The University of Waterloo Library seeks a creative and dynamic Indigenous Librarian to provide leadership in the areas of Indigenous research and ways of knowing. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with campus and community partners to ensure reconciliation and decolonization efforts are coordinated, well integrated, and support both the Library’s and University’s strategic plans.
The University of Waterloo Library is the campus's partner in learning, research, and innovation. Its two main locations and three satellite spaces act as interdisciplinary hubs, bringing together the knowledge, expertise and resources needed by our diverse campus community. The University was built for change and the Library exemplifies Waterloo’s agility as we continuously transform our approaches to creating, discovering, using, sharing and preserving information. With a commitment to open and equitable access to information, we equip researchers and students with the critical research skills to improve our world as active citizens, creative problem solvers and agile leaders. All of our work is done with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.
This role is integrated into the University’s overall commitments to building and strengthening Indigenous education programs, curriculum, research, and community. The Indigenous Librarian advises on, and participates in, the integration of Indigenous knowledge with library services and functions, including research methodologies, teaching and learning activities, information services, and collection development. Over time, the Indigenous Librarian may assume an additional area of specialization based on their knowledge, experience, and/or interest.
The University of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 states, “We particularly recognize Indigenous students, faculty, staff and alumni. We are committed to learning about the rich history and culture of Indigenous people of this land and an institutional response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action.” In line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and the Indigenization Strategy, the Indigenous Librarian strives to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous people and to increase specialized support for Indigenous students, faculty, staff, researchers and alumni.
To enhance the effectiveness of this activity, the successful candidate will meet the articulated qualifications below and will be an Indigenous person (First Nations Status or Non-Status, Métis, or Inuit). Lived experience in an Indigenous community or communities is required. We ask each interested applicant to include a statement if they self-identify as an Indigenous member from First Nations, Metis, or Inuit with lived experience of Indigenous world views, cultures and values and strong ties to First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit communities in their cover letter.
Please note that our recruitment system has limitations. Hiring managers will only see the last updated version of the application (cover letter and resume) as older versions will be overridden. Therefore, if you are applying to more than one job simultaneously, your self-identify will be available to all hiring managers.
External Candidates: To ensure consideration, please submit your application by July 29, 2022.
Qualifications
- The successful candidate will be First Nations, Metis, or Inuit with lived experience of Indigenous world views, cultures and values and strong ties to First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit communities
- A Master’s degree in library, archival or information studies from an ALA- accredited or equivalent institution. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Individuals working toward a degree may be considered. *Individuals working toward a degree may be considered at USG 9
- Asset - Degree or diploma in First Nations or Indigenous studies or equivalent
- Lived experience of Indigenous world views, cultures and values and strong ties to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit communities
- Experience building effective working relationships with institutional and external colleagues, and communities
- Experience integrating knowledge to inform equitable and inclusive decision-making
- Experience developing, delivering, and assessing instructional content
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Cultural fluency for Indigenous contexts
- Understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing within a higher education setting
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous research methodologies, resources, and services and the use of them to advance research and scholarly communication on campus
- Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that recognizes barriers faced by people and encourages and incorporates contributions from diverse groups and individuals
- Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan and carry out projects, both independently and as a member of a team
- Time management skills, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities, and adjust according to changing priorities
- Ability to create, sustain, and enhance effective partnerships
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Creative, flexible, adaptable thinker
- Knowledge of current issues in Indigenous scholarship and librarianship, with a commitment to continued learning and growth
- Communicates effectively in an academic context, acting as a resource to the department, University, and broader community
- Ability to promote the Library and its services to clients and present a positive image of the Library to clients
- Ability to understand and respond to priorities and trends in the Library and University environments
- Asset - Some spoken and/or written fluency in an Indigenous language
- There may be work hours outside of normal operating hours, time-sensitive activities, and competing priorities, as well as occasional travel for professional development and networking purposes
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
Vaccination Requirement Statement
Effective May 1, 2022, the University suspended its Vaccination Requirement. Prior to May 1, pursuant to this Requirement, all University employees were required to submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (subject to the University’s obligations under the Human Rights Code to accommodate employees who were unable to receive a vaccination). The University’s Vaccination Requirement website can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement.
The pandemic is ongoing and public health advice continues to evolve. Accordingly, the University reserves the absolute right to reinstate the Vaccination Requirement on short notice, and upon such reinstatement you will be required to comply. You shall also be required to comply with any new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University from time to time, including new policies/requirements related to mandatory employee vaccination. As the University may need to reinstate the Requirement on short notice, it will continue to collect and maintain up-to-date information on employee vaccination status. Please submit your Covid-19 vaccine status (QR code) to: https://checkin.uwaterloo.ca/
Failure to comply with the Vaccination Requirement if it is reinstated, including failure to comply with any future amendments to the Vaccination Requirement, or failure to comply with new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University, including those related to new mandatory employee vaccination, shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.
The requirement to be vaccinated, if reinstated, will be subject to the duty to accommodate pursuant to the Human Rights Code. If you are unable to be vaccinated for reasons related to a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written request for accommodation with an explanation of the reasons and/or any supporting documentation. If you request accommodation, the University may follow up with you for further information if necessary.
Compensation
The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualification within the USG 9*-13 salary level. Hiring range: $63,737-$112,436 based on 2022/2023 salary scales
For more information about this job and to apply: go to external opportunities at Careers at Waterloo.
We welcome interested candidates to connect directly with Nancy Collins, Head, Information Services & Resources, Dana Porter Library to learn more about this exciting position. Nancy can be reached by email at ncollins@uwaterloo.ca
The Librarian and Archivist Employment Handbook (PDF) document outlines the rules and procedures around promotion and professional development.
Deadline for applications: For assured consideration, applications should be received by Friday, July 29, 2022.
Job openings are posted until the position has been filled. Due to the number of applications received, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
About the University of Waterloo
Waterloo has spawned thousands of commercial and social enterprises, is home to the world's largest co-operative education program and boasts a uniquely entrepreneurial culture that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. The result is an outstanding learning and research experience for more than 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada — the anchor of Canada’s innovation corridor.
University of Waterloo — Canada’s top innovation university — is a research powerhouse and the engine of one of the world’s leading startup ecosystems. Offering world-class scholarship and research, combined with unparalleled experience-based education, Waterloo builds a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow.
For more information about Waterloo, please visit the University of Waterloo website.
