Junior Ground Search Researcher

Company: Survivors' Secretariat

JOB DESCRIPTION: Junior Ground Search Researcher
Position Title: Junior Ground Search Researcher
Reports to: Ground Search Data Analyst
Compensation & Classification: Contract $50,000.00 - $60,000.00
Contract position 1 year with the 
possibility of renewal
 Requires travel, some weekends and evenings.
Organization Description: The Survivors’ Secretariat was established in 2021 to 
organize and support efforts to uncover, document and share the truth about what 
happened at the Mohawk Institute, Indian Residential School during its 140 years of 
operation.
Job Description:
The Junior Ground Search Researcher supports the day-to-day technical and 
collaborative work involved in the analysis of ground search on the grounds associated 
with the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. Working under the direct 
supervision of the Ground Search Analyst, the Junior Analyst will assist in data 
collection, processing, documentation, and data mapping.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Assist in the review, processing, and documentation of completed GPR grid data 
and other ground search datasets.
• Help maintain accurate tracking systems for completed survey grids and data 
entry into Secretariat databases.
• Support the creation and updating of interactive georeferenced maps using 
ArcGIS and related Esri software.
• Participate in data download, backup, and security processes in line with 
Indigenous Data Governance protocols.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Manager of Ground Search Analyst.
• Assist in the development of training materials, manuals, and educational 
resources related to ground search technologies and protocols.
• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and documentation as 
directed.
• Participate in meetings with Survivors’ Group, Board of Directors, technical 
partners, and community stakeholders as requested. 
• Engage in mandatory, confidential wellness and mental health processes to 
support personal and team healing.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Education
• Bachelor’s degree (or in final year of study) in a relevant field such as:
o Anthropology
o Archaeology
o Geophysics
o Geography / Geomatics
o Environmental Science
o Indigenous Studies (with strong technical component)
• OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience in 
ground search technologies and GIS.
Experience & Knowledge (Assets)
• Previous experience or coursework involving GIS, data analysis, or geophysical 
survey technologies.
• Experience working in an Indigenous organization or community setting.
• Knowledge of the Indian Residential School System, the Truth and Reconciliation 
Commission of Canada and its Calls to Action, the history of the Mohawk 
Institute, and work related to unmarked burials.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and intergenerational impacts of 
residential schools.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness, including respect for Haudenosaunee 
protocols, ceremony, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
Personal Attributes & Competencies
• Strong interest in learning and growing within a mentorship environment.
• High level of cultural sensitivity, respect, and commitment to Indigenous-led 
processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to participate in mandatory wellness and mental health support 
processes.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality (must sign and abide by a non-disclosure 
agreement).
Additional Requirements
• Preference will be given to candidates who are intergenerational Survivors or 
have strong personal/family/community connections to the Indian Residential 
School System.
• Must be comfortable working in outdoor field conditions when required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are considered an 
asset.
This position offers a unique opportunity to develop specialized technical skills in a 
meaningful, culturally grounded context while contributing directly to truth, healing, and 
reconciliation efforts for Survivors and impacted communities.