OVERVIEW

Date posted: March 2, 2023
Closing date: March 31, 2023 (Midnight)
Job type: Student (As an Independent Contractor)
Program start and end date: April 15 - May 13 (4 weeks) 
Number of hours: 20 hrs total (5 to 10 hrs of live instruction +  additional coursework)
Compensation for participation in the program: $1200 + GST
Location: Online

ABOUT IRON & EARTH

Iron & Earth formed around the lunchroom tables of the Canadian oilsands during an oil price crash which resulted in over 100,000 oilpatch employees losing their jobs between 2015 and 2017. We realized that our trade skills were transferable to the renewable energy industry and recognized the urgency of diversifying into these technologies. So, in Spring 2016 we launched Iron & Earth to create a better future for ourselves, our coworkers, and the planet. Since then we have built a base of over 1000 fossil fuel industry worker members and have carried out a wide range of innovative initiatives.

Iron & Earth is a worker-led organization whose mission is to empower fossil fuel industry and Indigenous workers to build and implement climate solutions. Our overarching intention is to help create an environmentally and socially prosperous planet. Our vision is that fossil fuel industry and Indigenous workers will play a leading role in building the policy and infrastructure required to reach global climate targets. Our top-level goal is to help ensure a prosperous transition towards global carbon neutrality by 2050. 

We carry out our unique purpose through our regional chapters, national advocacy campaigns, upskilling programs, climate mitigation projects, technology platforms and community building events.

BECOME AN IRON & EARTH INSTRUCTOR!

Iron & Earth has developed four 10-Day rapid upskilling programs that are ready for delivery:

1. Solar Skills for Electricians
2. Community Solar Skills
3. Community Wind Skills
4. RenuWell Workforce Training Program

We are continuing to build our instructor network to deliver these programs! If you are interested in delivering one or more of our training programs, please apply by March 31, 2023 to participate in our Train the Trainer (TtT) program. 

We are looking for experienced electricians and other tradespeople that are passionate about renewable energy and climate solutions to take the TtT program, and subsequently, be available to deliver our programs starting in 2023.

We are accepting applications from candidates across Canada and have a particular need for instructors who are based in Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.

Instructors will be paid between $400-800/day during the delivery of our programs, pending experience, qualifications and ability to provide equipment required for projects (see information below about the potential to deliver our programs).

TTT PROGRAM DETAILS

The Train the Trainer (TtT) program will provide instructors with familiarity with each of our four training programs as well as the ability to effectively navigate the program materials. 

The TtT program will include one to two hour long live virtual instructional training sessions, every Saturday on these dates, tentatively between 9:00 - 11:00 AM MT:

1. Saturday, April 15 
2. Saturday, April 22
3. Saturday, April 29 
4. Saturday, May 6
5. Saturday, May 13
   
   

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INSTRUCTORS

We will be delivering a minimum of six training programs in Spring/Summer 2023.

We are going to be developing a number of additional 10-day training programs in energy efficiency, hydrogen, nature-based solutions, geothermal, biofuels and many more over the coming years. By joining our instructor network, you may have the opportunity to participate in the development of and/or delivery of these future programs. 

A UNIQUE MODEL

Unique elements of our 10-Day rapid upskilling programs include:

1. Delivery of our programs in remote and rural communities
2. Designed for, and focused delivery for, fossil fuel industry workers and Indigenous community members
3. Hands-on experience installing a working renewable energy system
4. Indigenous ways of knowing reflected in the course structure and content
5. Connection to a career mentorship program for program graduates

Our unique model requires unique instructors

Due to the hands-on experience we provide during our training programs, we are prioritizing building an instructor network of electricians who own their own contracting companies. However, we are accepting applications from individuals who do not meet this specific requirement as there will be opportunities for a diverse set of instructional skills. 

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED APPLICANT QUALITIES  

Mandatory qualities

• Skills, experience, and qualifications that make you an effective and engaging instructor
• Experience with and deep knowledge of solar and/or wind energy
• Personal values that are aligned with our organization’s mission and objectives
• Understanding of Canada’s energy industry, Indigenous truth & reconciliation, and climate change

Must meet one of the following:

• Electrical contractor
• Solar installation contractor
• Wellsite services contractor
• Extensive experience as a foreman or supervisor in a relevant trade to solar and/or wind energy
• Extensive experience as an instructor and hold a journeyman ticket in a relevant trade to solar and/or wind energy

Additional skills and experience preferred

• Teaching/instructor experience
• Foreman experience for solar, wind energy, or oil well services
• Well abandonment and/or remediation experience
  
  

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your resume in PDF format to , including:

• A cover letter outlining why you’d make a great Iron & Earth Instructor and why you want to take the TtT program (brief, one page maximum, can be shorter) 
• CV (2 pages maximum)

We recognize that the new economy must be grounded in a recognition of Indigenous peoples’ right to be self-determining over their lands and resources, in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and strive to contribute to building a new economy that reflects this principle. We especially encourage and welcome Indigenous candidates to apply for this role. 

We thank all applicants for your interest in our organization and the time spent on your application, however, only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest!