Primary Purpose: The Indigenous Agriculture Research and Engagement Specialist will create and foster new and existing relationships with Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations involved in research, outreach, and engagement work related to Indigenous agriculture across the Prairies. This work will primarily support community engagement and research activities of the LEAP, SAGE, and Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab aimed to advance climate resilient Indigenous agriculture and food systems.

Nature of Work: The Indigenous Agriculture Research and Engagement Specialist reports to the project lead, Dr. Melissa Arcand, and will be in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. This position will play a critical role in leading research and outreach required to meaningfully engage Indigenous partners in co-developed research focused on improving agroecological sustainability across the Prairies. The outcomes of this work include developing information and resources designed to support First Nations lands departments and committees to assist with land management visioning, planning, data collection, gap identification, and exploring implementation of sustainability practices on existing lands and with lease relationships. The projects involve Indigenous community engagement to identify gaps, needs, and priorities that advance Indigenous-led agricultural initiatives in the Prairie region. The role will involve communication and coordination with Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations, including acting as a liaison with the research, outreach, and curriculum development LEAP, SAGE, and Bridge teams. Stewarding these relationships is critical to ensuring that Indigenous communities are providing meaningful input and direction to our research and outreach activities, including feedback on Indigenous agricultural training needs. The role is best suited for someone who can work independently and collaboratively, has strong communication and organizational skills, a willingness and ability to travel to Indigenous communities in the Prairies, and can effectively balance priorities and deadlines. We are interested in mentoring the candidate to increase capacity in Indigenous agriculture.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Conducting in-person interviews and focus groups, which will involve travel, primarily across the Aspen Parkland region of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba
Liaising with Indigenous farmers, First Nations land department staff, and other Indigenous rightsholders and Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations for research and outreach activities related to Indigenous agriculture on the Prairies
Liaising with project partner organizations in collaborating on shared deliverables
Participating in meetings with the outreach and research teams to discuss and refine data collection processes
Recruiting and communicating via phone and email with potential research participants, including current and former staff from First Nations lands departments, members of leadership (Chiefs and Councils, Lands Advisory Committees and Authorities), farmers, and other individuals with knowledge of agricultural land management on First Nations
Participating in organization of outreach events such as the Indigenous Farm and Food Festival and Keystone Connections, among other events
Providing administrative support for Elder and Indigenous knowledge keeper participation in outreach and engagement events
Analyzing research data and drafting peer-reviewed manuscripts

Education: Applicants will have a MSc graduate degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, soil science, or related discipline.

Experience:

Conducting interdisciplinary research in the natural sciences and with Indigenous communities
Facilitating or presenting at workshops and conferences
Translating technical knowledge to a broader audience
Experience in searching, reading, and summarizing peer-reviewed and grey literature
Communicating and liaising with Indigenous communities on food security, agriculture, and environmental projects

Licenses: A valid Class 5 Drivers License is required and meeting requirements to drive university vehicles is mandatory

Skills:

Knowledge of issues in Indigenous food and agricultural systems
Excellent oral and written communication, time management, and organizational skills are required
The ability to work and communicate with colleagues and collaborators of diverse backgrounds
Understanding of First Nations history and culture in the Prairies
Knowledge of First Nations land management regimes and administration
Knowledge of regenerative agricultural beneficial management practices is an asset

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

Department: Soil Science
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
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: 3/16/2026
Closing Date: 3/22/2026 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 us for assistance.

Indigenous Agriculture Research and Engagement Specialist, Soil Science

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