IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world's most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory—the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many local schools in the region come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems and how humans serve a role in sharing and working with one another to protect these resources.

Overview

The Education and Relations Officer is responsible for delivering impactful educational experiences that inspire youth, engage the public, and build community partnerships. Working closely with senior team members, the Officer helps create and facilitate programs, tours, and educational materials that highlight the importance of freshwater science, with a focus on outreach within local and Indigenous communities. Through hands-on fieldwork, public presentations, and strategic outreach, the Officer plays a key role in expanding IISD-ELA's educational reach and strengthening its community presence.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Education and Relations staff to design and implement education programming for youth and general audiences.
• Conduct tours and presentations at the IISD-ELA field camp, providing engaging and informative experiences to diverse audiences.
• Develop outreach materials, such as presentations, educational kits, and social media posts, to communicate IISD-ELA's scientific work effectively.
• Assist in training and providing on-site support for summer students at the field camp when needed.
• Foster connections with local schools and community groups, with a focus on promoting youth engagement in freshwater science.
• Support local events and community outreach activities, representing IISD-ELA and its mission to foster positive relationships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in delivering educational or science programming and an undergraduate degree in biology, science, or communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a discipline related to freshwater ecology or other related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A strong interest in scientific communications and the value of communicating science to the general public.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including an ability to manage multiple tasks ranging in demand while working under tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills, oral and written
• Experience operating watercraft and field vehicles, including small boats and motors, light trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles
• Proficiency with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel, R, ).
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid:
  • First Aid/CPR certificate
  • Pleasure Craft Operators card
  • Driver's licence
  • ATV certification
  • Valid criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification
• Ability to speak French and/or Ojibwe or other Indigenous languages is considered an asset.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Working Conditions

• Based at the IISD-ELA research station during the field season from April to November and office-based, hybrid, or remote from November to April. IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food.
• Regularly transitioning between office, lab, and field environments.
• Depending on workload and deadlines, flexibility in working hours may be required.
• Potential for periods of high workload, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.

Physical Demands

• Time at the IISD-ELA research station includes fieldwork involving manual labour, such as hiking, lifting heavy objects (up to 20 kgs), etc.
• Exposure to work outdoors in various weather conditions, involving exposure to sun, rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

Compensation: CAD 46,600 - CAD 55,000 annually, based on education and experience

Term: 1-year contract

Closing date: November 22, 2024, at 4:00 pm CST

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through BambooHR. Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)

• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional; right-click to download)

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only candidates advancing in the recruitment will be contacted for an interview. We kindly request that candidates do not pursue further contact.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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