Research Technician - Blue Carbon Project

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

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a full-time Research Technician for the Blue Carbon Project in their Zoology Department. The candidate will work closely with researchers to compile and analyze vital data, develop models for salt marshes, and contribute to significant environmental research. Ideal candidates should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and strong data analysis and communication skills. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental science.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of related experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including conflicting views.
• Commitment to enhancing knowledge related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Compile and analyze data for the blue carbon project.
• Develop a species distribution model for salt marshes.
• Quality control of data sets (GBIF, NETforce, StatsCan).
• Network with other research labs for data compilation.

Skills

Data analysis

GIS software

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

MSc in geography or blue carbon science

High school graduation

Tools

Google Earth Engine

GIS software

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Research Technician - Blue Carbon Project Department Research | O'Connor | Department of Zoology | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $4,426.00 - $4,845.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date December 26, 2025

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

Job End Date January 4, 2028

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

A full time technician position is available in O’Connor lab in the Zoology Department at the University of British Columbia. This position will work alongside researchers to compile and analyze salt march and eelgrass data, carbon data, and support syntheses and analyses on the blue carbon Canada project. Tasks include developing a species distribution model for salt marshes on the west coast of Canada, and relating this model to scenarios for land use change and sea level rise.

Organizational Status

The successful applicant will report to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Mary O’Connor. The applicant will work closely with other members of the research team including Post-Doctoral Fellows and Graduate Students and technicians.

Work Performed

• Quality control of data sets (GBIF, NETforce, StatsCan)
• Using GIS software to gather training points of different cover classes (vegetation, anthropogenic features, unconsolidated sediment etc.)
• Collating and incorporating shoreline modification layers
• Build a species distribution model for salt marshes in Canada
• Model response of salt marsh to anthropogenic drivers
• Literature search as directed by researchers
• Database management
• Network with other research labs for data compilation
• Performed other related duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors made could influence the ability of research staff to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results of research projects and therefore impact the credibility of the Investigators.

Supervision Received

Works in close collaboration with the project leader, and at times independently with minimal supervision from project leader. Reports directly to Project leader and PI.

Supervision Given

None but may explain work sequences to others.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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

• MSc in geography or blue carbon science or related field using these specific skills
• Excellent communicate skills
• Ability to analyze, interpret data
• Strong attention to detailsAbility to work independently and in a collaborative environment
• Experience working in research setting
• Previous experience with Google Earth Engine an asset
• Previous experience using GIS software an asset
• Previous experience analyzing research data an asset
• Previous experience with Quality Assurance/Quality control of data set an asset (GBIF, NETforce, StatsCan data)