POSITION DESCRIPTION
A new program at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), FUERTE (Field-based Undergraduate Engagement through Research, Teaching and Education), seeks an Academic Coordinator (AC) to assist in the goal of the program: to provide field-work oriented research experiences and mentoring for undergraduates that are under-represented in STEM, especially conservation and environmental science.
UCSB is a Hispanic Serving Institution and FUERTE was developed to provide ecology STEM experiences for Latinx undergraduates and any individuals from under-represented groups. We seek a creative, motivated team player who shares our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in environmental science, and is willing and able to juggle a broad spectrum of responsibilities to fill this exciting and dynamic role within FUERTE. The FUERTE AC will join a team of UCSB principal investigators (PIs) at the beginning of the FUERTE program. Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation in 2020, FUERTE aims to surmount barriers to involvement of traditionally underserved students through inclusive mentoring, early and immersive exposure to field-based science and tools, and extensive professional skills development and career experiences. Through extensive evaluation programs this project will contribute knowledge about the importance of field and research experiences in fostering careers in environmental sciences in Latinx students.
The successful candidate will have management experience, experiences working with a diverse set of colleagues, experience with DEI practices and policy, especially in an academic setting.
The AC’s main duties will focus on (1) organizational support for the FUERTE PIs, FUERTE Fellows and their mentor teams, (2) management of various FUERTE activities, and (3) administrative support of the program. Since FUERTE primarily serves to provide experiences for undergraduates, the AC will also be involved in coordinating and developing activities for the undergraduate FUERTE Fellows on campus, and in communicating with the UCSB campus community and associated FUERTE partners.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinate meetings with the FUERTE team and act as a connector to campus activities at other centers (e.g., the Transfer Student Center and ONDAS Student Center)
- Coordinate travel logistics for the FUERTE fellows
- Assist the FUERTE PIs in advertising and recruiting for each FUERTE cohort
- Assist with field trip logistics, including attending a 2-week field trip to the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab (SNARL) and 2-3 days trips to local marine field sites
- Manage and contribute to FUERTE social media communication, and assist PIs with the management of the FUERTE webpage
- Plan and assist with coordination of FUERTE courses, workshops, events, and invited speakers
- Assist in identifying, arranging, and supporting mentorship partnerships
- Manage FUERTE purchasing in support of undergraduate research projects
- Assist the PIs with communication with partner organizations (e.g., NGOs and state and federal agencies)
- Engage in outreach to and serve as a point of contact for families of FUERTE students, including preparing bilingual print information and organizing and hosting a bilingual family reception
- Organize communication with the FUERTE external evaluators
- Create and present budget reports to the FUERTE Director
- Assist the PI in developing annual reports
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in environmental sciences, conservation biology, marine science, ecology, biology (or related field) or a relevant Associate’s degree plus 2 years research experience at the time of application.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in administration of diversity, inclusion and equity issues in an academic environment
- Experience managing academic programs or programmatic budgets
- Experience working in a research academic setting
- Experience mentoring undergraduate students
- Experience in STEM education, communication, and using social media in a science communication setting
- Ability to communicate with a broad range of constituents, including the ability to communicate about STEM education in Spanish
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter – Please include past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
Reference requirements
- 3 required (contact information only)
We will seek letters of reference for applicants on the long-shortlist. Based on letters received and application materials, we will determine which candidates will be interviewed for the position. Help contact: lswanson@ucsb.edu
More information in this website.