What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor in Environmental Science - Matthiessen Scholar Program position at Hotchkiss Brand?
Department: Instruction
FLSA: Exempt
Job Status: Temporary
Reports to: Director of Academic Research Programs
Schedule: June 13th - June 28th, 2026 in residence at Yale’s field camp at Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, CT
Designation: Associate Faculty, non-benefit eligible
Travel: Occasional
Housing: Room and board provided, costs associated with travel may be provided.
Compensation: $4,000
Applications must be submitted by November 15th, 2025.
Our Program:
The Matthiessen Scholars Program offers selected rising Hotchkiss high school seniors the opportunity to complete research projects in environmental science. The summer portion of this program takes place over the course of two weeks each June and is based at Yale University’s research camp at the Great Mountain Forest (GMF) in Norfolk, Connecticut.
Position Description:
The Instructor in Environmental Science reports to the Director of the Matthiessen Scholars Program and the Director of Academic Research Programs. The Instructor aids the Director in both setting and fulfilling Matthiessen’s academic priorities while in residence at Yale’s field camp in June. These priorities include instruction in forest ecology, interpretation of land use history, study design, and field research sampling techniques. Instruction could also emphasize the application of research at varying scales, the fundamentals of disturbance and recovery dynamics, biogeochemical cycling, community assembly, and species population dynamics. In tandem with their academic duties, the Instructor will live at the field camp for the duration of the Program and, alongside other teachers and a cook, help manage the day-to-day residential experience, ensuring that students are safe and secure until the Program ends.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The majority of the Instructor’s role will be teaching topics in environmental science and mentoring students in research. This involves one-on-one instruction for students, and it also includes giving talks, setting up labs, and generating lessons for the full group of Matthiessen students as needed. The Instructor will be expected to live at the field camp and work closely with the Director and GMF staff to ensure that facilities are used appropriately, programmatic goals are met, and the pastoral responsibilities of caring for adolescents in a residential setting are fulfilled. Finally, the Instructor is responsible for balancing safety with Program goals, such that students are pushed and challenged academically in the Program’s natural setting, but always within the bounds of best practices in a wilderness environment.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be a PhD candidate or recent graduate. A Master's in Forestry or another field relevant to environmental science is also acceptable. All candidates should feel comfortable with developing lessons related to forest ecology and have some experience teaching, ideally in field settings and on topics related to New England forests and disturbance. Candidates should have prior experience in conducting their own research projects and/or mentoring students in research, as well as the subsequent interpretation and reporting of findings. Additionally, the most qualified candidates will have some background in monitoring and ensuring the safety of groups of students, especially younger ones, in a field setting.
CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certifications are required.
Application Information:
Through the online application, which can be found at hotchkiss.org/careers under “Summer Opportunities”, interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé/CV. The School is committed to building and supporting a diverse community where all feel safe, seen, and supported. Successful applicants will address their ability to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and exciting learning environment. APPLY NOW!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.
The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).
In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
About The Hotchkiss School
Located in the scenic Berkshire-Taconic landscape in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is a community in which faculty and staff members build careers and grow as professionals. We seek to identify, recruit, and develop faculty and staff members who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Collectively, we are dedicated to supporting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of over 600 students who come from around the country and the world.
In the 2024-2025 school year, our student body included 37% of students receiving financial aid, 14% international students, and 42% domestic students of color. Geographically diverse, our students represent 38 states, 34 countries, and span 6 continents. The School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm learning community for students from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.
Salary : $4,000