Cancun, Mexico and/or Boulder, CO

Position Title: Teaching Assistant for Ecosystem Field Studies Course

Organization: Ecosystem Field Studies

Location: Cancun, Mexico and/or Boulder, CO

Organization Overview: Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies is a 21-day, 3 undergraduate credit field course that teaches fundamental concepts in ecosystem science and skills in hands-on research methods. Caribbean EcoFS immerses students in a spectacular marine ecosystem setting and engages in active investigations that includes scientific observation, data collection, and the implementation of an individual research project.

Colorado Ecosystem Field Studies is a 21-day, 3 undergraduate credit field course that teaches fundamental concepts in ecosystem science and skills in hands-on research methods. Colorado EcoFS immerses students in a spectacular ecosystem setting and engages in active investigations that includes scientific observation, data collection, and the implementation of an individual research project.

These 300-level classes are open to 20 undergraduate students in an ecosystem related major from throughout the US, Canada and beyond and is accredited by the Environmental Studies Program of the University of Montana (UM). Steve Johnson, EcoFS Director is Affiliate Faculty in Environmental Studies at UM Program and serves as Instructor and the TA’s direct supervisor.

Duties: 

Primary academic responsibilities include:

• Create & grade daily homework assignments, plus grading of final paper & exam (due after course end)
• Facilitate students in all aspects of their individual field research project
• Teach lessons on the scientific method, field sampling techniques, data analysis & other course concepts based on TA strengths

Secondary responsibilities include:

• Facilitate group dynamics and student safety/comfort
• Assist daily instruction and serve as a reliable backup to the Instructor.

Qualifications:

• Candidates in process of completion of a Master’s degree, or a higher academic level, are welcome to apply
• Must have strong field ecosystem research background and advanced ecosystem related data analysis skills
• Prior Teaching Assistant experience a plus

For Caribbean Course:

• Strong marine skills in snorkeling and SCUBA diving
• Knowledge of Caribbean coral reef ecosystem

For Colorado Course:

• Strong mountain camping & hiking skills are required, personal vehicle available for use during course a plus

Start/End Dates: 

Caribbean Course: Course dates are May 22 – June 11, 2024. (TA must arrive in Cancun, Mexico on May 20.)

Colorado Course: Course dates are July 19 – August 8, 2024 . (TA must arrive in Boulder CO on July 18.)

Salary/Pay: Candidates are welcome to apply for one or both courses. There is a $500 bonus for completion of both courses.

Caribbean Course: $4,000, includes all on-course expenses: meals, accommodations, activities.
TA pays for airfare to/from Cancun airport

Colorado Course: $4,000, includes all on-course expenses: meals, accommodations, activities, course travel etc.
Any fuel costs for vehicle use on course are reimbursed.

How to Apply: Email cover letter & resume/CV to Steve Johnson, Course Director at steve@ecofs.org.