Memorial University – Grenfell Campus

Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; Indigenous peoples; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; visible minorities/racialized people; and people with disabilities.

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.

Gaps in career and/or research history can exist for any number of reasons (i.e.: family responsibilities, sick leave, settlement, etc.), candidates are invited to discuss these gaps and
impacts on their work in the application.

Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, is located in Western Newfoundland in an area of natural beauty in close proximity to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The campus has a population of more than 1,300 students and emphasizes innovative approaches to teaching and learning, research and engagement. Experiential learning, impactful research, and strong community relationships are the hallmarks of Grenfell’s profile.

Position Summary

The Green Transition Socio-economic Innovation Hub of NL is an important initiative to optimize the benefits of the green transition for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The rapid pace of the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and the magnitude of the associated green energy projects, will have vast impacts on the province, from economic growth to ecological impacts. This project is designed to address the green economic opportunities posed by the emerging wind-to-hydrogen industry. The project has two objectives: 1) identify sectors of the current economy that will be impacted by the wind-to-hydrogen projects in rural contexts, and 2) develop a toolkit to promote positive socio-economic innovations in these communities to maximize positive impacts of the green transition while ameliorating negative ones. Stimulating social investments alongside economic development of this new energy industry will ensure greater prosperity and a more equitable distribution of these gains, particularly for women, Indigenous communities, migrating workers, and rural inhabitants of Newfoundland.

This is designed as a two-year pilot project. The hub is hiring a key employee, under that title of Community Engagement & Research Consultant, who will act as a coordinator between academia, government, and industry to support community needs.

The position will include, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

• Develop guidelines based on best practices for the inclusion of women and gender diverse people in traditionally male-dominated fields related to green energy production (e.g. construction, engineering) to contribute to the toolkit;
• Organize public information sessions on green and just energy transitions in Corner Brook, Stephenville, St. John’s, and other locations. Sessions will address how Newfoundland and Labrador can engage with this economic opportunity with a focus on education, social and environmental impacts, and job opportunities for equity-deserving groups and be supported by the Community Hubs network lead by Grenfell Campus;
• Organize information sessions in collaboration with Qalipu First Nation for Indigenous community members, designed to address Indigenous-identified needs and economic opportunities;
• Contribute to the toolkit by developing guidelines for best practices for workers’ camps in Newfoundland and Labrador to support social integration of migrating workers into local communities and the long-term growth of rural area anchored in family-oriented and innovative ways of living in remote locations;
• Work with industry to identify effective policies to create safe and supportive work environments for equity-deserving groups, including women and immigrants;
• Coordinate with municipal partners, government, and NGOs to identify synergies and gaps in policy for a just, green transition within rural communities;
• Lead the development of a permanent infrastructure (including policy, offices, etc.) to support the long-term development of a socio-economic hub.

The deadline to receive applications is November 15, 2024. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include: a curriculum vitae, names of three referees, and a two-page statement of interest related to the position. Copies of up to three relevant publications may also be included.

Please send applications electronically to:
Dr. Rachel Jekanowski
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Grenfell Campus – Memorial University
E-mail: rjekanowski@mun.ca

Desired skills

• Able to work independently and demonstrate initiative and leadership;
• Excellent project and time management skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, across a variety of sectors (academia, government, industry, etc.);
• Experience with community engagement, public outreach, and/or interviews and focus groups;
• Demonstrated interest in large-scale natural resources, green energy projects, and/or gendered impacts of development is an asset;
• Strong understanding of impact assessment processes is an asset;
• Understanding of the Newfoundland context and the green transition are important assets.

Qualifications

• A PhD (preferred) or Master’s degree in Geography, Environmental Studies, Environmental Humanities, Sociology, Gender Studies, Communications, or other disciplines relevant the subject areas (green transition, energy justice, decarbonization, gendered impacts, etc.);
• Experience in community-engaged research. Hours and Location of Work: This is a full-time, limited term position for one year, with the potential to renew for a second year. Typical work hours will be 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility required for occasional evening and weekend hours. Anticipated start date is January 6, 2025. The position is for an in-person employee located in Corner Brook. Office space and a computer will be provided. There is limited flexibility for remote-work outside of Corner Brook.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $68,000-80,000 per annum
• Salary will be commiserate with the candidate’s work experience, qualifications, and internal equity and determined by the salary steps set by Memorial University.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

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