Engineer Technician

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education seeks a qualified Engineering Technician to support research and teaching initiatives. This role involves providing technical assistance, managing equipment, and contributing to research projects within the Geography Department. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Join a vibrant community dedicated to academic excellence and innovation, where your contributions will help shape the future of research and education. If you are passionate about technology and education, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Health and Dental Benefits

Pension Plan

Flexible Work Arrangements

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Graduation from a technical college or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years of related experience in technical support and equipment management.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for research and teaching equipment.
• Construct and maintain complex experimental systems and devices.
• Instruct users on equipment operation and safety procedures.

Skills

Technical Support

Experimental Design

Data Analysis

Judgment and Decision Making

Programming (MATLAB, LabView, Python, R)

Education

Technical College Diploma

Apprenticeship Completion

Tools

Terrestrial Laser Scanners

Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Differential GPS

Machine Shop Equipment

Job description

Job Title

Engineer Technician

Department

Administrative Support | Department of Geography

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Engineering Technician 3

Compensation Range

$6,347.00 - $6,802.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

February 18, 2025

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

Job End Date

Feb 28, 2026

Job Summary
The Engineering Technician 3 is a fully qualified position in technical support associated with the development and maintenance of research and teaching equipment, instrumentation and systems in the Geography Department.

Organizational Status

Performs duties under the direction of the Operations Manager and reports administratively to the Administrator.

Work Performed

Research Support

1. Provide advice on experimental design, considering the capabilities and limitations of available instrumentation.
2. Provide technical support during experimental setup, including modifying systems, adapting instrument control/data acquisition software, writing new software, and designing data storage systems.
3. Support research projects by managing day-to-day operation of infrastructure, developing research protocols, and overseeing data collection and analysis.
4. Contribute to final research publications and presentations by assisting with experimental data and technical insights.

Engineering

1. Construct, assemble, install, maintain, and operate research and teaching equipment and systems.
2. Consult with originators to design equipment and systems, including selecting and ordering components, parts, and materials.
3. Machine and fabricate complex, precise experimental equipment and devices, modifying and adapting systems to meet specialized requirements.
4. Prepare working drawings and specifications for components and devices, including layout, design, and fabrication details.
5. Operate machine shop equipment (lathes, CNC, milling, drilling, grinding, and sawing) to fabricate equipment and devices.

Equipment

1. Manage an inventory of equipment used in laboratories and fieldwork, ensuring proper use and training for all users.
2. Instruct faculty, staff, and students on proper equipment use, operation, and safety procedures, particularly for specialized equipment.
3. Assist in the maintenance of a safe, organized working environment by adhering to safety protocols.

Field Support

1. Set up and troubleshoot field equipment; participate in short local field campaigns, data acquisition, and potentially international field trips.
2. Operate and maintain specialized field equipment (e.g., terrestrial laser scanners, remotely piloted aircraft, differential GPS) and associated data processing tools.

Perform other duties as needed within the classification level.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The technician uses a considerable amount of judgement in the appropriate methods and procedures used to accomplish the work. Errors in judgement could lead to scheduling/quality control issues with equipment, adverse impact on research and teaching, and in extreme cases safety hazards for faculty, staff, and students.

Supervision Received

In maintenance and operational work, technical guidance is available. Work is performed under direction following standard procedures and techniques. For design and development work, general outlines and instructions are provided by manager and/or Faculty.

Supervision Given
If directed, demonstrates to students the function and correct usage of equipment and shop tools. May check and coordinate the work of student assistants as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum three years 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intermediate programming using MATLAB, LabView, Python, or R.
• Familiarity with research in environmental science, physical geography, ecology, and related fields.

About Us

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty, and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail] .