Indigenous Student Employment Program

This program is open to students who self-declare as Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis).

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples.

City: Within a National Research Council Office across Canada

Classification: Student

Duration: Approximately sixteen weeks (four months). Work can occur full-time during a non-academic semester and part-time during an academic semester.

Work arrangements: Depending on the nature of the work and operational requirements, positions hired through this program may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees who telework will be required to travel to the designated work site at least three times per week, or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule, at their own expense.

At the National Research Council (NRC), we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

Are you a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit student looking to gain valuable work experience in your field of study? Are you interested in working on leading-edge projects in a creative and diverse environment?

The NRC Indigenous Student Employment Program provides students with practical career-related experience in research and development, engineering, and technology, administration, library science, computer science, trades, business, technology advice services, finance, human resources, and other professions. Students work in an inspiring and intellectually stimulating environment, while having access to unique and specialized equipment, facilities and expertise.

As a student at the NRC, you’ll contribute to interesting projects in an environment where teamwork, initiative, and creativity are nurtured. Positions are offered across the NRC in various locations. Remote options may be available under certain circumstances.

The NRC is committed to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous researchers, innovators, Knowledge Keepers, communities and partners to work together on the critical issues facing us today. Learn more about the NRC and Indigenous collaboration online.

Length of term

Student work terms last for approximately sixteen weeks (four months). Work can occur full-time during a non-academic semester and part-time during an academic semester.

Who can apply?

You are eligible for the NRC Student Employment Program if:

• You self-declare as an Indigenous person* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis). First Nations: In Canada, an Indigenous grouping composed of many different nations having their own origin, history and culture, and whose members have called North America home for thousands of years Métis: In Canada, an Indigenous People whose members are of mixed First Nations and European ancestry, are united by a common origin, history and culture Inuit (Inuk): In Canada, an Indigenous People that inhabits or that traditionally inhabited the northern regions and Arctic coasts of Canada known as Inuit Nunangat, and whose members are united by a common origin, history and culture
• You have obtained a high school diploma (or grade 12 equivalent)
• You are studying at a recognized educational institution and are returning to full-time studies in the next semester this includes persons with disabilities considered to have full-time status by their academic institution, and participants in adult secondary-level education and retraining programs under the authority of an accredited academic institution

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Application requirements

To be considered for the Indigenous Student Employment program, please include the following in your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded.

• Resume
• Most recent transcript from university, college or high school (grade 12 or equivalent) An electronic copy is sufficient To attach your transcript, click the “add a document” in the Second language evaluation results field To maximize your chances of being considered for opportunities, include your preferred location(s) in the Preferred Work Location(s) section of the application
• Self-declare as an Indigenous person - First Nation, Métis, or Inuit (Inuk) - in your application Under Employment Equity in the Job Specific Information section of the application

Compensation

• From $664 to $1,436 per week (37.5 hrs)
• Salaries are determined based on the number of academic semesters a student has completed.