Job Opportunity - Researcher

Written By Peter Fortna

 Researcher – Willow Springs Strategic Solutions

 Willow Springs Strategic Solutions is seeking a candidate to fill a challenging position within a social science and environmental research company that works with and for Indigenous communities in Alberta and elsewhere in Canada.

The Researcher will work closely with owners and staff to coordinate research on a number of projects with Indigenous clients. The posting is for a permanent position with a six-month probationary period.

General Responsibilities

  • Working closely with Indigenous communities to plan and coordinate community-based research projects;

  • Coordinate project management software to optimize research outputs;

  • Manage project proposals;

  • Socio-economic, socio-cultural and environmental research;

  • Regulatory support and impact assessment research;

  • Client relations and development;

  • Training and capacity building;

  • Other duties as required

Required Qualifications and Competencies

  • An advanced degree in a social scientific or related discipline (Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Ethnobotany, or related Social or Environmental Science discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).

  • A valid driver’s licence.

  • Ability to travel across Alberta and outside the province.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

  • 1-3 years of research experience with Indigenous communities.

  • Experience coordinating and managing diverse and complex projects.

  • Knowledge of Indigenous rights and legal contexts.

  • Knowledge of Métis and First Nations history and culture.

  • A willingness to live in Calgary or nearby community and commute to communities in Northern Alberta on a monthly basis.

  • Experience working in a MS Office Suite environment, especially MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  • Experience using project management software

  • Experience working with qualitative and quantitative research.

  • Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.

  • The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail.

  • And of course, the ideal candidate will have a sense of humour!

Compensation

Salary will be competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

Deadline for applications is October 31, 2025.  Initial interviews are expected to take place in November with a start date shortly thereafter.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample (10-20 pages or a published article) and three professional references by email to careers@willowspringsss.com.  

 

Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

Peter Fortna