Indigenous Engagement Specialist

Competition 1581

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).     

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day with the possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and/or in-office work based on work preferences. We welcome applicants from across Alberta. In the event that you need to work on-site, you may have the flexibility to attend either the Edmonton or Calgary offices based on your location and convenience. Preference will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI)

ABMI is dedicated to tracking changes in biodiversity across the entirety of Alberta for the next 100 years, and this resultant information provides Albertans the ability to make informed decisions about the state of their environment in ways never before possible.

Position 

The Indigenous Engagement Specialist works in ABMI’s Operations Centre and is responsible for establishing and fostering relationships and dialogue between the ABMI and Indigenous communities, individuals, organizations, and leadership. This includes coordinating and managing Indigenous engagement around significant projects, such as restoration monitoring programs and geospatial data acquisition and application. In doing so, it will require maintaining communications with other collaborators and partners and participating in relevant programs. This is a highly collaborative position, serving as the point of connection between multiple internal and external partners.

Duties 

The Indigenous Engagement Specialist is responsible for:

• Leading and facilitating the development of biodiversity monitoring programs as they support the needs of Indigenous communities, end-users, partners, and ABMI’s Strategic Plan.
• Providing leadership and expertise related to the collaborative planning and implementation of Indigenous engagement programs across a breadth of topics.
• Works independently, with government partners, Indigenous partners, senior leadership, staff, and project collaborators to conduct necessary project work.
• Facilitating direct and indirect understanding of ABMI knowledge among Indigenous communities, environmental resource managers, policy analysts, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural science, ecology, geography, biological sciences, or a related discipline. 
• Minimum 3 years of working experience in natural science or Native/Indigenous studies, with excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Minimum 1 year experience working directly with Indigenous partners.
• Education and experience equivalencies will be considered. 
• Strong commitment to ABMI’s values, mission, and sustainable resource management.
• Proven experience in project management, including multi-partner, multi-year projects, and product management.
• Relevant education and expertise in biodiversity, ecosystems, forestry, or hydrology, with familiarity with northern Alberta landscapes.
• Cross-cultural agility, with sensitivity to Indigenous cultures and history.
• Excellent communication, organizational skills, self-motivation, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSc in ecology, environment or natural resource management.
• An interest in environmental monitoring.
• Formal project management training and experience using project management tools/software.
• Informal or formal leadership experience.
• Experience conducting and/or using data from field-based monitoring programs.
• Valid Driver’s License.