Habitat Garden Undergraduate Student Assistant, Educational Foundations
The Department of Educational Foundations is seeking a highly motivated Undergraduate Research Assistant for a summer habitat garden project. This role will include equal parts hands-on work in several habitat gardens at the University and at public schools in Saskatoon as well as qualitative research work related to the use of these habitat gardens for teaching and learning.
Employment type:term (May 12, 2026 – August 21, 2026), full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Primary Purpose:The student assistant will contribute to the summer project by supporting rehabilitation of several prairie habitat gardens to be used for educational purposes. The nature of this work is hands on and will require the student to be mobile, visiting several sites from week to week. The student will also be involved in research related to these habitat gardens and will receive qualitative research training, be involved in data collection, analysis, and work to support the development of presentations and a manuscript.
Nature of Work:The student will primarily report to the principal investigator. They will also work with and alongside the Executive Director, One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project as well as administrators/teachers from two schools in the Saskatoon Public School Division. Tasks will be coordinated between these parties on a week-to-week basis. The student need be proactive, excellent in communication and coordinating between these partners. Travel will be required between sites in Saskatoon with several rural site visits expected. The student should expect to find and maintain a balance between hands-on garden work, site visits, and research.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:- Qualitative research work – data gathering, analysis, and knowledge mobilization
- Planting with classroom teachers at various sites
- Habitat/garden field work: prep, design, maintenance, weeding
- Development of educational resources
Education:The candidate must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan (Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Agriculture, or other relevant discipline).
Experience:Experience developing curriculum and/or educational resources an asset. Previous habitat/garden experience and/or Plant ID knowledge an asset.
Skills:The candidate must be able to work in various garden sites (physical labor) and will be responsible for their transportation between sites. The candidate should demonstrate excellent ability to coordinate, schedule, and network with various stakeholders and partners. The candidate should also have basic skills related to qualitative research practices.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to:luke.heidebrecht@usask.ca
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Luke Heidebrecht at:306 716 4420.
Department: Educational Foundations
Status: Term
Employment Group: Undergraduate Students - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $29,932.50 - 41,184.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Not Applicable
Salary Phase/Band: Not Applicable
Posted Date: 5/4/2026
Closing Date: 5/17/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
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