Prairie Grasslands Stewardship Specialist, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Prairie Grasslands Stewardship Specialist, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Primary Purpose: The Prairie Grasslands Stewardship Specialist plays a key role supporting Nation‑to‑Nation grasslands conservation and knowledge exchange across Indigenous Nations within the Prairie grasslands biome. Working with First Nations communities, this position will bring together Nations to strengthen community‑driven grasslands stewardship, supporting culturally grounded conservation practices, and advance knowledge sharing across local, regional, and international partners.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Grasslands Stewardship and Knowledge Exchange Network, the Specialist will work closely with First Nations, community land stewards, Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, and practitioners, as well as with the kihci‑okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre, Indigenous Kinship Circle (IKC), and allied organizations. The position will contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on Indigenous community engagement and Nation-to Nation knowledge exchange, including the maintenance of respectful relationships with First Nations communities in the grassland’s biome. The work is primarily community‑based and requires regular travel to Indigenous communities within grassland regions of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. The Specialist must be comfortable working in diverse community settings, spending extended time in community, and delivering workshops, meetings, and land‑based learning activities.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Grasslands Conservation Expertise

• Apply a strong working knowledge of grasslands ecology including native prairie systems, species at risk, invasive species, rangeland management, and grassland restoration.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource able to speak confidently about grasslands conservation concepts to a variety of audiences, such as Indigenous community members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Integration of Indigenous Science and TEK with ecological and conservation science approaches.

Workshop & Program Development

• Design, develop, and deliver grasslands conservation workshops and learning materials tailored to Indigenous community contexts.
• Co‑create workshop content with communities that reflects local priorities, cultural knowledge, and land‑based perspectives.
• Support mentorship and peer‑to‑peer learning opportunities among Indigenous land stewards and practitioners.
• Work directly in community settings to co‑develop, coordinate, and deliver engagement activities, workshops, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.

Stakeholder Analysis & Landscape Awareness

• Conduct a stakeholder analysis and compile landscape related resources on grasslands conservation, including:
• Identifying First Nations implementing conservation projects within the grassland’s biome
• Develop Mapping Projects and Digital Hubs for First Nations Communities within Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta
• Develop and maintain tools and resources that support assessment of community interests, capacity, and engagement within the grasslands landscape.
• Develop information tools about the roles of federal, provincial, and non‑government organizations active in grasslands conservation for Indigenous communities.
• Coordinate and collaborate with non-government organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations.

National & International Collaboration

• Support collaboration and knowledge exchange with grasslands conservation allies across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
• Contribute to building a scalable Indigenous‑led grasslands stewardship model that can be applied across Turtle Island.
• Coordinate seminars, conferences, and knowledge mobilization events as required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation biology, ecology, agriculture, renewable resource management, geography, or a related field.
• A combination of education, lived experience, and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Experience in community‑based environmental or conservation work.
• Ability and willingness to be mentored about best practices for working with Indigenous communities.
• Proven experience in grasslands conservation, rangeland management, or prairie ecology.
• Experience developing and delivering workshops, presentations, or educational programming to non‑academic audiences.
• Ability and willingness to learn aboutIndigenous Science, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, or Indigenous research principles (UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, OCAP, TCPS Chapter 2).
• Experience working across jurisdictions or with diverse stakeholder groups is an asset.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of grasslands conservation systems, species at risk, and prairie ecosystems.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build respectful, trusting relationships.
• Ability to work independently in community settings and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work outdoors and in remote locations.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.