Primary Purpose: The Soil Health Education Specialist supports the development and delivery of soil health education for Indigenous communities across the Prairies. Working closely with the Project Manager and the Soil Curriculum Lead, this position contributes to the creation of soil health guides, presentations, and hands-on land-based workshops that introduce western soil science sampling, analysis, and interpretation in accessible and community-relevant ways. The role supports the ē kanātahk askiy Soil and Agroecosystem (SAGE) Project by helping translate soil science concepts into practical tools that strengthen community agroecosystem stewardship and agricultural land use planning.

Nature of Work: Reporting to Dr. Melissa Arcand, and working collaboratively and day to day with the Project Manager and Soil Curriculum Lead, the Soil Health Education Specialist is responsible for helping design, coordinate, and deliver soil health workshops and educational resources tailored for Indigenous communities. The position requires the ability to communicate technical soil science concepts clearly and respectfully, adapting them to diverse learning contexts while supporting community-led soil assessment and interpretation.

The role involves a combination of educational content development, event coordination, field-based learning support, and community engagement. Travel to Indigenous communities mainly during the growing season will be required to assist land-based workshops delivery, field demonstrations, and educational programming. Travel often requires overnight stays during the workweek. The position also requires participation in regular planning sessions, team meetings, and professional development activities throughout the year as part of a collaborative project team.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Collaborate with the Soil Curriculum Lead and other SAGE team members to develop soil health learning resources, including guides, presentations, worksheets, and visual tools
Deliver hands on workshops with other members of the SAGE team including land-based sessions on soil sampling, field characterization, and interpreting soil analyses.
Translate western soil science concepts into accessible learning experiences tailored for Indigenous community audiences.
Draft accessible soil data summaries and community facing reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with outcomes relevant to partnered communities.
Develop visual tools such as figures, diagrams, and maps to support community interpretation of soil data.
Provide administrative assistance to the Project Lead and Project Manager and Soil Curriculum Lead.
Participate in internal meetings, planning sessions, and professional development activities.
Contribute to documentation of workshop activities, field days, and educational outcomes.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in soil science, environmental science, agriculture, renewable resource management, geography, natural resource management, or related discipline is required, though a MSc in Soil Science is preferred.

Experience:

Experience facilitating or communicating technical knowledge to non-academic audiences.
Experience with soil science field work in an agricultural context.
Experience with analyzing and visualizing soil data.
Experience with organizing and analyzing geospatial data using GIS software is considered an asset.
Experience facilitating or presenting at workshops and conferences for Indigenous audiences is considered an asset.

Licenses:

A valid Class 5 driver’s license is required.

Skills:

Strong public speaking and facilitation skills
Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners from diverse backgrounds
Knowledge of prairie agroecosystems and soils
Demonstrated soil science field skills, such as soil classification and sampling protocols
Ability to work with geospatial datasets considered an asset

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Melissa Arcand at melissa.arcand@usask.ca.

Department: Soil Science
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 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: 3/23/2026
Closing Date: 4/5/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
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 the 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 provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.

Soil Health Education Specialist, Soil Science

More jobs

Clinical Education Coordinator (Speech Language Pathologist)

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Lead Process Improvement Advisor - Quebec

InnovMetric Logiciels|Software