Research Assistant/Technician 6

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

Job summary

A leading research university in Vancouver is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician to maintain and calibrate eddy covariance systems and support solar power management. The role includes providing technical training to graduate student researchers and ensuring high-quality ecosystem measurements. Candidates should have a relevant university degree, at least six years of experience, and possess basic electronics skills. This role involves significant fieldwork in diverse environments.

Benefits

Rich diversity at workplace

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license is required.
• Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical maintenance of field systems.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules across multiple field sites.
• Provide technical training and guidance to graduate students.

Skills

Technical judgement

Field-based technical work

Basic electronics skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

University degree in relevant specialty

Graduate degree (preferred)

Tools

Common hand and power tools

Campbell Scientific instrumentation

LI-COR instrumentation

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 6 Job Title Research Assistant/Technician 6 Department Research | Johnson Lab | Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $6,610.68 - $7,492.97 CAD Monthly Posting End Date December 24, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date December 31, 2026

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 position is responsible for maintaining and calibrating eddy covariance systems to ensure high-quality, continuous measurements of ecosystem-atmosphere fluxes. The role also supports reliable solar power management and data telemetry at field sites, and provides technical training and guidance to graduate student researchers.

Organizational Status

The position is housed within the ecohydrology research group in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC and reports to the Principal Investigator. It works closely with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other technical staff, and liaises with internal support units and external collaborators related to field instrumentation, power systems, and data telemetry. The role provides technical training and guidance to graduate students without formal supervisory responsibility.

Work Performed

• Lead technical aspects of field system maintenance and diagnostics within established safety and operational guidelines.
• Maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot eddy covariance systems at field sites.
• Install, calibrate, replace, and troubleshoot meteorological, trace gas, and ancillary field sensors.
• Maintain and upgrade field site infrastructure, including scaffold towers, wooden platforms, and off-grid power systems.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules across multiple field sites.
• Support data quality assurance and continuity through system diagnostics and preventative maintenance.
• Procure equipment and supplies required for system maintenance, calibration, and upgrades.
• Transport equipment and calibration gas cylinders to field sites, including over uneven or difficult terrain on foot.
• Provide training and technical guidance to graduate students to support routine field site maintenance and operation.
• Troubleshoot plumbing, electrical, and structural issues associated with field installations.
• Maintain and update field documentation, logs, and operating manuals.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The position requires the use of considerable technical judgement in selecting appropriate methods and procedures to maintain and operate eddy covariance systems. Errors in judgement could result in compromised data quality, equipment damage, or delays to field operations, with adverse impacts on research and teaching activities. In more serious cases, errors could create safety risks for faculty, staff, and students working at field sites.

Supervision Received

The position works under the general direction of the Principal Investigator. Day-to-day maintenance and operational work are carried out with minimal supervision, following established procedures, technical standards, and site‑specific safety protocols. Guidance is available for non-routine or complex issues.

Supervision Given

Provides technical instruction and guidance to graduate students and other researchers in methods and procedures for routine maintenance of field research sites and associated instrumentation. Ensures that maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with established safety protocols and operational procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

University degree in relevant specialty and a minimum six years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

• 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.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform field-based technical work, including carrying equipment over uneven terrain, lifting, standing for extended periods, and working at heights on towers or scaffolding.
• Basic electronics skills, including the ability to troubleshoot electrical issues and perform basic soldering.
• Experience fabricating or modifying custom equipment mounts and field hardware.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve technical problems using innovative and practical solutions.
• Proficiency in the safe operation of common hand and power tools.
• Experience with Campbell Scientific and LI-COR environmental monitoring and sensing instrumentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.