Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID: 4684 Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled External Closing Date: Open Until Filled

of Openings: 1

Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate Employment Type: Temporary Part Time Workplace Type: Hybrid Travel Frequency: Employee Group: Casual Employee Days of Work (BCGEU): Hours of Work (BCGEU): Hours per Week (BCGEU):

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix.

Summary

The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Research and Extension Associate who will be responsible for supporting ISFS staff in developing project ideas and preparing grant applications.

About ISFS

The ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems and encompasses agriculture and food, economics, community development, community health, policy, and environmental stewardship. Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, businesses, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.

ISFS is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in food systems, agriculture, economics, farm business management, ecology, public health, extension education and other disciplines. Our office is on KPU’s Richmond campus, located at 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond BC. The campus is served by rapid transit (Canada Line - Lansdowne Station), by which downtown Vancouver can be reached in about 30 minutes.

More about us and our work is at www.kpu.ca/isfs

Key Responsibilities

The Associate, Grants and Projects Development will work with ISFS Research and Extension Associates to conceptualize ideas for new research and extension projects. This position also will be responsible for leading the preparation of grant applications. The Associate, may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS sustainable food system initiatives such as facilitating workshops and meetings. The primary responsibilities of this position include:

Conceptualization and design of research and extension projects, independently or with project leads/ collaborators. Lead or contribute to preparation and submission of grant applications. Contribute to the preparation of reports to granting agencies. Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials Collaboration and coordination with other ISFS staff and research staff from collaborating institutions/ organizations. Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment. Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors

Qualifications

The successful applicant for this position must:

Hold a Master’s degree in food systems studies, policy studies, planning, economics, Indigenous studies, geography, or related field. Have knowledge of the agriculture and food system landscape of BC. Have grant writing experience and/or training. Have experience conceptualizing and designing research (and extension) projects. Have strong writing skills demonstrated by their technical and/or academic publication record Have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Have demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team.

The Following Will Be Considered Assets

Experience with project development and management. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize a complex project and effectively plan and execute steps to complete it.

Salary Information

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $35.09

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.