Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager Full-time

Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager

The Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager provides leadership in the planning, coordination, and ongoing enhancement of experiential learning across the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS). The role supports and advances the delivery of field-based, laboratory, and hands-on learning opportunities within undergraduate and graduate programs, working with faculty and instructional teams to ensure experiential components are effectively implemented, inclusive, and aligned with course learning outcomes.

Working in close collaboration with faculty and instructional teams, the Manager identifies opportunities to strengthen experiential learning across EOAS disciplines and supports the delivery of field courses, laboratory classes, and related instructional activities through appropriate training, instructional resources, and coordinated program supports. The role contributes to curriculum-related discussions where experiential learning is embedded and develops tools, resources, and processes that enhance student preparation, participation, and success.

The position also coordinates the instructional use of field and teaching facilities, including the UBC Teck Geological Field Station, ensuring that environments, equipment, and logistical supports are in place to enable safe and effective learning experiences. Operational planning and risk-management activities are undertaken in direct support of academic programming and student learning.

The Manager supervises the Field School Caretaker and the Educational Field & Lab Assistant and provides guidance to staff and instructional teams supporting experiential learning delivery. The role leads planning and coordination efforts that ensure experiential learning environments—whether in classrooms, laboratories, or field settings—are accessible, well-supported, and aligned with departmental teaching priorities. Occasional travel to field locations is required.

Reports to the Director, Resources & Operations. Works closely with instructional faculty, laboratory teaching coordinators, departmental committees, departmental safety personnel, and administrative staff. Maintains professional relationships with external partners, contractors, vendors, community organizations, and museums contributing to instructional and experiential learning needs.

Directly supervises the Field School Caretaker (NURAT) and the Educational Field & Lab Assistant (CUPE 2050), and may oversee student workers, seasonal staff, or contractors involved in educational preparation and delivery. The role also liaises with external academic institutions using the Teck Field Station, ensuring coordinated support for their field courses and alignment with safety and operational standards.

Educational Programming, Experiential Learning Development & Instructional Support

• Leads the planning and coordination of experiential learning opportunities across EOAS programs and contributes to their ongoing development.
• Collaborates with faculty and instructional teams to design, refine, and expand field-based, laboratory, and hands-on learning components embedded within undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Advises instructors on experiential learning models, sequencing of activities, resource requirements, and inclusive practices to support defined learning outcomes.
• Participates in curriculum development discussions to proactively identify opportunities to strengthen experiential learning integration within programs.
• Develops and delivers training for students, TAs, and instructors on field and laboratory learning protocols, safety practices, equipment use, and pre-departure preparation.
• Creates and curates instructional materials, including field guides, safety modules, equipment tutorials, and learning resources that support student preparedness and skill development.
• Identifies barriers to participation in experiential learning and develops strategies and supports to improve accessibility, inclusion, and student readiness.
• Collects and analyzes feedback from instructors and students on experiential components and implements improvements to enhance learning effectiveness and program quality.
• Contributes to departmental and UBC-wide initiatives related to experiential learning, teaching innovation, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Instructional Infrastructure & Experiential Program Coordination

• Ensures instructional environments used for experiential learning—including field sites, laboratories, and related teaching spaces—are safe, accessible, and pedagogically appropriate.
• Coordinates instructional use of the UBC Teck Geological Field Station and other field locations in support of academic programs across disciplines.
• Determines logistical plans required to deliver field-based learning activities, including site coordination, scheduling, equipment readiness, and instructional resource preparation.
• Coordinates risk management processes for field-based educational programming in alignment with UBC policies and safety requirements.
• Partners with UBC Safety & Risk Services and departmental safety personnel to integrate best practices into experiential learning activities.
• Coordinates systems supporting instructional equipment and learning resources to ensure availability for academic programs.
• Coordinates with external partners, academic institutions, and community organizations supporting experiential learning activities.

Leadership, Supervision & Stakeholder Engagement

• Directly supervises the Field School Caretaker and Educational Field & Lab Assistant, providing direction, task prioritization, performance planning, and ongoing development.
• Determines staffing and support requirements necessary to deliver experiential learning programs effectively and safely.
• Supports instructors and TAs in the implementation of experiential learning components, providing guidance on instructional logistics, resource use, and student support strategies.
• Contributes to departmental committees and working groups related to experiential learning, instructional planning, and student experience.

Decisions made by the incumbent directly influence the quality, safety, and effectiveness of EOAS experiential learning programs. Errors in planning, safety oversight, instructional support, or coordination could: jeopardize student and staff safety during field or lab activities, compromise academic program delivery, result in damage to teaching facilities or field station assets, or negatively impact student learning outcomes or program continuity.

A high level of independent decision-making, risk awareness, and judgment is expected. Works under broad direction from the Director, Resources & Operations. Receives high-level guidance on strategic goals and independently plans, prioritizes, and executes work that supports instructional delivery, experiential learning, and field infrastructure.

The Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager directly supervises the Field School Caretaker and the Educational Field & Lab Assistant.

May also supervise or coordinate the work of seasonal staff, student workers, temporary employees, and contractors supporting instructional delivery or field school operations.

Minimum Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSc or MSc in Earth Sciences, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Experience coordinating field schools, experiential learning, or laboratory-based instruction in a post-secondary environment.
• Experience developing learning materials, safety training resources, or student/TA instructional supports.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, including mentorship, task planning, and performance management.
• Strong organizational, logistical, and project-coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex academic cycles.
• Experience with educational or digital inventory systems, asset lifecycle planning, and curation of teaching collections.
• Knowledge of UBC safety and risk management frameworks or comparable institutional systems.
• Wilderness First Aid, Occupational First Aid (Level 1 or higher), or willingness to obtain.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License and clean driving record.