Temporary Lecturer in Human Dimensions of Endangered Species

Location: Kimana, Kenya 

• Candidates must have pre-existing work authorization or be a Kenyan national to be considered. 

Contract Dates: January 15, 2025 – May 15, 2025 

Position Summary:  

The SFS Center for Endangered Species Conservation, located in Kenya, seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a team of faculty and staff that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a semester in Kenya. On a contract basis, the Lecturer in Human Dimensions of Conservation will deliver the 50-hour Human Dimensions of Endangered Species Conservation course during the spring semester. Additionally, during spring, they will co-teach the 50-hour Directed Research course with other faculty members, leading a faculty-developed directed research project with a small group of students. SFS Kenya has a thematic focus on wildlife and natural resource management and community livelihoods and well-being in the rift-valley of rural Kenya. 

Faculty are expected to be active members in the community-building process. Additional responsibilities outside of teaching may include participation in community engagement days, involvement in student life, organization of laboratory space, and general Center upkeep. We are especially interested in candidates with experience teaching to a diverse student body, and demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in a learning environment, conservation, and the Center’s host community.   

Center Focus:  

Kenya’s spectacular wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and tribal communities face environmental threats such as climate change and decreased availability of important natural resources. Our research focuses on understanding these threats and their impact with the primary emphasis on wildlife and their ongoing resource needs. In the Maasai Steppe of southern Kenya, finite resources are stretched in many directions. With continued human expansion and fragmentation of wildlife habitats, the immense pressure on this resource will only continue to grow. 

Through coursework, field exercises, and Directed Research, students will study people’s dependence on wildlife and other natural resources, examine the threats to the environment and to social networks, and explore the tools and strategies for mitigating the threats and promoting well-being among communities. A strong component of the program will be examining the ecological patterns and processes that underpin the high diversity of wildlife in the region. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Teaching 

• As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach and co-teach the Human Dimensions of Endangered Species Conservation course and Directed Research courses, respectively. Course descriptions are found below. 

• Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum to learners from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds 

• Organize lectures, prepare course materials, and adhere to a daily academic schedule in a timely and professional manner 

• Actively support and counsel students on academic issues 

• Prepare, administer, and grade assignments, quizzes, and assessments 

• Supervise and mentor a student research group during the Directed Research course 

• Maintain an organized course portfolio 

• Participate in preparation of final reports, academic handbook revisions, and other required administrative tasks 

• Maintain equipment as required for teaching in the field 

Research  

• Participate in the development and upkeep of the Center’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP) and conduct designated and aligned independent research 

• Identify appropriate components of the SRP suitable for student DR projects that prioritize community needs and build on local knowledge networks 

• Prepare research results for community stakeholders and broader scientific and non-scientific audiences using accessible communication methods 

• Assist, as required, with reviewing program research policies, priorities, and budgets 

• Follow data management, record keeping, and reporting systems 

• Represent SFS and/or present research at local, regional, or international meetings and conferences 

Daily Center Life 

• Work flexible hours and live on site or nearby the field station with a small team of permanent staff and groups of US undergraduate students.  

• Contribute to the creation of a living-learning community that is inclusive of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, in which all learners have the opportunity to thrive 

• Actively model skills in competence, awareness, and knowledge necessary for meaningfully working with, interacting with, and learning from others who may differ from oneself in identity and/or lived experience 

• On a rotating basis, act as on-call "staff of the day/week"  

• Participate in the planning of activities and semester calendar prior to the start of the program and in training for new program staff 

• Participate in and lead parts of the orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program 

• Participate in regular evaluations and reflection discussions following students' departure 

• Take part in, and occasionally lead, community outreach events, site upkeep projects, and field activities 

• In cooperation with other program staff, provide day-to-day coordination of interns and/or field assistants as delegated by the Center Director 

• As requested by the Center Director, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks 

• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community 

• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed (driving license may be required) 

• Any other duties as assigned by the Center Director 

Safety and Wellbeing 

• Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the Center team, for the safety of all program participants 

• Complete Risk Management Plans in a timely fashion for each field outing 

• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems 

• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and program policies and procedures, including the values of the SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion 

• Participate in the review and revision of program risk assessment and management plans 

• Know the emergency procedures plan for the field station, including evacuation plan 

• Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and conduct safety briefings for students and/or staff 

• Complete incident reports when appropriate and contribute to safety audits. 

• Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS support and reimbursable available) and ensure first-aid certifications are kept up to date 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Candidates must have pre-existing work authorization or be a Kenyan national to be considered. 

• M.S. and university-level teaching experience in areas related to conservation sociology or human dimension relationships, or related field.   

• Experience teaching international students (preferably U.S. students) 

• Field research experience, preferably in the fields of conservation or sociology. 

• Experience with Maasai or other pastoral communities in community resource conservation 

• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive learning environments 

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team 

• Track record of research publications 

• Experience teaching classes in the field 

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues 

• Fluent in English (all courses taught in English)