Senior GIC Assistant

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia's Geographic Information Centre within the Department of Geography seeks a Senior GIC Assistant to support air photo requests, reference services, and day-to-day library operations. You will lead search and retrieval, manage invoicing, guide temporary staff, and contribute to collection development while training students and coordinating projects.

This role requires a Library Technician diploma with map- and NTS-related experience, plus proficiency in Outlook,

Qualifications

• High School graduation, plus two years Library Technician diploma, plus three years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Geography preferred.
• Experience with the UBC Library system and academic databases is an asset.
• Familiarity with thematic and topographic maps, including the National Topographic System (NTS), air photo index systems, and the use of stereoscopes.
• Proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel at an intermediate level.

Responsibilities

• Air Photo Search and Retrieval: Responds to air photo requests from clients. Clarifies search areas with clients and locates requested sites using maps and index series.
• Order Fulfillment and Invoicing: Prepares invoices and coordinates shipments; submits monthly invoices for air photo services.
• Collection Development: Reviews holdings and coordinates annual purchases within budget.
• Library Operations and Reference Support: Provides in-person reference, training, and guidance; supports day-to-day operations.
• Supervision and Project Coordination: Coordinates schedules, trains staff, and oversees project progress.
• Procurement and Resource Management: Purchases books, maps, and materials; manages inventory.
• Other Duties: Performs additional library, clerical, and administrative tasks.

Education

Library Technician diploma

Bachelor’s degree in Geography

Tools

Outlook

Microsoft Word

Excel

UBC Library system

air photo index systems

NTS

stereoscopes

academic databases

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 2950 Job Profile CUPE 2950 Salaried - Tech Svc Library Asst 3 (Gr6) Job Title Senior GIC Assistant Department GIC Operations | Department of Geography Compensation Range $4,449.00 - $4,676.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 27, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing

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 Description Summary

The Senior GIC Assistant plays a key role in supporting the Geographic Information Centre (GIC) in the Department of Geography, which holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of historical aerial photographs in British Columbia.
This position is responsible for fulfilling air photo requests for a range of academic, commercial, and public clients, providing reference support to students, and assisting with overall library operations.
The Senior GIC Assistant leads core service activities including air photo search and retrieval, invoicing, resource acquisition, and collection maintenance.
The role also provides training, guidance, and supervision to temporary staff and assists in day-to-day library functions, ensuring efficient service delivery and smooth library operations.

Work Performed

1. Air Photo Search and Retrieval Responds to air photo requests from clients. Clarifies search areas with clients and locates requested sites using the National Topographic System (NTS) maps and multiple index series. Selects appropriate air photos based on time period, scale, and client needs, considering any overlapping requests from other clients. Physically retrieves photos from compact storage, verifying topographic features match client specifications. Advises clients on alternative options or timelines when requested imagery is unavailable.

2. Order Fulfillment and Invoicing Prepares invoices to accompany outgoing loan materials. Coordinates outgoing shipments, including arranging courier pickups and tracking deliveries. Produces and submits monthly invoices for air photo services.

3. Collection Development Conducts regular reviews of air photo holdings to identify gaps in coverage based on client requests and instructional needs. Recommends and coordinates annual air photo purchases within budget constraints. Updates and maintains air photo index lines as new photos are catalogued.

4. Library Operations and Reference Support Assumes responsibility for the Geographic Information Centre during the Curator’s absence, including opening, closing, and ensuring overall security of the facility. Provides in-person reference support to students, identifying research topics, conducting catalogue and online searches, and directing students to appropriate resources. Instructs students in the use of NTS mapping systems, air photo indices, and stereoscopes through individual or group sessions.

5. Supervision and Project Coordination Coordinates schedules, assigns tasks, and provides training to temporary staff and student workers. Oversees the quality of work performed by temporary staff and student workers and ensures timely completion of assignments. Tracks and submits student work hours and supports onboarding processes. Designs and implements long-term work plans for major projects, ensuring sustained progress and completion.

6. Procurement and Resource Management Purchases books, maps, and instructional materials based on academic and operational needs. Orders and maintains inventory of office supplies and general library materials. Processes incoming library materials, resolves related issues, and ensures resources are properly integrated into the library system.

7. Other Duties Performs other library, clerical, and administrative duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Inaccurate or incomplete air photo orders would significantly undermine the credibility of the library’s fee-for-service program, particularly with environmental consultants and industry clients. Additionally, the quality of research and academic work by faculty and students would be negatively impacted if the GIC failed to provide accurate and timely assistance.

Supervision Received

Work is done independently. Unusual problems will be referred to GIC Operations Manager.

Supervision Given

May coordinate work schedule, provide training, determine tasks, oversee quality of work of temporary staff and student workers.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduation, plus two years Library Technician diploma, plus 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography preferred.
• Experience with the UBC Library system and academic databases is an asset.
• Familiarity with thematic and topographic maps, including the National Topographic System (NTS), air photo index systems, and the use of stereoscopes.
• Proficiency in standard office software, including Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel, at an intermediate level.

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].