Research Associate, Future Harvest Partnership Farmer-Led Research

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative partnership seeks a Research Associate to support the Farmer-Led Research network in the Northwest Territories. This full-time role involves collaborating with food producers, planning on-farm trials, and developing sustainable agricultural practices. Join an interdisciplinary team dedicated to fostering a climate-resilient local food system, where your contributions will empower communities and enhance research initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of sustainable agriculture while working closely with local producers and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field or significant experience in agriculture.
• Strong understanding of sustainable practices and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Connect with food producers and support their research involvement.
• Develop policies for the sustainability of the project’s initiatives.
• Compose reports for project management meetings.

Skills

Sustainable Agriculture

Agricultural Management

Geography

Environmental Studies

Biology

Education

Master’s degree

Relevant experience in agriculture or environmental studies

Job description

Position Summary

The Future Harvest Partnership is a multi-year collaboration between Wilfrid Laurier University, the Territorial Agrifood Association (TAA), and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI). Supported by an interdisciplinary team of leading academics from across North America and informed by Indigenous Governments and traditional knowledge, the Partnership engages with food producers and local communities of the Northwest Territories to co-create research and generate useful insights for innovation and policy that can inform the development of a climate-resilient local food system. The Research Associate will support the overall Farmer-Led Research (FLR) network. This position is vital to building an FLR program in the NWT and supporting project partners in building the capacity of food producers and community gardeners to conduct their own research and participate in research trials. As NWT food producers already engage in some form of research, the Research Associate will assist with planning and logistics of on-farm trials and support the inclusion of food producers in research programs and pilots. This full-time position will report to the PI and be based out of Yellowknife, NWT.

Responsibilities

Accountabilities

• Work with project partners to connect with food producers;
• Liaise with the Research Team and respective Task Teams to support their involvement with field tests and on-farm trials;
• Develop farmer-led policies and procedures for the long-term sustainability of the project’s initiatives, in collaboration with the project partners;
• Plan and support grower/harvester involvement in research trials and networking events;
• Compose and disseminate routine reports for the Research and Project Management Team meetings; and
• Perform other research activities, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned by the PI.

Hours of Work : This is a full-time limited-term position for 2 years. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required from time to time, including evening and/or weekend work. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred or relevant experience in Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Management, Geography, Environmental Studies, Biology, or other relevant subject areas.