Endowed Chair (Assistant\/Associate Professor) in Indigenous Forestry<\/p>\n
Job Identification 3840<\/p>\n
Posting Date 06\/29\/2026, 04:00 PM<\/p>\n
Apply Before 10\/01\/2026, 05:55 AM<\/p>\n
Job Schedule Full Time<\/p>\n
Locations<\/p>\n
Edmonton, AB, Canada
\n(On-site)<\/p>\n
Category Type Agriculture – Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry<\/p>\n
Position Type Faculty (Includes Asst. Professors, Associate Professors)<\/p>\n
College\/Administrative Portfolio College of Natural And Applied Sciences<\/p>\n
Faculty\/Department Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences<\/p>\n
Annual Salary Range<\/p>\n
About the Team<\/p>\n
About the Team
\nThe https:\/\/www.ualberta.ca\/en\/agriculture-life-environment-sciences\/index.html is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.<\/p>\n
Description<\/p>\n
The University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Endowed Chair position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Indigenous Forestry. In alignment with Braiding Past, Present, and Future: The University’s https:\/\/www.ualberta.ca\/en\/indigenous\/strategic-plan\/index.html, the Chair will work to decolonize the forestry curriculum and advance Indigenous perspectives in forest management.<\/p>\n
We seek a dynamic scholar who combines training in forest ecology and management, or a related field in natural sciences and land management, with a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities. This role emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledges and Western scientific practices, fostering reciprocal partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions in forestry education and research. The successful candidate will develop experiential learning opportunities, promote Indigenous-taught courses, and work closely with Indigenous communities, academic colleagues, the forestry sector and industry, to address contemporary forestry challenges. The Chair will become a critical member of the forestry faculty and a member of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management.<\/p>\n
The hiring and recruitment process will involve engagement with Indigenous community representatives to ensure the diverse needs and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta are considered. The endowment provides start-up funds, financial support for research, and funding to hire graduate students. Additionally, a community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to support the Chair’s research and outreach activities for the first five years. Funding for this position has been provided by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (https:\/\/friaa.ab.ca\/).<\/p>\n
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a research seminar, a teaching seminar, and a community-centred presentation designed to promote open dialogue, reciprocal knowledge exchange, and accountability to Indigenous community partners, while informing the future direction of the Chair’s teaching, research, and outreach.<\/p>\n
This competition is restricted to candidates who identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to self-identify in their application. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide documentation or community affirmation of their Indigenous citizenship, membership, or affiliation, consistent with the https:\/\/www.ualberta.ca\/en\/registrar\/records\/first-nations-metis-inuit-documentation.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com and https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/research-coordinating-committee\/programs\/policies-directives\/tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com guidelines.<\/p>\n
Responsibilities<\/p>\n
Teaching & Curriculum Development. The successful candidate will design and deliver two courses in Indigenous forestry that integrate Indigenous Knowledge systems and Western forest science while emphasizing cultural protocols, Ceremony, and Traditional Knowledge Systems. Key responsibilities include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Developing field-based, experiential courses that blend Indigenous Knowledge systems with Western forest science.
\n\u2022 Creating a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment that recognizes diverse cultural perspectives and ensures Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
\n\u2022 Mentoring Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in academic, career, and personal development.<\/p>\n
Research & Community Engagement. The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary, community-driven research initiatives that address critical forestry challenges relevant to the sector while prioritizing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. A community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to assist the chair in executing key responsibilities, including without limitation:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Conduct research integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems, forestry science, and sustainable forestry practices.
\n\u2022 Building and maintaining partnerships with Indigenous communities and the forestry sector to co-develop relevant research projects.
\n\u2022 Delivering research outcomes that will help positively inform business decisions for the forestry sector.
\n\u2022 Disseminating research outcomes through diverse channels, including peer-reviewed publications and community presentations, ensuring that Indigenous communities can understand and apply knowledge or practices generated through research.
\n\u2022 Securing external funding for research initiatives and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
\n\u2022 Supporting capacity-building programs in GIS and sustainable forest management practices, ensuring these initiatives align with community priorities and enhance local knowledge and leadership.<\/p>\n
Service & Leadership. The candidate is expected to contribute to the service and leadership of the department, faculty, or university. This includes, but is not limited to:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Advocating for the integration of Indigenous perspectives across academic programs to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge Systems are respected, understood, and valued in forestry education and by all faculty members teaching in the forestry program.
\n\u2022 Promoting dialogue on Indigenous sovereignty, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and sustainable management practices.
\n\u2022 Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and align university activities with community priorities.<\/p>\n
Qualifications<\/p>\n
Education<\/p>\n
\u2022 A Ph.D. in progress (completion expected within one year) or completed in Forestry, Environmental Science, Native Studies, Ecology, Environmental Sociology, Indigenous Methodologies, Indigenous Land-Use, or a related field.<\/p>\n
Research Expertise<\/p>\n
\u2022 Experience focusing on sustainable practices in land-use and community engagement.
\n\u2022 Commitment to incorporating Indigenous Knowledge systems and fostering research that aligns with the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities.<\/p>\n
Teaching Experience<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ability to teach and mentor students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
\n\u2022 Experience engaging Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in curriculum development and delivery.<\/p>\n
Community Engagement & Relationship Building<\/p>\n
\u2022 Demonstrated ability to build respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
\n\u2022 Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, practices, and knowledge systems, particularly in Alberta.
\n\u2022 Demonstrated commitment to fostering trust and collaboration with Indigenous Elders, community leaders, and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n
Preferred Attributes<\/p>\n
\u2022 Experience in decolonizing curricula and fostering inclusive academic environments.
\n\u2022 Familiarity with diverse Indigenous nations in Alberta, including First Nations, M\u00e9tis, and Inuit.
\n\u2022 Strong interpersonal skills, including working collaboratively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
\n\u2022 Indigenous language knowledge in Cree (N\u00e9hiyaw), Blackfoot (Niitsitapi), Iroquois (Haudenosaunee), Ojibway\/Saulteaux (Anishinaabe), or Stoney (Nakoda).<\/p>\n
Application Instructions
\nWe encourage applications from those passionate about decolonizing academic frameworks and engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems in forest science and management. To apply, please submit the following:<\/p>\n
\u2022 A cover letter outlining research interests, teaching philosophy, and how the candidate\u2019s work aligns with the responsibilities of this position.
\n\u2022 CV, including relevant publications and research projects.
\n\u2022 Names and contact information of at least three references who can speak to the candidate\u2019s scholarly and community engagement experience.
\n\u2022 Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations, sample syllabi).<\/p>\n
This role requires verification of First Nation, M\u00e9tis or Inuit membership or citizenship. Selected applicants will be asked for documentation prior to attending an interview.<\/p>\n
The University of Alberta is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to advancing reconciliation. This position is part of a targeted hiring initiative and is restricted to applicants who identify as First Nations, M\u00e9tis, or Inuit. Candidates are invited to identify in their application. In accordance with university policy and national guidelines, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide documentation or community-based confirmation of their Indigenous citizenship or membership prior to interview.<\/p>\n
The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, including a https:\/\/www.ualberta.ca\/en\/human-resources-health-safety-environment\/benefits-and-pay\/benefits-and-pension\/benefits-overview\/index.html.
\nThe terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by https:\/\/www.ualberta.ca\/en\/human-resources-health-safety-environment\/media-library\/my-employment\/agreements\/schedule-a-academic-faculty-members-2020-2024.pdfof the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.<\/p>\n
To apply, visit https:\/\/apptrkr.com\/7277219<\/p>\n
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