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:

4558

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):

POSITION NAME:Research and Extension Associate – Indigenous Outreach DEPARTMENT/FACULTY:Institute for Sustainable Food Systems - ORS EMPLOYMENT TYPE:Casual DATE REVISED:March 18, 2026

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 Research and Extension Associate who will be responsible for conducting outreach activities with Indigenous communities.

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, businesses, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.
ISFS is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in food systems, agriculture, economics, farm business management, ecology, public health, extension education and other disciplines. Our office is on KPU’s Richmond campus, located at 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond BC. The campus is served by rapid transit (Canada Line - Lansdowne Station), by which downtown Vancouver can be reached in about 30 minutes.
More about us and our work is at www.kpu.ca/isfs

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Associate, Indigenous Outreach will work with ISFS Research and Extension Associates to develop and nurture relationships and support project development and action with our Indigenous partners. The Associate, may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS sustainable food system initiatives such as facilitating workshops and meetings. The primary responsibilities of this position include:
• Lead and attend community engagement activities as required
• Outreach to and within Indigenous communities
• Facilitate Nation to Nation discussions and project collaboration
• Contribute to the preparation of reports to granting agencies, technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials
• Collaboration and coordination with other ISFS staff and staff from collaborating institutions/ organizations.
• Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment.
• Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors

QUALIFICATIONS

• The successful applicant for this position must:
• Have knowledge of Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit communities and cultural protocols from lived experience or significant experience collaborating with First Nation communities.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous studies, food systems studies, policy studies, planning, economics, geography, or other as appropriate.
• Familiar with cultural safety/reconciliation
• Have training and experience in trauma-informed practices
• Be able to travel; have a car and valid driver’s license
• Have knowledge of the agriculture and food system landscape of BC.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• The following will be considered assets:
  • Identify as Indigenous/First Nations/Metis/Inuit
  • Knowledge of Indigenous Nations and communities whose traditional territories are located in what is colonially known as BC and culturally appropriate protocols
  • Group facilitation experience is a plus

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.