The Au Sable Institute (Michigan) is seeking applicants for a summer, campus-based faculty position in Aquatic Biology to teach a university-level 4-credit summer field intensive course, BIOL 322 Aquatic Biology.
For more information regarding Au Sable Institute, the position, and application procedure, please see our Job Announcement (PDF) or employment opportunities web page.
Job Title: Professor, Associate Professor or Assistant Professor of Aquatic Biology
Classification: Faculty, Summer Session I
Duration: Five weeks (June 6-July 8) in 2022 with possibility of continuing appointment
Applications: Review of applications begins February 1; open until filled
Location: Great Lakes Campus, Mancelona, Michigan USA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
We seek applicants for a faculty position to teach the Institute's five-week college course, BIOL 322 Aquatic Biology, in our Summer Session I from 6 June to 8 July, 2022. The faculty member in this position will teach a class of 5-14 students two full days each week. Instruction is expected to be >50% field based and include instruction in the principles of aquatic biology and skills used in the field and laboratory. The current Course Description is listed below. The faculty member will also participate in Integrative Sessions one full day each week which combine all classes in field-based activities and examine environmental and conservation problems of shared interest with application of Christian principles of creation care to specific issues. The faculty member will also participate in and, on occasion, lead Sunday evening vesper (worship) services for Au Sable faculty, staff and students on the Institute’s Great Lakes campus.
Biol 322 Aquatic Biology 4 cr; 100 contact hrs. Ecology, identification, systematics, culture, and care of aquatic plants and animals, and adaptations to freshwater environments as determined by direct investigation in lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes, streams, and in the laboratory. The course assesses human impacts on aquatic species and ecosystems, presents procedures for the stewardship of aquatic habitats, and introduces aquatic restoration ecology. Prerequisite: one year of general biology or one semester each of general zoology and general botany. W, F (M integrative session).
ABOUT AU SABLE
At Au Sable, we believe Christians should be leading the way in solving the earth’s toughest environmental challenges. Through hands-on learning in the outdoors, engaging professors who integrate faith into their instruction, and a supportive community of friends, we inspire and educate students to serve, protect and restore God’s earth. We accomplish our mission through various programs including a college academic program which supports students from our 52 partner Christian colleges and universities, and offers 25 university-level courses each summer at multiple locations in the United States and in Costa Rica (www.ausable.org/college), and online. Twenty-two campus based courses, offered in a 3-week May Session or in two 5-week summer sessions, are intentional in providing field-intensive (>50% or course time outside the classroom) and skills-based experiences through small class sizes that prepare students for careers or further study in environmental vocations.
SETTING
Au Sable-Great Lakes is located in the north woods of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, about 80 miles southwest of the Straits of Mackinac and 40 miles east of Traverse City. The human population is sparse, primarily rural and consists of a base of year-round residents, including several Native American tribal nations, that swells in the summer as vacationers and those with second homes enjoy the abundant natural beauty. Surrounded on three sides by tens of thousands of acres of forests, Au Sable-Great Lakes includes frontage on a 215-acre lake and an adjoining 200 acres of northern hardwoods and conifer forests. Environmental resources in the vicinity of Au Sable-Great Lakes are abundant and diverse, reflecting the result of glacial activity. Pristine river systems, including a designated Michigan Natural River – the Jordan; approximately 900 lakes and ponds in the local four-county area, 80 bogs in the local twelve-township area, diverse forest ecosystems, three Great Lakes, various sand dune communities, diverse climatic and topographic features, and diverse flora and fauna contribute to unique educational and research opportunities in this setting. Of particular significance are the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; Hartwick Pines and Wilderness State Parks; the Lake Skegemog Wildlife Area; the Grass River Natural Area; the Jordan, Manistee, Au Sable, Boardman, and Rapid Rivers; and the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery. The climate is typical of north-temperate regions, although the Great Lakes temper the extremes.
FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS
PhD or Master’s in aquatic biology, limnology, or related discipline with an emphasis in freshwater aquatic systems – ABD will be considered. Experience and ability to teach and demonstrate skills, techniques, and use of equipment for studying aquatic biology in diverse aquatic habitats is required. Highly desirable experience includes: effectiveness in undergraduate teaching; professional and Christian mentoring of undergraduate students; desire and ability to effectively integrate biblical principles of creation care in teaching; and experience in the safe operation of large passenger vans and motorized boats.
As a paid employee of the Au Sable Institute, a Christian institute of environmental studies dedicated to the biblical principles of creation care, the successful applicant must be able to articulate the Institute’s mission of a biblically-based foundation of creation care to other individuals and audiences interacting with them in their work as an Au Sable faculty member. They will likewise be expected to participate in and lead Sunday evening vesper worship services with Au Sable faculty, staff and students, and to model exemplary integration of Christian faith, practice and service personally and professionally at all times.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Au Sable Institute is committed to combating racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and all individuals who will contribute to the excellence of the Institute. Au Sable Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, ranging from $4,200-$5,300. Housing will be provided for the faculty member and immediate family. Reimbursement for mileage or airfare to and from permanent residence to the Great Lakes campus is available.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Review of applications will begin February 1 and continue until the position is filled. Please send an e-mail with an attached cover letter and resume that clearly states your interest and qualifications for this position to: brian@ausable.org. Please do not send any letters of recommendation at this time. All applications will be acknowledged and those selected to continue the application process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who are able to address relevant experience and teaching effectiveness, and for one pastoral reference who is able to address Christian commitment and maturity and service to a local church. Additional information, including academic transcripts, may be requested during the review process.
Questions regarding the position or assistance for persons with disabilities can be made to:
Dr. Brian Keas
Au Sable Institute
7526 Sunset Trail NE
Mancelona, MI 49659 USA
Phone: 231-587-8686
e-mail: brian@ausable.org