Job opportunity (MS/PhD): Field Program Coordinator

Normally this kind of info gets passed around by e-mail (or shows up in paid ads), but I don't have MS or PhD students myself, and I know there's a lot of competition for academic-related jobs these days, even if geology-related industries are booming. So... a job ad.

Got an MS or PhD? Enjoy field work, including handling logistics? Interested in pedagogy in the outdoors? Want to live in the Bay Area? Need a job? If that sounds like you, you might be interested in this job opportunity:

Position Description: Field Program Coordinator (Stanford University)

The School of Earth Sciences at Stanford University is seeking a Field Program Coordinator to support and grow our field program. The primary responsibility of the coordinator is to facilitate the development and execution of field-based courses both local to Stanford and abroad, primarily in California, the Rocky Mountains, Hawaii, and potentially Alaska and South America. The coordinator will work closely with faculty and graduate students to support existing field-based teaching, develop new field-based courses, and develop and test field labs, offering both logistical and pedagogical support. In addition, he or she will coordinate field opportunities throughout the school, providing assistance to existing courses as necessary. Courses cover a variety of subject areas, including geological field mapping, ecology and environmental science, remote sensing field campaigns, and interdisciplinary courses that include a strong cultural component. The primary role of the coordinator is to help develop and execute all components of the course, including logistics such as housing and transportation, making and maintaining connections to local agencies and landowners to receive permissions, scouting appropriate field data collection sites, and maintaining some equipment. This position reports to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Specific tasks include:
• Work with individual faculty to help develop new field activities and courses
• Coordinate development and support the teaching of multi-faculty, interdisciplinary courses, including a quarter-long course in Hawaii and a 3-week Sophomore College course
• Collect and maintain logistical information for conducting field courses
• Work with coordinator of the shared Field Measurements Facility to schedule field equipment usage, train new users, and purchase new equipment as necessary
• Work with Undergraduate Program Coordinator to develop learning outcomes in field skills for undergraduate and graduate students and categorize field opportunities based on skills expected and skills achieved
• Work with Web Producer to develop and maintain a field trip database including location, skills, maps, background information, and field guides
• Update and maintain web pages advertising field opportunities and recording results of past field courses
• Work with Directors of Alumni Relations and Communications to communicate field program outcomes to alumni and report on use of funds
• Work with Health and Safety Coordinator to develop and offer field safety training courses
• Coordinate scheduling of field trips and field research courses in Earth Systems, Energy Resources Engineering, Environmental Earth System Science, Geological and Environmental Sciences, and Geophysics
• Provide logistical support for field trip planning, including the maintenance of camping equipment and scheduling the use of camping equipment, vehicles, and campgrounds
• When necessary, attend field trips and/or courses to act as on-site field camp manager

Qualifications:
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in the Earth/environmental sciences with demonstrated excellence in field project management; 2+ years experience in managing field projects or coordinating and leading field trips is required. High degree of cultural sensitivity required; experience collaborating with a variety of cultures and/or communities desired. Familiarity with techniques of data collection in the field highly desirable; may include experience in geologic field mapping, surveying, environmental consulting/data collection, or other field research skills. Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques, strong communication skills, and a comfort working with a variety of people are essential. Exceptional organizational skills are required. Writing and editorial skills are expected; web skills are desirable. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, to carry out responsibilities, and to exercise good judgment are critical. The application deadline is June 30, 2008.

To apply, go to http://jobs.stanford.edu/find_a_job.html and search for “Field Program Coordinator.”