Research and Extension Associate - Indigenous Outreach
Posted 7 days ago
Job Description
POSITION NAME: Research and Extension Associate - Indigenous Outreach
DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Institute for Sustainable Food Systems - ORS
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Casual
DATE REVISED: March 18, 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix.
SUMMARY
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Research and Extension Associate who will be responsible for conducting outreach activities with Indigenous communities.
About ISFS
The ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems and encompasses agriculture and food, economics, community development, community health, policy, and environmental stewardship. Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, businesses, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.
ISFS is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in food systems, agriculture, economics, farm business management, ecology, public health, extension education and other disciplines. Our office is on KPU's Richmond campus, located at 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond BC. The campus is served by rapid transit (Canada Line - Lansdowne Station), by which downtown Vancouver can be reached in about 30 minutes.
More about us and our work is at www.kpu.ca/isfs
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS
DEPARTMENT/FACULTY: Institute for Sustainable Food Systems - ORS
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Casual
DATE REVISED: March 18, 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix.
SUMMARY
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Research and Extension Associate who will be responsible for conducting outreach activities with Indigenous communities.
About ISFS
The ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems and encompasses agriculture and food, economics, community development, community health, policy, and environmental stewardship. Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, businesses, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.
ISFS is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in food systems, agriculture, economics, farm business management, ecology, public health, extension education and other disciplines. Our office is on KPU's Richmond campus, located at 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond BC. The campus is served by rapid transit (Canada Line - Lansdowne Station), by which downtown Vancouver can be reached in about 30 minutes.
More about us and our work is at www.kpu.ca/isfs
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Associate, Indigenous Outreach will work with ISFS Research and Extension Associates to develop and nurture relationships and support project development and action with our Indigenous partners. The Associate, may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS sustainable food system initiatives such as facilitating workshops and meetings. The primary responsibilities of this position include:
- Lead and attend community engagement activities as required
- Outreach to and within Indigenous communities
- Facilitate Nation to Nation discussions and project collaboration
- Contribute to the preparation of reports to granting agencies, technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials
- Collaboration and coordination with other ISFS staff and staff from collaborating institutions/ organizations.
- Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment.
- Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors
QUALIFICATIONS
- The successful applicant for this position must:
- Have knowledge of Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit communities and cultural protocols from lived experience or significant experience collaborating with First Nation communities.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Indigenous studies, food systems studies, policy studies, planning, economics, geography, or other as appropriate.
- Familiar with cultural safety/reconciliation
- Have training and experience in trauma-informed practices
- Be able to travel; have a car and valid driver's license
- Have knowledge of the agriculture and food system landscape of BC.
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Have demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada
- The following will be considered assets:
- Identify as Indigenous/First Nations/Metis/Inuit
- Knowledge of Indigenous Nations and communities whose traditional territories are located in what is colonially known as BC and culturally appropriate protocols
- Group facilitation experience is a plus
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Industry
EducationCompany Size
1001-5000 employees
Application closing date is 2026-05-24
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