Primary Function:

This work experience placement is part of the CreateAction Inclusive Social Innovation program. The Research Assistant will be part of a network of 25 CreateAction participants and will join in regular peer learning and training sessions throughout the 6 month work experience, delivered by the program partners: the Canadian CED Network and the National Association of Friendship Centres. The successful applicant will work as part of an interdisciplinary participatory action research team to investigate the challenges and opportunities of freshwater and local food systems research, particularly in relation to the "blue economy," or efforts to better steward ocean and freshwater resources.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in the completion of a literature review that identifies blue economy opportunities, research related to the blue economy, and sustainable agricultural systems/businesses in the nexus of the upper Great Lakes;
• Assist in completing documentation related to Research Ethics Board submission(s), and help develop any instruments and gather materials needed;
• Conduct an environmental scan of stakeholders related to this research working in the Upper Great Lakes to compile relevant information and data;
• Assist in the data collection and identification of the social, economic, and cultural skills in our region via online surveys, interviews, focus groups, and workshop artifacts;
• Work collaboratively to recognize and engage stakeholders with provincial, national, and international organizations (i.e., related to freshwater protection, management, and restoration (especially in the nexus of the upper Great Lakes) and sustainable agricultural economies in Northern communities);
• Communicate professionally, effectively and openly with all stakeholders (e.g., environmentalists, economists, elders, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, First Nations, policy developers, interested citizens, etc). The intern will learn to develop healthy relationships between scientists, educators, economists, and environmentalists, along with members of the public at large;
• Coordinate meetings and send relevant information in a timely and professional manner;
• Schedule, organize, and report on research activities. Provide the main point of contact for external= queries relating to this research project;
• Plan and modify research techniques, procedures, survey instruments, tests, equipment, or software with guidance from the project team;
• Organize/compile the data collected (assist with coding/theming and quantitative analysis, along with maintaining a daily research journal) and ensure compliance with research ethics;
• Assist in the development of a map pinpointing organizations in the nexus of the Upper Great Lakes (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Michigan), highlighting the current accomplishments and work being done, local blue economy landscapes, related opportunities and threats faced;
• Participate in research dissemination activities, including writing and editing materials for publication and/or presentation, and ensure ongoing communication with stakeholders. Communicate research outcomes to the public using various communication tools (media releases, publications, presentations, workshops, an infographic, short film/video, workshops);
• Engage in project management principles and procedures to ensure timeliness, quality, and cost efficiencies, and work to collaboratively establish a team culture; and
• Perform other administrative or research activities as assigned by the supervising faculty member.

Skills Preferred:

• Strong communication (oral, writen, and presentation) and interpersonal skills;
• Independently motivated, with strong organizational / time management abilities;
• Accurate problem-solving and critical analysis with technological or methodological issues as they arise;
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and abilities;
• Show initiative and care in relation to freshwater and/or sustainable business practices;
• Familiarity with research processes & ethics; and
• An interest and enthusiasm for the research being conducted

The following skills would be additional assets for any applicant:

• Project management and leadership experience
• Advanced computer skills and web page management (e.g., Word processing, Excel, G-Suite, SPSS, nVivo and/or AtlasTi or other quantitative and qualitative analysis sofware programs, and reference management sofware);
• Familiarity with social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and methods for engaging and recruiting participants;
• Familiarity with referencing formats of the 7th. edition of the American Psychological Association (APA);
• Certificate in Research Ethics (https://tcps2core.ca) required (this can be completed prior to the commencement of work activities).

Qualifications:

To be eligible to participate in the Canadian CED Network CreateAction: Inclusive Social Innovation Program funded position, individuals must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of placement;
• Hold a post-secondary degree or college diploma
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Be legally entitled to work according to Ontario regulations; and
• Be experiencing one or more barrier to employment and/or
• Be currently not in education, employment or training (NEET)

Those recognized to be experiencing barriers to employment include youth who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, newcomers to Canada, francophone, and/or live with a disability. Applicants should indicate that they experience a barrier to employment in their cover letter.

Salary: $19/hour for 37.5 hours/week for 26 weeks (January 11, 2021 to July 9, 2021)
Deadline for applications: Friday, December 11, 2020

Please send cover letter and resume to: sean.meades at algomau.ca

NORDIK Institute, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4 www.nordikinstitute.com

Source: NORDIK Institute