Lead Field Instructor, Summer 2025 — Wildlands Studies
Description
Wildlands Studies invites candidates holding an MSc or PhD to serve as a Lead Instructor and submit a proposal for a new six-week field program in Summer 2025. The Lead Instructor will establish a new program under Wildlands Studies guidance, and then direct students on an academically rigorous, wilderness-based six-week field study to explore habitats and cultures of international locales. We are specifically seeking a new international location, outside the current offerings listed on our website, that will attract students and cover a wide variety of topics and terrain within our mission.
Renowned for its accredited researched-based undergraduate field programs, Wildlands Studies instructors enhance their own credentials with unique opportunities to teach in the field while engaging students in active research. Students consistently report that their Wildlands Studies experience added depth and meaning to their on-campus classes and “changed their lives”.
In addition to our open call, we specifically welcome proposals for new locales in the Pacific realm, Southeast Asia, Japan, Norway and South America. Students earn 5-15 quarter credits for three field classes covering Environmental Studies, Field Research Practices, and Environment and Culture. Lead Instructor is responsible for on-going seminars, lectures, instruction, guided field work and field methods, and assessment of all student work, as well as group dynamics and the overall well-being of participants. Review our Lead Instructor description on our website. Compensation is competitive.
Requirements
Available to establish and lead a program for Summer 2025. Firsthand knowledge and experience of field study location required. Applicants must have Masters degree in hand; PhD Candidates and/or completed PhD preferred. A qualified Lead Instructor will have experience leading field study programs and teaching at the undergraduate level, specifically upper division environmental studies classes; a good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, and understanding; be a physically fit experienced outdoorsperson capable of leading students on day hikes and multi-day overnight backpacking trips; a capable and skilled group facilitator able to spend 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with up to 16 students aged 18-23 for the duration of the program managing associated interpersonal dynamics; an accomplished logistical planner capable of managing the overarching and day-to-day logistics, program finances and communications; certified in First Aid and CPR (preferably WFR) and able to competently and confidently manage medical emergencies and other medical situations should they arise. We require our program staff to be able to easily transport students in vehicles. This means we are looking for individuals with a clean driving record, manual transmission experience, knowledge and competence driving in international locations and, if needed, the ability to drive a right-hand drive vehicle on the left side of the road. Reference checks, fingerprinting and background checks are required before any offer is finalized.
Program Dates
We are specifically accepting proposals for 6-week programs in Summer 2025 (June 24-August 6). International locations that include a wildlife study or marine focus always preferred. Review www.wildlandsstudies.com for details.
Application Process
Review website and current course offerings to ensure understanding of program requirements. Complete an online application and upload a CV, cover letter detailing experience with course topics/field study experience and brief initial course proposal. We are working very quickly to identify suitable candidates and move forward with new programs.