Endowed Chair (Assistant/Associate Professor) in Indigenous Forestry

The University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Endowed Chair position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Indigenous Forestry. This role focuses on decolonizing the forestry curriculum while integrating Indigenous perspectives in forest management. Responsibilities include developing experiential learning opportunities, promoting Indigenous-taught courses, and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities. Funding is provided by Canfor and other forestry organizations, ensuring robust support for research and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Develop experiential learning opportunities in forestry education.
• Promote Indigenous-taught courses in alignment with Indigenous perspectives.
• Work closely with Indigenous communities and forestry sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Integrate Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific practices in forestry.
• Foster partnerships with Indigenous communities for collaborative solutions.
• Deliver research and teaching seminars focused on dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Job description

The University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Endowed Chair position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Indigenous Forestry. In alignment with Braiding Past, Present, and Future: The University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Chair will work to decolonize the forestry curriculum and advance Indigenous perspectives in forest management.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will develop experiential learning opportunities, promote Indigenous-taught courses, and work closely with Indigenous communities, academic colleagues, the forestry sector and industry, to address contemporary forestry challenges. This role emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledges and Western scientific practices, fostering reciprocal partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions in forestry education and research. The Chair will become a critical member of the forestry faculty and a member of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management.

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a research seminar, a teaching seminar, and a community-centred presentation designed to promote open dialogue, reciprocal knowledge exchange, and accountability to Indigenous community partners, while informing the future direction of the Chair’s teaching, research, and outreach.

Funding and Support

This initiative is generously funded by Canfor, West Fraser, Weyerhaeuser, and the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). The endowment provides start-up funds, financial support for research, and funding to hire graduate students. Additionally, a community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to support the Chair’s research and outreach activities for the first five years.

Eligibility and EEO

This competition is restricted to candidates who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to self-identify in their application. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide documentation or community affirmation of their Indigenous citizenship, membership, or affiliation, consistent with the University of Alberta and Tri-Council guidelines.