Coordinator(s), Land-Based Learning, Faculty of Science

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 18,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Calgary invites applications for 1–2 part-time Land-based Learning Coordinator positions. Based in Ontario with a focus on Great Lakes communities, you will help develop and deliver land-based education, culture, and language programs in collaboration with First Nations and urban Indigenous partners.

The six-month term may extend. You will work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and youth to plan curricula, coordinate events, and advance Indigenous knowledge within the CERC program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 5+ years working with Indigenous communities.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous protocols and knowledge systems.
• Experience in education, curriculum development, and language programming.
• Experience with outdoor education and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate land-based education programs with First Nations and urban Indigenous partners.
• Develop curriculum frameworks and co-deliver land-based activities.
• Plan logistics for education programming, timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate events, engage youth, Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Ensure OH&S compliance for field activities and community events.

Skills

Indigenous protocols

Leadership

Education program design

Community engagement

Communication skills

Program coordination

Curriculum development

Language and culture programming

Outdoor education experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Indigenous studies / education / science / environment / ecology

Tools

First Aid

Wilderness First Aid

Paddling certifications

Outdoor education certifications

Job description

Description

The Faculty of Science is seeking applicants for 1-2 part-time Coordinator positions to oversee and coordinate Indigenous community-based, land-based initiatives in partner First Nations in Ontario and Indigenous urban communities (Toronto). The Land-based Learning Coordinator(s) support this project as part of the research program led by Dr. Deborah McGregor, an internationally recognized scholar in Indigenous Environmental Justice and the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Indigenous Ways of Climate and Water Sustainability for Planetary Health and Well-being. Coordinator(s) will be hired for a six-month term with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to Dr. McGregor, the Coordinator(s) will serve as a point of contact with First Nations and urban Indigenous organizations in Ontario to support land-based ecological work and educational activities. Key responsibilities include working with First Nations and Indigenous urban organizations to develop, plan and implement land and culture based and language programming in support of the overall objectives of the CERC. The Coordinator(s) will participate in Indigenous cultural events, activities, and gatherings to build relationships and foster collaborations with various organizations. The Coordinator(s) will lead and deliver innovative programming as well as support existing initiatives in Indigenous communities that align with the overall goals of the CERC research program. The Coordinator(s) will engage youth, leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members as part of the development and co-delivery of land-based education and research programs.

The position will advance braiding/weaving of Indigenous and community knowledge when appropriate and promote Indigenous science and ecological knowledge. This position is based in the Great Lakes area in Ontario (First Nation and urban areas). This position will contribute to the CERC program¿s overall educational and program development in support of Indigenous planetary well-being.

Primary Purpose of the Position: (Key purpose, functions, roles):

The Land-based Learning Coordinator(s) will provide leadership, coordination and program development related to innovative land and culture-based programming that Indigenous communities wish to deliver. These include but are not limited to: Braiding Knowledges projects, Indigenous guardians programs, community-led land, culture, and language camps, and Elders and/youth gatherings.

The Coordinator(s) will work with First Nation partners and urban Indigenous organizations to develop in-person camps and other community events (virtual and in-person) that focus on Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous science, language learning, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. This includes working with university collaborators in Ontario and elsewhere to advance land-based learning. The role also requires communication with other members of the CERC research program and various University of Calgary departments.

In collaboration with the CERC program manager and University and community partners, responsibilities include planning and coordinating logistics related to education programming, developing curriculum, timelines and budgets as needed for programs, and potentially supervising students and/or volunteers.

Qualifications/Expertise Required:

• Based in Ontario, with the ability to regularly host in-person meetings and events within partner First Nations in the Great Lakes region, urban Indigenous organizations in Ontario (Toronto, ON), and elsewhere as the project develops.
• Either a Bachelor's degree in Indigenous studies, education, science, environment, ecology, or related fields OR equivalent (5+ years) of relevant experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Excellent understanding of Indigenous protocols, knowledge systems, and engagement practices; understanding of Anishinaabe knowledge and values is essential.
• Demonstrated (professional, educational and/or volunteer experience) working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Leadership and background/experience in education, including curriculum development, land-and culture-based programming, and language and education focused on Indigenous knowledge and values, is essential.
• Experience with outdoor education (canoeing, camping, archery, etc.) including lived experience.
• Interest and experience with ecological research methods and data collection.
• Skills and/or certifications relevant to outdoor education (First Aid, Wilderness First Aid or First Responder, paddling certifications, etc.) are an asset.
• Strong organizational, communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; skills in project coordination and administration preferred.
• Commitment to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, and justice that aligns with Indigenous-led priorities.
• Culturally respectful, relationship-focused, and community-oriented.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Accountabilities/Tasks and Duties:

Engagement and relationship building

• Collaborate with community school/educators ranging from pre-school to adult learners to design and/or deliver age/grade appropriate activities and learning.
• Engage and build partnerships with youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members in development and co-delivery of the program.
• Represent the CERC research program and serve as a key contact between the CERC and partner communities, host regular meetings with community members and departments to support engagement.

Land-based education development and delivery

• Develop and support, in coordination with communities, land-based education programs.
• Enrich existing community land, culture, and language-based programs and contribute to new initiatives.
• Create curriculum frameworks to support land-based programming, in collaboration with the CERC research team and community partners.
• Develop and support, in coordination with community, other in-person and virtual community events throughout the year, including seasonal events throughout the year focused on traditional teachings and traditional ways of life.
• Deliver outreach in-person and virtually, including presentations and website and social media updates.

Coordination and administration

• Works with community collaborators to coordinate logistics for education programs, including coordinating team, securing equipment, venues, supplies, and related tasks to successfully organize events.
• Supports future program planning and strategic planning efforts, which may include collecting youth and community feedback.
• Support data management efforts as needed in coordination with CERC manager and partner communities.
• Support other coordination tasks related to project goals as required.

Occupational Health & Safety:

• Understands and complies with the requirements of the University's Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
• Has knowledge of and understands the expectations of the University's Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and applicable Faculty/Departmental/Unit specific health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all work conducted is in accordance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code and other health and safety legislation as applicable (e.g. Ontario and community partners).

Driving on University of Calgary Business:

• While driving vehicles on university business, all drivers must comply with the Drivers Requirements as listed on the Risk Management and Insurance website at Driver Requirements | Risk | University of Calgary.

Application Deadline: October 5, 2026

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands‑on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start‑ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy. ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.