ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Geosciences Summer Field Camp Field Assistant

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Summary: This is a temporary 6-week-long intensive Geosciences Summer Field Camp Field Assistant position (May 19th to June 29th, 2024) for an individual with career geoscience aspirations to collaborate with existing faculty during our Summer Geology Field Camp (GEOL 480) 6-credit course. The selected individual will be a "second staff" member on the team for all weeks of GEOL 480, and subsequently acquire a solid "credential" for their resume. The Assistant may potentially be selected for future summer offerings of GEOL 480 beyond 2024, based on future availability of funds and the quality of the experience in 2024 based on student/instructor evaluations. The Assistant will be expected to actively participate and collaborate at least 8-hours per day every weekday during GEOL 480 (sometime more) and will also be involved in some travel/work on weekends. Availability of a personal vehicle is not a requirement, but an ability to drive and CMU approval to operate a 15-passenger van during the Field Camp is necessary. The Geosciences Summer Field Camp Field Assistant must have a strong background in field-based geology-either having previously been on an equivalent summer geology field program and/or having research experience creating geologic maps. Experience or interest in undergraduate field-based teaching is desirable. This position will support the curriculum for our Geosciences track in the Geosciences Program at Colorado Mesa University (CMU).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide teaching & safety assistance (in collaboration with other CMU Geology faculty members) the 2024, 6-week Geology Summer Field Camp course (GEOL 480) that is required for CMU undergraduate geology majors (non-CMU students typically do not attend). The course is a combination of local (e.g. Grand Junction area) projects and tent-camping-based projects in the Colorado Plateau region (e.g., Moab, Kanab area, Henry Mts, Browns Park, in CO, UT, and WY) and surroundings.

Qualities necessary to perform this job successfully include:

• having a positive attitude and an ability to be flexible in challenging situations
• being a skilled field geologist
• having a passion for teaching
• being able work long hours outdoors, in a variety of summer-alpine weather conditions, in rugged terrain
• being able to carry loads up to 25 lbs over long distances
• having a legal driver's license
• qualifying to drive a CMU-owned 15-passenger van
• being a collaborative team member, including strong interpersonal-communication skills and problem-resolution ability
  
  Specific duties will include, but are not limited to:
• play a critical role in the course safety, including (i) monitoring student groups in the field, (ii) driving a course van, (iii) knowing all safety-related rules & regulations, and (iv) embodying safe field-geology practices
• actively participating in student-centered informal teaching of field mapping methods & other critical geoscience skills
• assisting with logistics during student "off hours" (i) before and after the entire course, (ii) in between each weekly project, (iii) before and after each day in the field
• assist with logistics-such as meal preparation-during camping weeks
  
  Required Qualifications:
• M.S. in Geological Sciences OR a B.S. in Geological Sciences AND at least 1 year of work experience containing geological-field components at time of appointment.
• Completion of a multi-week undergraduate Geology summer field camp course (or equivalent)
  
  Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated interest in teaching undergraduate geology summer field camp courses (either as instructor or teaching assistant)
• Research experience on project(s) with a significant field-mapping component
• First-aid certifications (e.g., CPR, wilderness)
  
  Salary: $6,000.00
  
  Department: Colorado Mesa University
  
  Employment Type: Adjunct Faculty
  
  HOW TO APPLY
  
  Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 3/15/2024.
  
  How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
  
  Direct Inquiries Contact: Greg Baker gbaker@coloradomesa.edu
  
  ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
  
  Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus located in Grand Junction. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings. Founded in 1925, it's a dynamic university enrolling more than 11,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.
  
  At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they'll encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that support students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
  
  The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you won't have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. In addition to a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
  
  Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
  
  Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed.
  
  
  

  Colorado Mesa University
  
  Attn: Human Resources Office
  
  1100 North Avenue
  
  Grand Junction, CO 81501

  970.248.1820