Description

Course: NRSM 391 Ecological Foundations of Restoration Ecology (3 credits, upper division undergraduate level)
Organization: Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) 
University Credit: University of Montana (Missoula), Educational Initiatives & Innovation Office

About SER
The Society for Ecological Restoration is a 501(c)3 non-profit global, mission-driven organization with more than 5,000 members in 130+ countries. The society has 16 regional chapters, 3 thematic sections, and more than 35 student associations. SER’s mission is to advance the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration to sustain biodiversity, improve resilience in a changing climate, and re-establish an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture. SER has a small, dynamic staff; everyone is encouraged to participate, add value, grow and develop their programs, and contribute substantially towards meeting our mission. 

Position description
SER is seeking three qualified Course Instructors to support delivery of Ecological Foundations of Restoration Ecology, an online 3-credit upper-division undergraduate course offered through SER with university credit provided from the University of Montana. This virtual course is fully structured and delivered via the SER Learn online platform with weekly synchronous Zoom discussion sections. It includes 45 hours of online learning (~33 hours of online course content plus 12 hours of Course Instructor-led weekly discussion classes) and an expectation of ~90 additional hours of homework throughout the term.

The Instructor will be provided with all course content, quizzes, and assignments. Primary course content will be available to students via SER Learn and will be fully available before the course begins. The Instructor’s role is to lead weekly synchronous discussions, evaluate student performance by reviewing and grading submitted work, assign final grades, and engage with students remotely by responding to student  questions via email and through regular office hours.

Requirements

Position type

This is a flat rate, short term independent contract. All instructional materials will be provided. Course Instructors will be paid $6,500 USD for the full semester of work.

Key responsibilities

Synchronous facilitation

• Lead and facilitate 12 synchronous Zoom discussion sessions, creating a respectful and academically rigorous learning environment.
• Proctor synchronous exam sessions.

Assessment, grading, and feedback

• Grade and provide feedback on course assignments using course rubrics
• Maintain the course gradebook for your section.

Academic operations and student support

• Monitor learner progress and engagement in SER Learn; support timely interventions for students falling behind.
• Communicate clearly and consistently through the LMS (primary channel for official course communications).
• Coordinate with the Lead Instructor (Dr. Cara Nelson) and SER course operations on scheduling, pacing, and escalation issues.

Policy adherence

• Uphold course policies on attendance, academic integrity, and permitted AI use (AI tools permitted only for spelling/grammar assistance; other uses are not allowed).

Course structure and cadence for students

• 2 hours/week asynchronous activities in SER Learn
• 1 hour/week synchronous course activity (discussion session or exam) via Zoom
• Assignments include guided reading questions (required for progression, not graded), embedded quizzes (required for progression, not graded), plus graded discussions, reports, critiques, and exams.

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in ecology, restoration ecology, conservation science, or a closely related field (PhD strongly preferred).
• Broad expertise in restoration ecology scientific concepts from individual species to landscape level context.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, reliable and timely turnaround on grading and student inquiries (within published course expectations).
• Availability to instruct each and every one of the 12 synchronous sessions offered in the section that the Instructor is leading.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate courses or professional training and grading student work.
• Experience facilitating classroom discussions, experience with online teaching/facilitation strongly preferred.
• Comfort with Zoom facilitation and Learning Management System workflows (posting announcements, tracking submissions, grading).

Time commitment (planning estimate)

The course will be offered from September through December 2026.

Up to 20 hours per week over the 15-week course (estimated maximum weekly time needed; actual time will vary from week to week and should not exceed 20 hours in any given week):  

• Prep time and grading (please note that all course materials will be provided for the Instructors): ~10 hours/wk
• Course review and discussion sessions: ~4 hours/wk
• Assessing/reporting student progress in SER Learn: ~3 hours/wk
• Office hours, answering questions: ~3 hours/wk

Reporting relationship

The Course Instructor works in coordination with:

• Lead Instructor: Dr. Cara Nelson (University of Montana)
• SER Course Operations / Project Management (logistics, learner support workflows, platform coordination)

Compensation, benefits, and work environment

As explained above, each Course Instructor will work as an independent contractor at a flat rate of USD$6,500. SER does not provide any employee benefits to independent contractors. The work environment is fully remote; applications accepted from qualified candidates globally.

How to apply 
Please submit:

• Short statement of interest (max 2 pages) providing a detailed description of your background and experience in restoration ecology (e.g., from genes to landscapes), course instruction and facilitation, and experience assessing student work.
• CV or Resumé
• Two professional or academic references, including contact information and description of your professional relationship with the reference.
• Please note if you are an SER member or a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP/CERPIT).

These positions are open until filled. Preference for applications received by May 20th. Send full application (interest statement, CV, references) to: projectstaffing@ser.org with subject line: “Candidate Course Instructor– Foundations of Restoration Ecology.”

SER is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.