Position Overview

The Department of Civil Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Community Based Researcher. This Part-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position will report directly to the Principal Investigator (PI) in the department of Civil Engineering.  The incumbent(s) will be responsible for liaising within and coordinating community research activities as they relate to the research area of sustainable infrastructure in First Nations communities.

The Community-Based Researchers (CBRs) will meet with the research group, providing advice and help to build and foster relationships within the community.  The CBRs will ensure that community concerns, questions and research goals are communicated, and help to foster reciprocal and collaborative relationships.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide assistance in fostering and deepening research relationships with First Nations in Treaty 7, in Alberta and in other locations, where applicable.  The CBR will help to coordinate research activities where necessary, and will help to ensure clear and consistent communication within the community to help guide research work.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Works with the Principle Investigator to review research activities through a community-lens.
• Coordinates research activities at the community level.
• Helps to suggest and prepare research activities, and providing feedback on research objectives.
• Meets regularly with the research group team to ensure quality of work and for further direction.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• The CBR must be Indigenous and based or spend the majority of their time in a First Nation community, with strong connections within the community. The ideal candidate will be based in Treaty 7, but other locations will be considered.
• Completion of a level of education equivalent to Grade 12, with additional work or academic experience considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience organizing and facilitating engagement sessions in First Nations communities.
• Demonstrated experience working with community administration and leadership, youth and/or Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Understanding and experience with Indigenous Knowledge systems and cultural protocols.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• A positive attitude and interest in fostering relationships and investigating future collaborations.
• Relevant experience in First Nations communities in infrastructure, including water and wastewater management is considered an asset.

Application Deadline:  March 24, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 1.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Schulich School of Engineering.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.