First Nations Energy Researcher (PT contract position)

TREC Renewable Energy Co-op (TREC) is seeking a Researcher to assist with an initiative to build a foundation of understanding of key energy issues in Ontario as they impact First Nations, with the goal of identifying avenues of meaningful First Nations representation and decision-making on key energy issues going forward. This work is being carried out in collaboration with the Chiefs of Ontario.

Scope of research includes but is not limited to:

Renewable energy development opportunities and challenges for First Nations
Off-Grid electrification issues affecting Northern communities
Proposed oil and gas pipeline developments affecting Ontario First Nations
Energy community planning & conservation programs
Regulatory Approval Processes for energy projects in Ontario
Education and capacity building programs related to the above

Researcher Responsibilities:

Primary and secondary research (some outreach to Indigenous communities is required)
High-level scan of the Ontario energy landscape, to understand the matrix of relationships that make energy policy and implementation happen in Ontario
Gap identification and Analysis to identify where the First Nations voice is present and absent, where it must be included and strategies for getting there
Assessment of key priorities and who is doing what on the various energy issues, at the community level
Deliverables include a written report, slide deck and digital map
Other related duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications:

Advanced research skills with experience in Aboriginal issues, especially as they relate to provincial energy policy and environmental policy (or related topics). Masters or PhD candidates encouraged to apply.
Excellent research and written communication skills
Experience working with Indigenous communities an important asset
Strong time management skills and ability to work independently

Hours, Wage and Supervision

Part-time, short-term contract position (September – October, 2015)
Average 2.5 – 3 days per week (20-30 hours). Hours are some-what flexible, although there will be a front loading of work. Some time at TREC office in Toronto expected periodically.
Wage is commensurate with experience
Supervision provided by TREC’s Executive Director

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter, bundled as a single pdf (file name: “firstname-lastname.pdf”) to:
jobs@trec.on.ca
with the subject line “First Nations Energy Researcher”. Deadline is Weds September 9th at 10 am.

About TREC:

TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative is a social enterprise that develops community-owned renewable energy projects, supports the Community Power, Aboriginal Power and Social Finance sectors and advocates for a 100% renewable energy future for Ontario and Canada. TREC is a not-for-profit co-op, operating since 1998. http://www.trec.on.ca