Assistant Manager in Indigenous Agroecosystem Stewardship Outreach and Engagement, Soil Science

Primary Purpose: The Assistant Manager in Indigenous Agroecosystem Stewardship Outreach and Engagement supports outreach and research initiatives that strengthen agroecosystem stewardship within Indigenous communities across the Prairies. This position plays a key role in planning and delivering community-based workshops, coordinating cultural and outreach events, and assisting with soil health research and reporting for community participants. This work will primarily support the ē kanātahk askiy Soil and Agroecosystem (SAGE) Project and work in partnership with the Agricultural Climate Solutions “Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab” project aimed to improve caretaking of Indigenous agroecosystems for the benefit of Indigenous Nations and the land.

Nature of Work: The Assistant Manager reports to the project lead, Dr. Melissa Arcand, and will be in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. The role involves a blend of event coordination, community engagement, and research support, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Responsibilities include assisting with soil sampling design and mapping, drafting soil health reports, and working as part of a team to facilitate workshops and outreach activities for Indigenous audiences and working in collaboration with partner organizations. The role is best suited for someone who can work independently and collaboratively and can effectively balance priorities and deadlines. Travel to Indigenous communities will occur primarily during the growing season, with day trips and occasional overnight stays (approximately 1-4 days per trip). The Assistant Manager will also participate in virtual and in-person meetings, professional development, and team planning sessions throughout the year.   

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Event planning and logistical support:
  • Coordinate and purchase supplies for community outreach events such as the Indigenous Farm and Food Festival, Advisory Circle gatherings, and cultural ceremonies
  • Process honouraria and travel reimbursements for Elders, Knowledge Holders, and other invited facilitators and participants
  • Participate in planning major events and workshops
• Community workshop delivery:
  • Assist with land-based outreach activities such as hands-on workshops and field days for Indigenous participants
  • Facilitate and co-deliver in-person and virtual workshops during the winter season, such as webinars and hands-on soil mapping workshops
  • Liaise with partner organizations (e.g., Saskatchewan Aboriginal Lands Technicians and Treaty Land Sharing Network) for co-facilitation of workshops and knowledge-sharing events
• Community soil health reporting:
  • Support soil sampling design based on community input and assist with sample collection
  • Create soil sampling maps using digital mapping tools such as Google Earth and GIS software for implementation and reporting
  • Liaise with laboratory technician to maintain chain-of-custody protocols and ensure timely soil health reporting
  • Draft and review community soil health reports for clarity and accuracy
• Agroecosystem stewardship research support:
  • Recruit research participants for agricultural land stewardship studies
  • Conduct in-person and virtual interviews in collaboration with other team members
  • Gather and synthesize information on agroecosystem stewardship through desktop research
• Community outreach and communication:
  • Communicate and coordinate with First Nations land departments, Indigenous rightsholders, and partner organizations, to support event participation and research activities
• Team and Administrative Support
  • Provide administrative assistance to the project lead and project managers
  • Attend internal team meetings and professional development sessions to support project goals

Education: Applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in renewable resource management, natural resource management, soil science, or environmental science 

Experience:

• Soil science field research in an agricultural context, including sample collection, processing, and analysis
• Communicating and coordinating activities and events related to Indigenous agriculture and land management
• Translating technical knowledge to a broader audience
• Experience in searching, reading, and summarizing peer-reviewed and grey literature
• Facilitating or presenting at workshops and conferences to an Indigenous audience is an asset

Licenses: A valid Class 5 Drivers License is required

Skills:

• Knowledge of the basics of First Nations land management
• Knowledge of Plains Cree cultural protocols
• Knowledge of prairie agroecosystems
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills are required
• The ability to work and communicate with colleagues and collaborators of diverse backgrounds
• The ability to interpret soil maps and work with geospatial data
• Demonstrated basic soil science field research skills
• Knowledge of Plains Indigenous history and culture

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Melissa Arcand at melissa.arcand@usask.ca.

Department: Soil Science
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: 30 hr/week following normal university operating hours. Flexibility required for occasional travel.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.8
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 1/13/2026
Closing Date: 1/19/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.