Summer Consultation Research Assistant

Summer Consultation Research Assistant

Location: 11748 Kingsway Avenue Edmonton, Alberta             

Closing Date: April 3, 2026, or Until Suitable Candidate Found

Position Status: Six (6) Full Time (40 hrs per week), Temporary (May-August)         

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is recruiting for six (6) full-time, temporary Summer Consultation Research Assistants. These are summer term positions with an end date of August 28, 2026. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Consultation - Research and Engagement, the successful candidates will research and collect data, including by engaging with Métis communities, to inform projects, policies, and decisions that advance and protect Métis rights. The successful candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting departmental goals in a professional and culturally appropriate manner.

Please note, the successful candidates will share the same title but will be responsible for supporting different portfolios. See below for a short description of each portfolio:

Environmental Research

The successful candidate will conduct environmental research and field work, such as traditional land and resource use studies, to determine potential land-based environmental impacts of Crown decisions and industrial projects. Environmental research will braid Métis Knowledge and methodologies with Western research methods.

GIS/Mapping

This role will utilize GIS software and collect geospatial data to support research and analyses conducted by the Consultation Department’s Research & Engagement Team. This individual will work primarily on environmental and historical research projects to provide geospatial data and analyses in support of this research.

Community Research

The successful candidate will engage with Métis communities across Alberta to research and collect data to inform projects, policies, and decisions that advance and defend Métis rights. This individual will be responsible for completing community-based research which establishes contemporary narratives of the Métis Nation within Alberta.

Historical Research

The successful candidate(s) will conduct research using primary resources and knowledge (i.e., Métis scrip records, birth/death/marriage records, community knowledge, etc.) to establish historical narratives of the Métis Nation within Alberta in support of the advancement and protection of Métis rights.

Policy and Regulation

The successful candidate will review various federal, provincial, municipal, and non-governmental policies and provide recommendations on governmental regulatory processes to ensure that policy decisions do not adversely affect the rights, claims, and interests of the Métis Nation within Alberta.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with various research projects, such as historical Métis occupation and rights, contemporary practices, Indigenous consultation and harvesting policy, and other Crown consultation related projects.

Research topics and prepare recommendations for action and approval by management.

Assist with digitizing existing data and inputting industry notifications and project details into Asana project management software.

Prepare, review, and edit internal and external correspondence including, but not limited to, letters, reports and documents.

Assemble resources and collect, consolidate, and format data from various sources to prepare draft reports and documents for review by management.

Assist with the development of GIS datasets and mapping resources using visual geospatial data and GIS software, including both QGIS and ArcGIS.

Present a positive and professional image of the organization when interacting with employees, Citizens, visitors, and other external stakeholders.

Assist with administration of Otipemisiwak Métis Government provincial events & programs.

Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to facilitate research and programs related to the Métis community within Alberta.

Other duties as required or assigned.

Skills & Competencies

Strong research, analysis, and critical thinking skills.

Ability to produce professional reports, documents, and presentations.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including professional email etiquette.

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships.

Strong planning and organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize daily tasks and long-term objectives.

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Flexible and adaptable, with an ability to switch between multiple priorities.

Ability to work with and convey messages to different audiences.

Political and cultural sensitivity.

Knowledge of Métis history, culture, and issues affecting Métis people. An in-depth understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis culture/rights is an asset.

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in Political Sciences, Native Studies, Social Science, Environmental Science, History, or related field is required. Other relevant training and experience will be considered.

1-2 years of experience in a research role is an asset. School or volunteer experience is valid.

Experience with GIS software, database management, and Indigenous research are assets. Training in these areas may be provided if the necessary values, skills, and commitment are shown.

Other Requirements

Availability to work Monday to Friday 8:30 am- 4:30 pm in Edmonton, Alberta.

Ability to work evenings and weekends, with notice.

Ability to travel throughout Alberta is a requirement.

Reliable transportation is required.

What We Offer

An opportunity to work for Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous government in Canada as it rapidly grows and develops.

An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, history, and art.

Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.

Personal development & career opportunities.

Possibility of employment extension (part-time or casual for students).

Métis applicants are encouraged to apply.

Apply online at
http://albertametis.com/careers/.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that candidates who have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the recruitment process will receive an email to complete a short online one-way video interview. Should you have any concerns with completing the video interview, please reach out to Human Resources by responding to the email invitation. No phone calls please.