Research Assistant - Modelling the Costs to Municipalities for Addressing Homelessness

Okanagan Hockey Group; Kelowna; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional educational institution is seeking a Research Assistant to support research activities related to homelessness. The candidate should have at least one year of post-secondary education and strong research abilities. Responsibilities include data collection, literature review, and collaboration with faculty. The position is funded for 50 hours of work between January 19, 2026, and March 31, 2026. Hybrid work options are available, and the institution encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Completed at least one year in relevant educational program.
• Experience in a research role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research for educational purposes.
• Collect and summarize research data.
• Collaborate with the supervisor on research tasks.

Skills

Research methodology knowledge

Excellent research skills

Computer software proficiency

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Time-management

Education

Minimum of one year post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft OneNote

Zotero

Job description

Research Assistant – Modelling the Costs to Municipalities for Addressing Homelessness

Okanagan College hires the best‑qualified candidates for its positions. Selections for bargaining unit positions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Collective Agreement. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Position Information

• Position Number: P2708
• Title: Research Assistant – Modelling the Costs to Municipalities for Addressing Homelessness
• Supervisor: Kerry Rempel
• Department: Business Administration
• Location: Kelowna, Other
• Flexible Work Options: Eligible for Hybrid Work, Remote Work (BC Only)
• Salary: $18.42–$23.51/hour
• Schedule: 50 hours between 01/19/2026 and 03/31/2026 (to be discussed)
• Appointment Type: Support Non-Regular Student
• Posting Close Date: 01/18/2026

Job Description

In accordance with Letter of Understanding #3 – Research Projects, and under the direct supervision of the College Professor, the Research Assistant assists and supports the supervisor with research‑related activities pertaining to the professor’s professional background and within the supervisor’s research areas of interest and expertise.

Functions and Duties

1. Assists with research for educational purposes.
2. Assists in identifying potential subjects for research.
3. Assists in researching information for grants, research grants and research papers.
4. Searches literature sources pertaining to the relevant areas of research.
5. Assists in collecting, recording, compiling, summarizing data, and disseminating information.
6. Participates in research activities related to the subject area being investigated such as events, interviews, reading articles, listening to speakers.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Research Project Description

In British Columbia, costs of addressing significant social challenges such as homelessness are increasingly being managed at the community level. This project supports the preparation for a future research study that seeks to create models for identifying and calculating those costs. The eventual model will compare the relative burden borne by communities of different sizes and in different BC geographies, and may inform alternative tax policy.

Research Assistant will:

• Utilize AI, library resources and experts to identify how these costs have been modelled in the past.
• Identify leading researchers and experts with relevant information.
• Identify communities that have modelled these costs (in BC and Canada).
• In discussion and collaboration with the research supervisor, contact and arrange online meetings with communities that have done such modelling.
• Summarize and document all research information in a structured way.
• Create a reference database using Zotero.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the project supervisor.

Education and Experience

Students with a minimum of one‑year post‑secondary education in the specified educational program. Prior work experience is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

• Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of computer software applications.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Well‑developed organizational skills.
• Detail‑oriented.
• Excellent communication skills to maintain effective correspondence with professors and partners.
• Excellent time‑management skills to coordinate research and academic activities.

Applicants should:

• Be willing to learn new technology (Zotero, AI, Search Tools).
• Be proficient with a suite of Microsoft software (Excel, Word, OneNote).
• Be able/willing to utilize Teams as a tool to manage and store files as well as to communicate.
• Be self‑directed and able to work independently with guided supervision.

Other considerations

• 3rd year standing preferred but not required.
• Students in all disciplines will be considered, but should be willing to go beyond their program content for this project.

Desired Start Date: 01/19/2026
Position End Date: 03/31/2026

This position is funded for 50 hours of work between the start date and March 31, 2026.

Position is funded through Okanagan College and supports OC researchers with RA support provided by OC students. To be eligible, applicants must be a current OC student or a recent graduate (within 6 months) of an OC program.

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents: Resume/CV, Cover Letter
• Optional Documents: