Primary Purpose: The Indigenous Grasslands Conservation Specialist will coordinate Indigenous engagement and program mentorship within First Nations communities across the three Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), for the University of Saskatchewan (USask) project Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network. The position will support and implement the development of stewardship programs, cultural knowledge exchanges, peer‑to‑peer training and mentorship opportunities, with First Nation across the three Prairie Province and contribute to a scalable model that can be utilized across Turtle Island.

Nature of Work: The position will report to the Manager, Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network, and collaborate with members of the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre and the Indigenous Kinship Circle (IKC). The Specialist will engage with internal and external stakeholders, as well as First Nation communities, to fulfill the of the overall project objectives. The Specialist must have a strong technical knowledge of all areas of plant ecology and agriculture specifically including grassland plant identification, rangeland management, management and identification of invasive species, and bison/buffalo management. The role will involve a balanced approach of science and technical systems with Indigenous Science (IK) and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to create meaningful engagement opportunities with First Nations land stewards, practioners, elders, youth, and students. The Specialist will work independently and in a variety of integrated team environments to ensure harmonization of activities.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Collaborate with the Manager, Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network to develop grasslands conservation opportunities with First Nation communities, and NGOs/provincial and federal government departments
Coordinate and implement engagement programs and activities with multiple stakeholder groups, government, professional associations, Indigenous organizations and livestock producers, ranchers, with farmers, Non-Government Organizations, and other academic institutions
Contribute to knowledge mobilization events aimed at increasing awareness of the project (e.g., seminars, presentations, conferences)
Support the development of a scalable mentorship program, knowledge sharing hubs and digital resources and an Indigenous Community Engagement Model
Provide support to the Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network and the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre and the Indigenous Kinship Circle (IKC)

Education: A bachelor’s degree in environmental or conservation science, agriculture, resource management, renewable resource management, geography, natural resource management, or related discipline is required, though a combination of educational credentials and experience will be considered.

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years of education and experience in community-based projects and grasslands conservation
Experience leading presentations to non-academic audiences
Experience with grasslands conservation stewardship
Experience working with Indigenous communities
Experience with Indigenous Science (IS) or Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
Experience with Indigenous research principles such as UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, OCAP^®, or TCPS – Chapter 2 is considered an asset
Experience in a second language is considered an asset

Skills:

A valid Class 5 driver’s license
Ability to travel or work evenings and weekends, if required
Strong public communication skills
Strong knowledge of computer applications and programs is important
Ability to work outdoors or in remote locations
Ability to work with diverse teams or independently
Exercise diplomacy and cultural sensitivity
Highly organized and maintains attention to detail

Remove this line if not applicable: Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Naomi Carriere at naomi.carriere@usask.ca

Department: College of Agriculture & Bioresources
Status: Term 3 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: 3/30/2026
Closing Date: 4/12/2026 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 Grasslands Conservation Specialist, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

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