Student Research Assistant (Rail Fund) - Summer 2025 / Étudiant adjoint / É

at  Ship and Rail Compensation Canada

BRIEF

Are you a student looking for work experience in the public sector as part of a legal and policy team? Are you someone who wants to work with a broad range of partners and stakeholders in the private and public sector? Do you think trains are cool? Then this opportunity may be for you!
Ship and Rail Compensation Canada is looking for a Student Research Assistant for the 2025 Summer Work Term on policy work with the Rail Fund team.
This is a full-time student position during the Summer 2025 semester. This position is available to students currently enrolled in full or part-time university studies in Canada.
The Student Research Assistant will be an integral part of the Rail Fund’s operations. This opportunity would be ideal for students looking to expand their research skills, work autonomously and develop legal and policy experience.
We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment, starting with the hiring process. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This position is based in Ottawa. However, remote or hybrid telework arrangements may be considered.
To learn more about the Rail Fund, visit us at https://ship-rail.gc.ca/

PROFILE SOUGHT

The Rail Fund is looking for a student currently enrolled in a related university program. Students who meet the experience outlined below or who have an interest are encouraged to apply.
Qualified persons of Indigenous Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Indigenous Peoples are First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

The Student Research Assistant should meet the following requirements:

• An interest in or knowledge of the Rail Fund program
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Strong ability to work in English and/or French
• Ability to meet and manage projects with multiple deadlines
• Ability to work in both a team and independently
• Have the legal right to work in Canada and be resident in Canada

THE FOLLOWING SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE WOULD BE ASSETS:

• Experience working with local Indigenous communities or researching Indigenous policies and legislation
• Assisting or directly managing projects or project components
• Writing briefing notes, legal opinions, background material, reports and/or correspondence
• Making and delivering presentations
• Working proficiency in French

IN ADDITION, CANDIDATES FOR THE ROLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE:

• An interest in or knowledge of the Rail Fund program
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Full proficiency in English required

ROLE

In this position, you will report to the Director, Rail Fund and work with the Rail Fund’s Policy Analyst. You will also work with the Legal Counsels, the Communications team, the Information Management team, other students at the Rail Fund and external stakeholders as needed.

YOU WILL TAKE ON THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supporting and / or facilitating the development, planning and delivery of the Rail Fund’s activities
• Assisting in the preparation and organization of meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including the reporting and follow-up
• Assisting the Rail Team in deepening its understanding of Indigenous culture to support our mandate ofensuring access to justice for potential Indigenous claims for pollution damages.
• Collecting and analyzing information and data, conducting environmental scans and preparing reports of the findings
• Assisting in ongoing research of various policy and legal topics
• Making recommendations to management about various projects and activities