| Description |
The SFS program on the Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition (Fall and Spring Semesters), located in Bhutan, seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a residential team of faculty and staff who deliver an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a semester abroad.
Partnering with the Bhutanese Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), this program will present a rich learning landscape for students exploring people’s relationship with the environment and conservation.
Institutional Mission:
SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.
Program Focus:
In 2008, the Kingdom of Bhutan shifted the government structure from a monarchy to a constitutional democratic monarchy, opening the door for devolution of authority over natural resources, among other things, to regional governments and communities. Because the majority of Bhutanese resides in rural areas and depends on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, the sustainable management of natural resources is critical for achieving the four pillars of Gross National Happiness. In collaboration with UWICE, SFS students and faculty help advance Bhutan’s research agenda in several priority areas, including community forestry, human-wildlife interactions, and biodiversity conservation.
Applicants are encouraged to review program information on the SFS website: http://www.fieldstudies.org/bhutan
Program Schedule:
The position runs from late August 2017 through mid July 2018
The term includes three SFS programs: fall semester (late August to December 2017), spring semester (February to May 2018) and summer session (early June to mid July 2018).
Location:
The program is located at the UWICE center in Bumthang with field excursions and mini-treks to surrounding areas.
Internship Summary:
Program Interns provide support in the areas of Research, Student Programming, and Operations. This includes program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, program safety, risk management and site maintenance.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Student Group Dynamics
- Assist Student Affairs Manager in creating, coordinating and carrying out group field trips, field exercises, camping trips, center projects, and community outreach
- Participate in planning activities prior to, and during the program
- Participate in the orientation components of the program presented to students
- Organize students to perform their required tasks in support of the residential aspects of program (chores, food preparation, recycling efforts, center clean-ups, outreach projects)
- Assist in providing day to day support to students
Academic:
- Assist faculty with coordinating and executing academic and research activities
- Organize and prepare academic and research materials for faculty projects
- Help develop center sustainability projects
- Provide support in off-site field exercises
- Opportunity to develop and carry out research projects under the guidance of a faculty member
Administrative/Logistical:
- On a rotating basis, act as "staff of the day"
- Assist with administrative or logistical tasks such as running errands, driving personnel and students, record keeping, and routine maintenance of site and equipment as requested
- Assist in organizing the library, teaching aids, research materials, and projects
Safety:
- Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and Center policies, procedures, and rules
- Maintain the First Aid equipment and help create and document safety procedures
Minimum Qualifications
- BA/BS in environmental, educational, or development related field
- Experience organizing and facilitating groups
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and independently
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
- First Aid/CPR, Wilderness Advanced First Aid
- Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful completion of an SFS or similar international residential program
- Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Access and statistical software skills
- In country or regional experience
- Advanced medical certifications (WFR, etc.)
Compensation/Benefits
- Stipend
- Onsite room and board
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage
- Extensive program travel throughout Bhutan
- Invitation to attend SFS courses and lectures
Start Date: This is a contract position starting in late August 2017 and ending in mid July 2018.
Location:
Bumthang, Bhutan
Reports to:
Bhutan Program Director. Day to day supervision may be delegated to Student Affairs Manager, faculty, or another staff member as appropriate.
To Apply: Submit a cover letter outlining relevant experiences and addressing the qualifications and expectations stated above and resume online. References will be required upon request.
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