Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID:

4514

Internal Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

External Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

# of Openings:

1

• Salary Information:

Casual Employee - Hourly Rate

Employment Type:

Temporary Part Time

Workplace Type:

Hybrid

Travel Frequency:

Employee Group:

Casual Employee

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

Hours per Week (BCGEU):

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix.

SUMMARY
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainable Business Strategist and Advisor who will be responsible for leading the establishment and execution of applied research and extension programming advancing sustainable food systems business in British Columbia and Canada.

About ISFS
The ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems and encompasses agriculture and food, economics, community development, community health, policy, and environmental stewardship. Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, business, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.

More about us and our work is at www.kpu.ca/isfs

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainability Business Strategist and Advisor will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, planning, execution of, and reporting on applied research focused on advancing sustainable food systems. This position also will be responsible for leading the preparation of extension materials and programming associated with research and sector development projects. Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainability Strategist and Business Advisor may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS research and extension initiatives. The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Conceptualization and design of research projects, independently or with ISFS Director and Research and Extension Program Manager
• Lead or contribute to preparation and submission of grant applications
• Assure adherence to grant requirements, stipulations
• Lead, plan and execute the research work according to the project timeline
• Preparation of reports to granting agencies
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials
• Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment
• Interact with various KPU administrative units (e.g. Finance, Human Resources, Office of Research Services etc.) as required
• Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors
• Guide and/ or support work of junior ISFS staff and student research assistants

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant for this position must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or a Doctorate in a related field
• Have at least 5 years of qualitative research experience and training
• Have at least 5 years of experience with project development and management
• Have a demonstrated experience with grant preparation through Tri-Agency funding programs or other funding programs
• Have a demonstrated ability to conceptualize a complex project related to sustainable food system and effectively plan and execute steps to complete it
• Have strong writing skills demonstrated by their lay and/or academic publication record
• Have demonstrated their ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team
• Have strong interpersonal communication skills
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

SALARY INFORMATION
Anticipated hourly pay rate: $41.03

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.