Job description

Title: Research Associate, Agriculture & Land Use

Location: Remote

Salary: CA$61,802 - CA$83,354 per year

Who We Are

Smart Prosperity Institute is a national research think tank that works with public and private stakeholders to deliver world-class research that advances policies and market solutions for a stronger, cleaner economy. We carry out our work in close partnership with The Natural Step Canada with whom we operate a number of innovation-focused multi-stakeholder initiatives.

This role is part of the land-use and agriculture team that researches and identifies pathways to adopt climate smart practices in Canada. Our team contributes innovative research that identifies opportunities for nature-positive land-use decision making as a way to meet Canada’s bold biodiversity and climate targets. Covering a multitude of topics, we work on everything from identifying measures that promote the adoption of agricultural best management practices - like cover crops, permaculture, and fertilizer management - to unearthing emerging opportunities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve biodiversity, and maintain sector profitability.

Purpose

We are seeking a confident and dedicated Research Associate to advance Canada’s agricultural sector as both a driver of economic prosperity and responsible land management. Specifically, we are seeking a candidate interested in working on initiatives that create a national net zero agri-food system and advance a pan-Canadian framework for regenerative agriculture as a way to reinforce the environmental stewardship role of Canadian farmers. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, with experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.

What You'll Do

Support the identification, design, and implementation research that furthers nature-positive land use in Canada's agricultural sector
Disseminate practical policy advice to stakeholders to influence Canada’s Sustainable Agriculture Strategy and other emerging initiatives
Investigate pathways that incentivize behavioural change or reinforce pro-environmental behaviours, to ensure a nature-positive future for Canada’s Agriculture Sector
Identify policy instruments and regulatory frameworks that reduce the impact of the agricultural sector on biodiversity, with an emphasis on supporting species at risk.
Undertake scoping studies, stakeholder consultation, and modeling exercises to identify emissions reduction opportunities

Job requirements

Who you are

Graduate of an agriculture, land use, forestry or similar University program
Intermediate or junior researcher with 1 - 4 years’ experience in a similar role
Enthusiastic community mobilizer with experience in stakeholder engagement
Experienced in the use of mixed-methods research and data analytics
Independent, self-motivated, and an adaptable team player
Comfortable communicating complex research findings to technical and lay audiences
Passionate about agri-food systems and affecting the transition to net-zero
Familiarity with Canadian agricultural policies, integration measures, soil and water management practices or biodiversity conservation, considered an asset
Experience writing funding proposals, considered an asset
Bilingualism in French and English, considered an asset

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2023, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so apply early. Only applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered. The Smart Prosperity Institute embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to employment equity. We are at our best when everyone has a seat at the table, and when we are made to feel like we belong. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons.