Field Manager for Semester in the West

Field Manager for Semester in the West

Whitman College

Compensation: $22.00 per hour

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college's working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

Whitman College Semester in the West is an intensive, 3-month field program exploring environmental, social, and political issues in the interior American West, from the forests of the Northwest to the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. The program will host 21 students, one full time professor, two staff members (field manager and technical manager), and several part-time faculty who will join us for various periods throughout the semester. This position will work 40 hours per week from approximately August 11, 2025 to December 19, 2025.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Purchase food and plan meals for 25 people.
• Supervise food preparation and cleanup. Students on the Program are expected to contribute to food preparation and cleanup. Field Manager organizes student "cook crews" and supervises kitchen hygiene, food preparation, cleanup and storage. Students understand that cheerfully fulfilling these duties is essential to the success of the trip, and the field manager is critical in setting expectations, ensuring compliance, and helping students have fun and grow in the process.
• Drive Program Vehicles as needed.
• Organize and supervise camp equipment set-up, maintenance, and takedown. Students will have assigned tasks, and they will understand the importance of contributing in this regard.
• Safety and Hygiene: In conjunction with the Director and Technical Manager, the field manager is responsible for monitoring safety and hygiene for all aspects of the program. Given the nature of the field manager position, emphasis is placed on kitchen hygiene and in-camp systems as a whole, including kitchen waste recycling and disposal.
• Miscellaneous Tasks as directed by the Program Director: errands to town, group troubleshooting, sexual misconduct contact person, etc.
• Assist Technical Manager when needed.
• Update Field Manager Manual at the end of the program.
• It has been customary for the field manager to create a cookbook.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to consistently follow-through on tasks and assignments.
• Strong technical knowledge.
• Ability to actively and positively contribute to Whitman's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Appreciation for and ability to bring levity to some work experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to exhibit maturity and sagacity in a variety of situations.
• Valid driver's license with 3 years of driving experience, and the ability to pass a motor vehicle report.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience cooking for large groups.
• Camping experience on longer outings.
• Wilderness First Aid Certification (or equivalent). If you do not have such certification at the time of appointment the Program may help offset certification costs if you are willing to complete the course).

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The field manager will travel with the Semester in the West Program. The first and final weeks will be spent at the Johnston Wilderness campus. The other 13 weeks will be at various locations in the North American west. Everyone will have tents for sleeping and there will be communal meals. The majority of the time in the position will be outdoors.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit:

• Cover letter (2-3 pages), outlining your interest in the program and the strengths you will bring to the program (address how your experience and personal qualities make you a good match for the job). If you have specific skills or talents that you can bring to the program that might contribute to the program beyond the job description above, please use this space to elaborate on these here. Also, here would also be the place to elaborate on any specific objectives you might have for how you might contribute to the education of SITW students in your capacity as Field Manager.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Insurances.

Basic and insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

with a 10% matching contribution after are met.

Paid Time Off: