Indigenous Youth Position

Eligibility: Indiginous applicants ages 18 - 30 (see below)

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Title: Research Lead
Organization: RFS Energy Consulting & Research Group Inc.
Location: Remote / Virtual (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Nova Scotia)

Hours: Full-time (up to 35 hours/week, flexible schedule)
Start Date: September 15, 2025
Type: Contract Position (12-months with potential to renew
Salary: $40,000 - $45,000
Deadline: Open until filled

Founded in 2020, RFS Energy is a female-led sustainability consulting firm guided by a leadership team that includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals.

We are a mission-driven consulting firm that brings people together to propel planning, research and climate change policy into action and impact. We are a small organization with a team of energy efficiency, climate and strategic planning experts based across the country. We specialize in:

● Energy efficiency and conservation
● Deep energy retrofits for buildings and market readiness
● Electric vehicles, including electric school buses
● Climate change adaptation and resilience

With decades of experience working directly with utilities, government agencies, academic institutions, communities and non-profit partners across so-called Canada - our team draws from a unique perspective rooted in project implementation to provide research, advisory services and project management support to partners and clients on a wide variety of projects and topics.

Research Lead Roles & Responsibilities

The Research Lead will have the opportunity to gain exposure and contribute to a variety of different topics related to climate change adaptation, energy efficiency and clean energy while building their professional network. The Research Lead will be both supporting and leading components of various research and consulting projects in the area of clean energy and climate adaptation. The Research Lead is expected to undertake the following:

Research, Data Analysis & Reporting
● Conducting background research, literature reviews and gap analyses on various energy and climate-related topics
● Reviewing multiple information sources to identify knowledge gaps and perspective differences to inform data collection and research activities
● Developing & implementing research methodologies to support project objectives, including data collection & engagement tools/resources for surveys, interviews & focus groups
● Implementing quality control measures to ensure data security & accuracy
● Communicating research findings in a clear and actionable manner
● Synthesizing research trends and insights into easily digestible summary reports, presentations and other materials to share project results and recommendations
● Supporting the design of final reports and the creation of graphs and figures

Client, Partner & Stakeholder Engagement
● Coordinating with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure research aligns with client needs
● Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners and funders.
● Participating in client meetings and public presentations
● Drafting meeting agendas, taking and distributing notes and action items to the team
● Carrying out and leading research and engagement activities with internal team members, as well as external stakeholders

Required Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

● 3–5 years of experience in applied research or policy work (paid, volunteer, or community-based)
● Experience designing and implementing research or evaluation methods (e.g., desktop research, environmental scans, surveys, interviews, focus groups etc.)
● Strong writing and synthesis skills, especially in summarizing research or presenting findings
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment
● Alignment with RFS Energy’s values around equity, reconciliation, and climate action Preferred Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

These are considered strong assets but are not required. If you bring any of these, please highlight them in your application:
● Familiarity with climate adaptation, energy efficiency, or clean energy policy in Canada
● Experience with community or stakeholder engagement
● Data visualization or basic graphic design skills (e.g., Canva, Excel charts, Google Slides)
● Direct experience working with Indigenous, rural, or equity-deserving communities
● Lived experience that informs your understanding of equity and systems change

What we Offer

● A full-time (up to 35 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel and a flexible, virtual workplace setting
● Opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, committed team across the country
● Paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional holiday shut-down days at year-end
● Option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe
● Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences
● Employer co-paid health care benefits, flexible summer hours, paid sick days among other employee supports
● Opportunity to participate in several active internal working groups - including the Equity Working Group and the Fun Club

Eligibility

This position is funded through the Generation Power internship program for Indigenous youth. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this position:

● Self-identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis;
● Be between 18 and 30 years old;
● Be eligible to work in Canada.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please complete our Google Form Application and upload your resume. Instead of a cover letter we ask that you respond to 2-3 short-answer questions about your experience and interest in the role.

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier-free. If you require any accommodation to participate in the posting, recruitment, selection and/or assessment processes, please let us know by contacting justus@rfs.energy .

RFS Energy invites applicants from all qualified individuals. RFS Energy values and is committed to employment inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and to building a diverse and representative team. We encourage candidates from frequently underrepresented to apply and self-identify in their resume or cover letter if they wish to do so.

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