors ecosystem responses to change. Our research provides insight into the complex ways that animals, plant communities and landscapes are affected by human uses in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Objectives of the Research Program include:
• Examine the interactions between human development and ecosystem processes
• Examine ecosystem responses to changing climatic conditions
• Conduct studies that are applied, relevant and scientifically rigorous
• Disseminate work to professional scientists, developers, land managers, lay citizens and students to increase understanding of issues and to inform decision-making processes
• Promote responsible natural resource stewardship though education
• Encourage academic development of young wildlife professionals
Research Responsibilities:
• Data analysis and manuscript preparation for existing projects and new research
• Identification of applied research projects with a focus on wildlife/climate change
• Study design development and review
• Donor and partnership development to support research projects
• University graduate student advising
• Utilizes expertise in field science to enhance educational programs and research projects
• Coordinates & participates in special projects based on organization’s needs and individual expertise
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Core Areas of Responsibility:
Education
• Educate and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in field and classroom settings.
• Develop and maintain close professional relationships with graduate students.
• Deliver engaging field based courses using excellent teaching strategies and pedagogy.
• Operate within TSS risk management systems and procedures
• Collaborate with TSS faculty on program planning and development
• Assist graduate teaching faculty with Teaching Practica where applicable
Research
• Review and analyze data
• Prepare manuscripts for publication
• Assist Research and Stewardship Coordinator with curriculum development as needed
• Participate in the leadership, planning and development of the Research Program
• Utilize expertise in field science to enhance educational programs and research projects.
• Develop research projects and serve as Principal Investigator.
Leadership
• Participate in leadership, planning and development of Graduate Program
• Demonstrate leadership in science and research in the greater TSS and Jackson Hole community through building partnerships with key stakeholders on collaborative projects, event planning and integrating students into research and field projects.
• Utilize expertise in field science to enhance educational value of TSS programs and research projects.
Partnerships
• Establish and foster relationships with university partners, relevant state and federal agencies and non-government organizations.
Fund Raising
• Write grants for research and educational projects, Collaborate with TSS development staff to work with private donors
Employer Summary:
Teton Science Schools is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free and smoke-free workplace. Successful applicant will be required to pass a background check, driving check and drug screening.
To apply:
Email cover letter, resume and application, Download Employment Application - (PDF Format) to employment@tetonscience.org. The subject line of the e-mail must state "Ecology Teaching & Research Faculty.”
