CN Field Research Assistant-5

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research university in Canada is seeking a CN Field Research Assistant to support research projects in Haida Gwaii. Responsibilities include conducting field reconnaissance, assisting in data collection, and performing habitat assessments. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, effective communication skills, and be physically fit. Familiarity with forest-related work is preferred but training can be provided. The position offers a compensation range of $25.29 - $27.74 CAD hourly.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to walk through dense forest easily.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field reconnaissance to verify research sites.
• Assist in field research planning and data collection.
• Perform cavity nester inventory and habitat assessments.

Skills

Effective communication

Physical fitness

Equity, diversity, and inclusion awareness

Education

High school graduation

Tools

Computers

Electronic devices

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job ProfileNon Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 1 Job Title CN Field Research Assistant-5 Department Research | Simard Lab | Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences | Faculty of Forestry Compensation Range $25.29 - $27.74 CAD Hourly Posting End Date November 30, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date March 31, 2026

There are multiple positions associated with this job posting.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The Mother Tree program and Project is well-known for its research work in Haida Gwaii. The CN Field Research Assistants will support research being conducted by Ms. Karen (Kiku) Dhanwant for her Graduate Studies Program for the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences with Dr. Suzanne Simard. The position/s is located in Haida Gwaii.

Organizational Status

The CN technician will report to Dr. Suzanne Simard and Jean Roach, and work under the supervision of Ms Dhanwant. Ms Dhanwant will train the field research technician to conduct field work as per standards laid out in the sampling protocols, including data entry.

Work Performed

The field research assistant will accompany and assist the lead researcher in conducting field work including the following:

• Field reconnaissance to verify suitability and accessibility of proposed research sites.
• Field research planning and data collection.
• Cavity nester inventory including call playback surveys and incidental visual or auditory detections to locate nest sites.
• Red Breasted Sapsucker habitat assessments using standardized methods as per Thesis proposal and adapted as necessary.
• Landscape level habitat transects documenting stand structure, composition and cavity nester habitat features.
• Data entry.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The field research assistants will carry out the tasks in a timely manner and any delays could result in delaying the research publication.

Supervision Received

Direct supervision by Graduate student and Dr. Simard.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation and a minimum one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• The successful candidate should be physically fit, able to walk through the dense forest easily.
• Able to read and write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to use computers, electronic devices.
• Ability to get to the appointed meeting location for travel to work sites in remote areas of Haida Gwaii.

Preferred Qualifications

The purpose of this position is to develop community capacity and training in forest related learning and conservation work. Background in forest related work on Haida Gwaii such as forest inventories and data collection preferred but training can be provided. Class 5 driver's license would be an asset but not required. Preference will be given to Haida youth with interest and skills in cultural forest use or inventories and ecological surveys on Haida Gwaii.