Job Description

Liaison Coordinator

=======================

Background:

The Bison Integrated Genomics (BIG) Project, funded by Genome Canada in collaboration with Parks Canada and USask, is a research and development project aimed at restoring North American bison. The project focuses on four key genomic tools: 1) Advanced diagnostic assays for bovine TB, 2) Development of a combined Brucella/rBCG vaccine for wood bison, 3) Validated SNP chip for evaluating genetic composition, and 4) Transferring healthy germplasm (semen and embryos) among herds (BIG Summary appended).

Primary Purpose of the Liaison Coordinator:

To provide administrative support for the Bison Integrated Genomics (BIG) Project, Activity 4 in particular, through community engagement, involving planning, strategizing, communications, and providing creative support.

Nature of Work:

Reporting to the BIG Project Leader, the candidate will work closely with the rest of the BIG research team and community partners, to organize and initiate connections. These connections will be held virtually or in person. While working as part of a team, the incumbent must be able to work independently in taking the lead to communicate the expected goals and objectives of the BIG project.



The applicant must be capable of working in a culturally appropriate manner with Indigenous groups, have pre-existing experience in Indigenous community interactions, and confidence in learning innovative technology as well as effectively building partnerships with Indigenous communities to engage them in the BIG project. Our team uses a hybrid-work model, balanced between on-campus, virtual and community-based work, with the latter taking priority and demanding irregular hours.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Create and coordinate an ongoing plan for engagement with indigenous communities for the BIG project Schedule community engagements (virtual and in-person meetings) and facilitate local logistics and arrangements for the meetings Facilitate communication with and among local communities to garner written support for the four (4) activities of the BIG project Provide timely follow-up and updates to the project team and the engaged communities to ensure everyone is up-to-date and project timelines are met Develop strategies with Indigenous Communities for whom bison are an integral cultural aspect, e.g.: + Indigenous People associated with the Mackenzie Bison Herd and Slave River Lowlands in the NWT (Deh Gah Got???? First Nation, Fort Providence, Fort Providence Metis Council, North Slave Metis Alliance, Yellowknives Dene, T???ch? Government, Wek?eezh??? Renewable Resources Board at the Yellowknife, North Slave Region, Environment and Climate Change, GNWT communities in Wood Buffalo National Park, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Metis Nation, Fort Smith Metis Council, Smith's Landing First Nation
Lead a "Structured Decision-Making Process" with local communities To interact with other institutional liaison personnel (e.g., USask, WCVM, Parks Canada, Toronto Zoo) and community liaisons Facilitate the development of schedules, and local logistics and arrangements for field trips focused on germplasm collection in genetically important conservation herds in Canada and the US Facilitate the development of Memoranda of Understanding and Material Transfer Agreements with local authorities to enable germplasm collection in conservation herds Ensure a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment

Education:

Either a diploma or certification in communications or strategic planning experience is required. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience:

>1 year of experience in activities related to research and engagement projects.

Skills:

Ability to work independently, takes initiative, and be a self-starter Ability to work collaboratively in the context of a team and with community Able to offer proactive, user-oriented support Excellent interpersonal skills, strong communication skills, both written and verbal Highly proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, e-learning technologies, and awareness of technologies to effectively deliver and support technical programming Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail and accuracy Superior planning and organization skills Ability to deliver sound technical development design principals and processes

Department:

Veterinary Biomedical Sciences

Status:

Term 1 year with the possibility of extension

Employment Group:

ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

0.5

Salary:

The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $52,050.00 - 81,328.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable):

Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band:

Phase 1

Posted Date:

3/10/2025

Closing Date:

3/17/2025 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings:

1

Work Location:

On Campus




The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the

deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy

and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.