Round River Conservation Studies (RRCS) is seeking enthusiastic Student Program Leaders for upcoming undergraduate conservation programs in the Patagonia region of southern Chile.
RRCS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to developing conservation strategies to preserve and restore wild places through conservation science and environmental education.
RRCS offers field-based academic programs that are integrated directly into current conservation efforts with local communities. Programs are limited to small groups of students to provide a first-hand experience of the scientific, social and political aspects of community conservation.
Positions involve living and working on-site at remote field stations, and some travel in the program country for a 3 month duration. There is no time off during the program.
Description/Duties:
Schedule and lead program activities; manage all logistics and safety; collaborate with local partners and senior RRCS staff to conduct research; teach conservation biology, biological field methods, natural history, community-based natural resource management policy, and human ecology; facilitate group discussions; and encourage students’ understanding of complex conservation issues in the context of the local region.
Student group size will be 5 to 8 university students this fall. We will staff 2 American program leaders/instructors and (for a portion of the program) 1 local Chilean leader. Because this is a live-in position, it can present unique learning experiences, as well as challenges, and leaders must be available and approachable to students at all times.
Qualifications:
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the student programs, preferred program leaders must have well-rounded experience in education, field research, and community outreach.
*MSc in natural science or a related field, and at least 2 years of field experience
*Teaching experience at an undergraduate level
*Experience managing field-based student programs
*Demonstrated ability to design field research studies and/or community projects
*Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification (preferred)
*Prefer previous experience traveling or living in program location
*Great interpersonal skills, high-energy levels, and lots of patience
*Very good organizational skills
*Experience driving 4x4 vehicles with standard transmission
* Spanish fluency
Salary/Benefits: US $7,500, plus room/board, travel costs, and evacuation insurance. Airfare is covered (from the nearest major airport to Balmaceda, Chile, and back).
Program dates:
September 20th - December 13th, 2013 (plus approximately 2 weeks for pre-program preparations and a few days after the program for wrap-up)
To Apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references in one document (PDF) to both:
Doug Milek, Director of Student Programs (dougmilek@roundriver.org)
Susie Dain-Owens, Associate Director of Student Programs (susie@roundriver.org)