Job – Historian: Willow Springs Strategic Solutions

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Willow Springs Strategic Solutions is seeking a candidate to fill a challenging position within a growing social and environmental science research company.  The historian will work closely with the owners and senior staff on a number of research projects with Indigenous clients and will eventually be expected to manage their own projects with support from the owners. This position is a 1-year term position with the possibility of extension for the right candidate.

General Responsibilities

  • Working closely with Indigenous communities to plan and conduct community-based research projects;
  • Archival research in multiple archives in Canada
  • Qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
  • Report Writing;
  • Training and capacity building;
  • Client relations and development;
  • Regular travel to rural and remote Indigenous communities;
  • Other duties as required

Education and Experience

• An advanced degree in History and/or Indigenous Studies or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Research and/or work experience with Indigenous communities.

· A valid driver’s licence.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

  • 1-3 year’s work experience.
  • Proven ability to work with Indigenous communities and build relationships within a diverse community context.
  • Knowledge of Indigenous rights and legal contexts.
  • Knowledge of regulatory framework in relation to Indigenous consultation.
  • Knowledge of Métis and First Nations history and culture.
  • A willingness to live in Calgary and commute to communities in Northern Alberta on a monthly basis.  Travel to other destinations, including British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba may be required from time to time.
  • Experience working in a MS Office Suite environment, especially MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Experience working with qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Experience with GIS software, including Google Earth and ARC GIS is considered an asset.
  • Experience with data analysis software including, NVIVO, SPSS, Microsoft Database, InDesign, and DreamWeaver is considered an asset.
  • Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail.
  • And of course, the ideal candidate will have a sense of humour!

Compensation

Salary will be competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

Deadline for applications is November 28, 2023. Interviews may happen before the closing date if the right applicant applies.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter, curriculum vitae, one sole-author writing sample (10-20 pages), and three professional references by email to careers@willowspringsss.com.  

Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Feature Image: “Peace Bridge in Calgary (Alberta, Canada)” by @CarShowShooter is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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Peter Fortna is an historian and owner of Willow Springs Strategic Solutions. He is also the author of The Fort McKay Métis Nation: A Community History (2025) and with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Sabina Trimble Remembering Our Relations: Dënesųłıné Oral Histories of Wood Buffalo National Park (2023). He has also authored numerous articles and reports that have been used by Indigenous communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories to defend their Treaty and Aboriginal rights

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