Specialist, Northern Engagement and Community Outreach
Summary:
The Northern Engagement and Community Outreach (NECO) specialist supports the delivery and growth of community-engaged veterinary outreach and population health programming across an assigned region. This position works with Indigenous communities, community leaders, organizations, and institutional partners to support program development, conduct community needs assessments, and strengthen community relationships. This role leads and coordinates community-based outreach activities, including outreach clinics, community vaccinator programs, and experiential learning opportunities for veterinary students and veterinary professionals. The specialist contributes to knowledge sharing, research, extension, teaching, and service activities that advance program objectives and support animal, human, and environmental health.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of community-based program activities, including community visits, needs assessments, and outreach clinics in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, community leaders, organizations, agencies, and other key interest holders across the assigned region.
- Leads program learning activities and clinical rotations for veterinary students in community settings, including planning, logistics, orientation, cultural preparation, and debriefing.
- Facilitates and completes community needs assessments and supports communities in developing animal control bylaws, funding applications, and local animal health and education capacity.
- Facilitates knowledge sharing and extension activities related to public and veterinary health priority areas, including rabies prevention and response, dog population management and public safety, food and water security and safety, and zoonotic diseases of local wildlife.
- Identifies, recruits, and supports community champions for animal health and dog population management and coordinates the identification and training of community vaccinators under applicable provincial veterinary regulatory frameworks.
- Coordinates veterinary clinical coverage for community outreach clinics and arranges delivery of veterinary medical services by veterinarians licensed in the applicable jurisdiction.
- Participates in research, extension, teaching, and engagement activities aligned with program objectives, including contributions to peer-reviewed and grey literature.
- Contributes to program reporting, evaluation, and the preparation of deliverables required under external funding and service agreements.
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
- Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
- Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a master’s degree in one health, public or community health, Indigenous studies, community development, social sciences, or a related field; a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is preferred.
- A valid Class 5 driver’s license.
- Minimum five years of related professional experience in community-engaged program delivery, community outreach, veterinary practice, or a combination of these areas.
- Experience in program development, coordination, and reporting within grant- or contract-funded environments is an asset.
- Experience teaching, supervising, or mentoring students or trainees in academic, clinical, or community-based settings is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain respectful, reciprocal relationships and partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, organizations, leadership, and interest holders.
- Knowledge of Truth and Reconciliation principles, the Calls to Action, and their application in practice.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational, coordination, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently in community-based, clinical, and consultative environments, including settings with limited infrastructure and resources.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to interpret, synthesize, and apply technical, clinical, and community-generated information to support program and patient care decisions.
- Ability to travel frequently throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including remote and fly-in communities.
Department: College of Veterinary Medicine
Status: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.5
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 11/6/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.
