Research Assistant: Community Engagement Study Related to Riverside Knowledge Path

  • Location: Cape Breton University
  • Deadline: December 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm

BACKGROUND
We are seeking a Research Assistant to develop a website and an online survey to collect community feedback on activities and events related to the Riverside Knowledge Path. Riverside School, located in Albert Bridge, NS, sits on the unceded Mi’kmaq territory spanning 32 acres of natural Acadian forest. The vision for The Knowledge Path extends beyond Riverside School, with the goal of engaging the broader school community. The ~2 km interactive path behind the school, inclusive of Mi’kmaq culture and teachings, will be a distinctive experience to learn traditional Mi’kmaq skills, language, and medicinal connections to the land. An outdoor classroom, performance stage, outdoor musical sound garden, signage indicating Mi’kmaq medicinal plants, and mindful invitations will punctuate the Path. In the future, there are plans for installation of wildlife cameras and a Reflection Gallery for Path visitors’ creations in art, poetry or writing inspired by the Path. At this stage in planning, it would provide informative guidance to survey the broader school community to further develop programming, activities and communications for community engagement.

JOB DESCRIPTION
With guidance from Riverside Knowledge Path organizers, the Research Assistant will design a website portal for the Path, develop and implement a communications plan for social media platforms, and design and conduct the community engagement survey. The online survey will help guide programming, activities and events, and will help maximize opportunities for community involvement. The website, along with social media platforms, will be designed to: announce activities and events occurring on the path, provide downloadable learning, curriculum, and physical activity guides for all users of the Path – to promote spiritual and mental health, physical recreation, and increased environmental stewardship from a western and Indigenous perspective, i.e. a Two-Eyed Seeing Approach.

The Research Assistant will be involved in acquiring CBU Research Ethics Board approval for the survey. The Research Assistant will collect and compile the survey results, help summarize them in a final report, and modify the Path website to incorporate findings from the survey. We envision that most of the project work will be done off-campus using online tools (e.g. meetings via Zoom or TEAMS).

QUALIFICATIONS AND TIMING OF CONTRACT
We are seeking a qualified individual with experience designing websites and developing communication plans. Someone with experience developing and conducting surveys is preferred.  The successful applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. The position is a limited part time position for 10-20 hrs/week (400hrs total). There is some flexibility with start date and allocation of hours.

How to Apply:  Forward cover letter and resume to Katherine Jones (katherine_jones@cbu.ca)