Chronic housing shortages on the reservation dictate that most instructors at OLC live outside the reservation and drive significant distances to deliver their classes. OLC provides reimbursement for mileage associated with teaching activities. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Because of the decentralized nature of the college, instructors may expect to do a large amount of class preparation, grading, and other instructional related activities at home. Instructors therefore must be self-motivated to accomplish their work goals without direct supervision from the Department Chair.
Instructors also serve as mentors for undergraduate students in wildlife conservation biology.
Service on college committees is also required. Ph.D. in wildlife ecology, conservation biology or a related discipline. Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching is expected. Employment experience with state or federal natural resource agencies is desired, as is a commitment to understanding and respecting Lakota cultures and traditions. Lakota is the Official Language of OLC, however, all instruction outside of the Lakota Studies Department is in English.