Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Reference # NRM-2026-27-02

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for one tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. The academic rank of the appointment will be commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate. The position will commence on August 1st, 2026.

Description of Faculty

The Faculty of Natural Resources Management (NRM) at Lakehead University offers innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate ecological science with the sustainable management of natural resources. The Faculty is internationally recognized for research and education in forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental management. Our programs emphasize experiential learning, field-based education, and applied research that informs resource management and conservation decision-making. One of the first faculties in Lakehead University to develop a course based on Indigenous worldviews, we are set in the context of an institution dedicated to furthering the educational aspirations of Indigenous students that offers a diverse range of high-quality, Indigenous-focused programs. Lakehead University is deeply committed to advancing Reconciliation and supporting Indigenous self-determination in research.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program addressing Indigenous land-based knowledge and resource stewardship built on strong relationships with local communities. Research experience may include relationships built in Canada or elsewhere. High-ranking applicants will be First Nation, Métis and Inuit from Canada under the rights granted by the Employment Equity Act. Applications from other Indigenous nations will be considered if no suitable Canadian applicant is found. Familiarity with the Ontario context is an asset. Preferred areas of research include:

• Indigenous knowledge systems
• land stewardship
• resource governance
• co-management models

The successful candidate will be expected to establish collaborative research inclusive of Indigenous methodologies and leading to scholarly activity recognized by Canada’s Tri-Council funding agencies, and to supervise graduate students within the faculty’s graduate programs (Master of Science in Forestry and PhD in Natural Resources Management).

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate offerings of Indigenous People and Natural Resources Management, and other courses up to 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) annually. Additional teaching assignments will be determined in consultation with the Dean and based on program needs and the candidate’s expertise.

The successful candidate will also contribute to service activities within the Faculty, University, and broader professional community. An important service component will be to increase the Indigenous content in all undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and field schools in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management, with teaching centered on Indigenous knowledge systems, land-based practices, and Indigenous-led approaches to resource stewardship.

Qualifications

Applicants are expected to hold a PhD degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies, Forestry, Geography, or a closely related field. Applicants without a PhD must indicate in their cover letter the anticipated timeline for completing this degree. Applicants with a master’s degree in any of these fields and considerable related experience may also be considered.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• a strong record of scholarly activity and output;
• potential to develop competitive externally funded research program; 
• experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities;
• experience integrating Indigenous knowledge into research and teaching;
• the ability to supervise graduate students;
• a commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentorship; 
• practice in experiential learning and online or alternative modes of delivery.

Compensation:

The expected compensation range for this position is: $88,094 - $133,223. 

Salary will be determined in accordance with the collective agreement and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.

For further information, contact Dr. Brian McLaren (bmclaren@lakeheadu.ca. Detailed information on the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and our programs is available at nrm.lakeheadu.ca.

Review of applications will begin on May 29, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) quoting Reference # NRM-2026-27-02 should include: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a statement of teaching philosophy, course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously-taught courses), a statement of a research plan (current and future interests), copies of the three most significant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package. 

Applicants should submit their electronic application to:

Dr. Brian McLaren,

Chair of the Recruitment Committee for the Tenure-Track Position in Indigenous land-based knowledge and resource stewardship 

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, Ontario

bmclaren@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. 

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify if they are from an underrepresented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

This position is subject to budgetary approval.