ABOUT IRON & EARTH

Iron & Earth is working toward a future where the workforce is dynamically engaged in a thriving green economy. We envision broad participation in the Just Transition, leading to strengthened economic and climate resilience, expanded accessibility to sustainable energy solutions, and meaningful careers. A Just Transition is one that secures the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities in the transition to a low-carbon economy. 

Iron & Earth acknowledges the links between colonialism and climate change, and supports a Just Transition that is informed and led by Indigenous land stewardship.

Established in 2016 by fossil fuel workers, Iron & Earth was sparked by growing concerns of climate change and a collective desire to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.  We believe that if managed well, environmentally and socially sustainable economies can become strong drivers of job creation.

Our vision extends beyond workforce mobilization to foster a community-driven transformation, where people actively contribute to a sustainable and equitable future, for their communities and the planet.

Our team welcomes Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people with diverse abilities, genders and sexualities, as well as people with fossil fuel industry experience. We truly value everyone and take  steps to accommodate all persons in our workplace.  

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Iron & Earth, in partnership with Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure and Ocean Man First Nation, will deliver a 2-day Introduction to Solar PV Systems training program for Ocean Man First Nation community members. The goals of the training is to provide participants with an understanding of solar PV systems, the large scale solar PV Iyuhána project, and to explore career pathways available in the industry.

The Instructional Designer will support the Renewable Skills Initiative and its contracted instructors by providing expert guidance, updating in-class material and creating hands-on group activities for training programs. The Instructional Designer will also provide suggestions regarding the program curriculum and the length and delivery method based on their own professional experience for the specific delivery in Ocean Man First Nation, SK, in the spring of 2025.

This 2-day in-class training will accommodate up to 25 participants. The training aims to provide participants with:

• An understanding of solar energy within the context of Canadian energy production;
• Insight into the impact of solar energy on Indigenous communities' autonomy and well-being;
• Knowledge of how solar electricity is generated and distributed;
• Familiarity with the Iyuhána solar PV project and system;
• An understanding of operations and maintenance duties, as well as career opportunities associated with large-scale solar projects.

The training program will include both theoretical lessons and interactive group activities, with an integration of cultural teachings or ceremonies. The specific content and delivery of the training will be developed in consultation with Ocean Man First Nation, GreenWood Sustainable Infrastructure, and the General Contractor/EPC Contractor responsible for the construction of the project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review, assess and update the Introduction to Solar PV Systems training program in collaboration with the Renewable Skills Project Manager
  • Assess  and update course outlines, instructional materials, and develop assessments to ensure  everything is up to date and relevant  for the targeted Indigenous audience;
  • Review and incorporate feedback from previous course deliveries;
  • Keep track of updates and fill in the Iron & Earth Iteration Tracking Sheet
  • Identify needs for Subject Matter Experts inputs (technical data and expertise, Indigenous knowledge and cultural components), communicate them to the Renewable Skills Team and collaborate with SMEs to ensure accuracy and relevance of training materials;
  • Coordinate the integration of Cultural Awareness Teachings, building relationships with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers
  • Incorporate to the curriculum and training materials specifics of the Iyuhána Solar PV Project and community talks findings provided by Iron & Earth and its partners;
    • This includes expanding the module about Careers Paths and job requirements to work in Renewable Energy industries and solar PV farm projects;
  • Assess, add and/or change visuals and videos supporting the instruction, ensuring they are relevant to the geographic area where the course will be delivered;
• Create a trainee handbook with additional resources related to climate change, solar PV energy and associated career pathways, with important information from the course and additional resources;
• Incorporate relevant updates and enhancements to the existing course, ensuring they reflect the latest industry standards and practices.
• Utilize instructional design principles and adult learning theories to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for Indigenous trainees.
  • Develop a short list of breakout session activities within each course module (5 to 15 minutes depending on the lesson’s length), including some hands-on activities, group talks or any other relevant instruction/assessment method to facilitate trainees’ understanding, involvement and engagement;
• Allow time within the curriculum and course plan for traditional and cultural teachings and/or ceremonies;
• Attend meetings with the Renewable Skills Team, Instructors and its partners, to provide status updates and gather input (schedule to be determined, bi-weekly basis or as needed);

KEY DELIVERABLES

• One slide deck presentation per day of instruction with updated speaker notes on Google Slides within Iron & Earth Google Share Drive;
• Course delivery plan, with estimated lessons duration for instructors;
• Daily suggested schedule for instructors;
• Participant booklets for any hands-on group activities accompanied with instructor facilitation guidelines;
• Trainee handbook with relevant links and space for future QR codes addition;
• Action plan with updates for future development;
• Iron & Earth Iteration Tracking Sheet filled in.

APPLICANT QUALITIES

• Access to stable internet and ability to work with Google Workspace:
  • All work and training updates need to be completed via Google Workspace, following Iron & Earth guidelines;
• Bachelor's degree or at least 5 years of professional experience in Education, Instructional Design, Renewable Energy, or a related field;
• Proven experience in curriculum development and instructional design, specifically in solar energy or related renewable energy industry;
• Experience updating and iterating existing training programs to align with industry standards and best practices;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner;
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities to develop innovative and effective curriculum solutions;
• Experience designing or delivering renewable energy or other industry training in Indigenous Communities, a strong asset;
• Knowledge or experience working with Google Workspace, a strong asset.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS    

Compensation and Hours

This is a student contract position. Compensation consists of a flat rate ranging between $2,500 CAD + GST and $3,000 CAD + GST. This is commensurate with experience. The duration of this contract and the training sessions will be discussed during the interview process. 

Location

Remote.

How to apply

If you want to make a change in the world we live in, send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please include in your email how you heard about this opportunity. We want to thank you in advance for your interest, however, due to the high number of applicants, only selected candidates will be contacted.

We believe in everyone. We see the strength in your unique history.  

You've read all this way,  you may as well apply!