Research Assistant - Musqueam Community Engagement for Energy Efficiency

  • Community Partner: Musqueam Indian Band
  • Location: 312 Main, Vancouver, BC / remote
  • Duration: 8-10 months depending on workload (start October, 2024)
  • Position Type: Part-time (15 hours/week; $32/hour)

Application Deadline:

July 31st, 2024

About 312 Main Research Shop

312 Main Research Shop is a program within SFU CERi that facilitates collaboration between SFU graduate students and non-profit/community groups. It is focused on supporting research projects that provide plain-language answers to community-driven research questions at low or no cost to the community partner.

About the Musqueam Indian Band:

The Musqueam, a proud and unified people, are committed to working together as a self-governing nation to enhance the quality of life for all generations. We strive to develop a sustainable, self-reliant, and vibrant community built upon our historical and traditional values. Through transparent and accountable leadership, we assert our right to govern ourselves for the benefit of all our people, and we exercise that right by building capable governing institutions and economies that reflect our culture.

Job Overview:

This research assistant position supports a project led by the Musqueam Indian Band focused on identifying the best practices for communication and engagement as it relates to recruiting and retaining community member participation in an energy efficiency study. This role involves reviewing existing literature, conducting staff interviews, and compiling a comprehensive report to be used within the community to shape engagement practices and survey methods.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct thorough literature reviews of existing online and hard copy resources related to Musqueam community engagement and communication strategies.

  • Perform interviews with Musqueam staff members to gather insights and information on current practices and challenges.

  • Analyze data and synthesize findings into a coherent and accessible report.

  • Collaborate with project team members to ensure the research aligns with the goals of the energy efficiency study.

  • Develop recommendations for best practices in community engagement and communication tailored to the Musqueam context.

  • Assist in designing survey methods that are culturally sensitive and effective in gathering meaningful data.

  • Present findings to the Musqueam community and stakeholders as required.

  • Maintain accurate records of research activities and ensure all work complies with ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of Musqueam culture, traditions, and community dynamics.
  • Previous experience working with the Musqueam or other Indigenous communities.

  • Knowledge of energy efficiency concepts and practices.

  • Familiarity with survey design and implementation.

How to apply:

  • Please send a current CV, writing sample, and application form to Joanna Habdank, Program Manager at SFU CERi: joanna_habdank@sfu.ca
  • Candidates from equity seeking groups, including Black, Indigenous and racialized people, people facing accessibility barriers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and people from low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 
  • Application Deadline: The closing date for applications is July 31st, 2024
  • Application form link: https://forms.gle/uhq9vw6kuthjpryAA