Research Assistant, Indigenous Ecological Restoration

About the Role

Indigenous peoples have unique understandings of, and relationships with, the endemic plant species of their homelands. To address the longstanding challenge of original ecosystems and land in Treaty 7 being lost to colonialism and capitalism, the Indigenous Ecological Restoration (IER), working in partnership with the Mount Royal University (MRU) Grounds Department, has the vision of repopulating the MRU grounds with Indigenous plants and linking the plants via signage and QR codes to an open access electronic resource (pressbook) that houses Elder teachings on the significance of these plants.

The Research Assistant will review written and electronic materials about original plants that may have existed prior to colonization to compile a list of culturally appropriate plants to be used for future campus planting. The role may include visits to culturally significant historic sites and a survey of plants that exist on the MRU campus. This position will work both independently and in a team environment with other RAs and the Grant Holder, who will supervise the Research Assistant.

• Review written and electronic materials about original plants that may have existed prior to colonization.
• Potential visits to culturally significant historic sites.
• Compile a list of culturally appropriate plants to be used for future campus planting.
• Survey plants already found on the MRU campus

• High school diploma and enrolment in an undergraduate degree is required
• 1- 6 months experience doing data searches, reviewing research articles, monographs, websites.
• Physical plant identification skills are considered an asset, but not required.

Salary: $15.00 - $18.87 per hour(commensurate with experience and MRU RA pay guidelines)

Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found

A resume (and optional cover letter) should be submitted in one .pdf formatted document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [RA-IRGF].pdf (ex. Coordinator, 9999, RA-IER.pdf).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available.

Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify  and we will work together on your accommodation request.

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research.

MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees.

Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.