Community Researcher (Casual)

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT); Young's Point; On-site; CAD 3,444,000 - 4,822,000; Part time

Job summary

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) invites applications for a casual Community Researcher position within our SSHRC-funded project focused on strengthening First Nations-led approaches to applied research. You will engage with community members, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and support respectful knowledge sharing and learning.

This community-based role emphasizes engagement, local knowledge, and prioritizing community priorities, including food sovereignty contexts.

Qualifications

• Experience with First Nations communities or local knowledge.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
• Ability to participate in community conversations, interviews and sharing circles.
• Ability to take clear notes and summarize information.
• Willingness to travel within the community and to project activities.

Responsibilities

• Support community engagement and conversations in project activities.
• Assist with identifying and connecting with potential participants.
• Help coordinate sharing circles, interviews, and other project activities.
• Share information about the project in accessible, community-friendly ways.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of information.

Skills

Verbal communication

Listening skills

Relationship building

Independent worker

Flexible hours

Note taking

Tools

Email

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centers across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

The Community Researcher will join our research team as part of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded project focused on strengthening First Nations-led approaches to applied research. The Community Researcher will play an important role in helping the project remain grounded in community relationships, local knowledge and community priorities. This position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.

Specific Accountabilities

The Community Researcher is a community-based role that will work alongside the SIIT project team and community partner to support community engagement, conversations, knowledge gathering and learning throughout the project. The First Nations Voices in Applied Research project brings SIIT together with community partners to learn about how applied research can better reflect First Nations priorities, relationships, knowledge and ways of doing things. Food sovereignty provides an applied context for some of the community conversations and learning taking place through the project. The Community Researcher is responsible for conducting research under the guidance of staff or faculty while adhering to policies and procedures for ethical research practice. This position includes the following broad range of accountabilities:

Community Research & Engagement

• Participate in project orientation and research training
• Learn about community based and First Nations approaches to research
• Help build and maintain relationships with community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and project partners
• Act as a connection between the community, community partner, and SIIT project team
• Share information about the project in clear, accessible, and community-friendly ways
• Assist with identifying and connecting with potential participants, following the project's approved research and ethics processes
• Help coordinate community conversations, sharing circles, interviews, and other project activities
• Welcome participants and help create comfortable, respectful, and culturally appropriate spaces for conversations
• Support community conversations and interviews alongside members of the project team
• Bring community knowledge, context, and priorities into project discussions
• Participate in regular project team meetings and reflection conversations

Research Ethics, Knowledge & Documentation

• Support the project team in maintaining clear, organized, and respectful documentation of community research activities and learning
• Take notes and assist with documenting community perspectives where appropriate and with consent
• Follow approved research ethics processes, project protocols, and SIIT policies related to privacy, consent, and information management
• Support research activities in ways that respect First Nations approaches to knowledge, relationships, protocols, and community priorities
• Ensure information shared by community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and project partners is treated with appropriate confidentiality, respect, and care
• Support the preparation of community friendly summaries, reports, presentations, and other materials that accurately reflect community perspectives and priorities

Community & Project Accountability

• Establish and maintain respectful relationships with community partners, as well as internal and external project partners and contacts
• Support communication and information sharing between community partners and the SIIT project team
• Provide regular and effective communication to project team and community partners as requested
• Support the project team in responding to new community research opportunities and emerging priorities
• Support project accountability by ensuring that community perspectives, priorities, and contributions are appropriately reflected throughout the research process
• Complete other related community research and project activities as they emerge

Required Qualifications And Experience

• A combination of community, work, volunteer, educational and/or lived experience relevant to the role. A specific post-secondary credential is not required. Training and support will be provided.
• Knowledge of, connection to, or experience working with First Nations communities.
• Experience building relationships and working respectfully with community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leaders and/or community organizations.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
• Ability to participate in community conversations, interviews, sharing circles and other engagement activities.
• Ability to take clear notes and assist with organizing and summarizing information.
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Word and/or Teams, or the willingness and ability to learn.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle community and research information with care.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of a collaborative project team.
• Availability to work flexible and variable hours based on community and project activities.
• Ability to travel within the community and to project activities as required

Required Competencies:

• Flexible and Adaptable
• Effective Communication
• Relationship Building
• Results Oriented
• Client Focus
• Initiative
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork

This is a casual position, up to 8 hours per week.

Term length: October 15, 2026 to June 30, 2027