Research Chair - Sustainable Forestry Solutions

Saskatchewan Polytechnic seeks a Research Chair in Sustainable Forestry Solutions at its Prince Albert campus. The role involves leading applied research initiatives in sustainable forestry, engaging with industry and community partners, and securing funding for projects. Candidates should have expertise in boreal forest environments and related areas. Strong grant-writing, networking, and project management skills are essential. The position is full-time and emphasizes collaboration within the SLICE team.
Location: Sanborn

Job Duties /Qualifications,

Skills and Abilities

(QSA)
Job Duties

Job Duties The Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) is a solution-oriented applied research centre at Saskatchewan Polytechnic — advancing sustainable resource management with a full life-cycle lens on economic activities in Saskatchewan’s energy and resources, manufacturing, agriculture and forestry sectors. By working with SLICE, industry and community partners can capture new opportunities, solve everyday problems and realize economic, social and environmental benefits.

SLICE’s collaborative approach brings together the expertise needed to address complex issues related to sustainability.

SLICE is seeking a Research Chair in Sustainable Forestry Solutions, to be based at the Prince Albert campus of Sask Polytech. We are seeking candidates with experience in boreal forest environments, with specialization in a relevant area such as: forest management, forest regeneration, wildfire resilience, Indigenous environmental knowledge, value added forest products, and green construction through innovative wood products. The Research Chair will have access to a suite of remotely-piloted aircraft systems and sensors, as well as boreal forest field station facilities at the award-winning Hannin Creek Applied Research and Education Centre (operated in partnership with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation).

The Prince Albert campus has an exceptional track record in applied research through the Natural Resources Technology team in SLICE, and a talented pool of students in programs such as Integrated Resource Management and Geographic Information Sciences.

Reporting to the Director of SLICE, the Research Chair will provide leadership in applied research to support the development of sustainable forestry solutions in Saskatchewan. The Research Chair will be expected to obtain external funding for research projects and ensure that appropriate research personnel and project management staff are in place to deliver results. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, as part of the college and polytechnic post-secondary sector, engages in applied research which means finding solutions to challenges that are brought to us by industry and community partners.

Success in this position requires strong grant-writing, networking, and project management skills. Working within the supportive and distributed SLICE team environment, we are seeking someone with a penchant for innovation with the ability to generate enthusiasm among colleagues and mentor students in applied research. The full-time commitment of the position is focused on engaging industry and community with applied research projects and defining and realizing significant research goals for forestry in Saskatchewan.

SLICE values diversity and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE Specific Accountabilities Applied Research Leadership (50%)1. Lead and promote applied research initiatives in sustainable forestry solutions for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
2. Identify and actively pursue funding opportunities and provide leadership in the preparation and submission of funding proposals in an applied and partner-driven framework.
3. Ensure project progress by planning and coordinating within project timelines in conjunction with Research Associate/s and other personnel.
4. Assign research project related duties to team members.
5. Provide supervision and mentorship to other team members, including research associates, technologists and student research assistants to be hired with grant funding.
6. Plan the overall direction and objectives for research in collaboration with partner organizations and collaborate with research team members to choose research methods and experimental approaches.
7. Develop and monitor research budgets.
8. Assess, interpret, and evaluate outcomes of research.
9. Ensure quality control of research activities in meeting deliverables and objectives.
10. Remain current in emerging trends and technologies in forestry.

Communication and Outreach (20%)1. Foster and maintain mutually beneficial research partnerships, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, with colleagues and stakeholders in research.
2. Ensure relationships with partners and parties of interest are optimally realized and maintained.
3. Plan and lead meetings with the partner organizations (may include industry, government, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, academic collaborators and others) and act as primary point of contact.
4. Undertake dissemination and mobilization of knowledge in a format appropriate to the project.
5. Collaborate with internal and external contacts such as educational, funding, and research bodies.
6. Promote applied research and research opportunities within Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Administration (30%)1. Act as direct supervisor for Student Assistants, Research…