Student Research Assistant, LiDAR Pilot and GIS Research

Douglas College; New Westminster; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in New Westminster is seeking a Student Research Assistant to assist in LiDAR research. You will collaborate with diverse groups, face unique challenges in fieldwork, and contribute to meaningful projects. Responsibilities include planning field visits and ensuring equipment readiness. This position offers flexible hours with a maximum of 20 hours per week, perfect for students pursuing their studies.

Benefits

Transit-accessible campuses

Hybrid work arrangements

Health and Dental Benefits

Defined-Benefit Pension Plan

Professional Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be a student at Douglas College or accredited institution in BC.
• Must be enrolled in minimum 1 (3 credit) course during work term.
• International students need a valid Study Permit.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning field visits to archaeological sites.
• Support acquisition of necessary permits for drone operations.
• Ensure all equipment is packed and ready for deployment.

Skills

Collaboration

Curiosity

Attention to detail

Education

Completion of GEOG 2270 with a B+ or higher

Tools

LiDAR drone

GPS

Field computers

Job description

Student Research Assistant, LiDAR Pilot and GIS Research

You’re passionate about research and bringing new knowledge to the forefront alongside others who are just as driven as you are in their search for answers. Your curiosity fuels your learning, but where you really shine is your ability to collaborate with diverse groups like students, faculty experts and employees, and community partners.

If this sounds like you, we need your talents! Apply to the Student Research Assistant position, and gain real-world research experience, while creating meaningful career connections.

WHO WE ARE

Do what you love. Be good at it. That’s how Douglas College defines a great career. It’s a philosophy that resonates through our classrooms, our offices and our boardrooms. It inspires our students and drives us to make Douglas College one of BC’s Top Employers. We love what we do. And we’re looking for passionate, motivated people to join us in making one of Canada’s best degree-granting colleges even better.

Be a part of an institution where everyone is committed to empowering successful students, creating responsive learning environments, fostering social and environmental responsibility, and supporting healthy learning and work environments.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer the opportunity to do what you do best in an inclusive, collaborative and collegial environment. At Douglas, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth, and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace.

• Transit-accessible campuses
• Hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions
• Excellent Health and Dental Benefits for eligible positions
• Defined-Benefit Pension Plan for eligible positions
• Professional Development opportunities
• Access to our Fitness Centres and Classes

To assist in piloting an advanced LiDAR drone in the field to collect surface elevation data to further be processed and mapped and then shared with the community

Responsibilities:

· Assist with the planning and scheduling of field visits to Líĺwat Territory archaeological sites, coordinating with the project lead, community members, and research students.

· Support the acquisition of necessary permits, permissions, and access agreements for drone operations within Líĺwat Territory, adhering to Líĺwat Nation protocols.

· Ensure all equipment (LiDAR drone, batteries, charging equipment, GPS , field computers, safety gear, etc.) is packed and ready for deployment.

· Monitor weather forecasts and environmental conditions closely to identify ideal flight windows and potential safety concerns.

· Provide ground support during LiDAR drone flights, maintaining visual line of sight ( VLOS ) with the drone.

· Assist with battery changes and charging procedures in the field.

· Act as a spotter, communicating potential hazards (e.g., wildlife, unexpected obstacles, personnel) to the lead pilot.

· Help troubleshoot minor technical issues that may arise with the drone or LiDAR system in the field.

· Help in interpreting LiDAR outputs to identify archaeological features, terrain characteristics, and potential cultural anomalies.

· Act as a respectful and engaged team member when interacting with Líĺwat Nation community members, Elders, and leadership.

· Understand and respect Líĺwat cultural protocols and traditional knowledge.

· Actively listen to community feedback and incorporate it into project activities where appropriate.

· Spend multiple days in the field camping.

To be Successful in this Role You Will Need:

Successful completion of GEOG 2270 with a B+ or higher grade

Domestic students must meet ONE of the following criteria, to be eligible to work as a Student Assistant/Student Research Assistant:

1. The domestic student must be enrolled in, and maintain, a minimum of one or more (3 credit) courses at Douglas College throughout the work term; OR

2. The domestic student must have been enrolled in, and maintained, a minimum of one or more (3 credit) courses at Douglas College in the term immediately preceding the work term and has indicated an intention to enroll at the college in the term immediately following the work term; OR

3. The domestic student must be enrolled in, and maintain a minimum of two or more (3 credit) courses at another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C. throughout the work term; OR

4. The domestic student must have been enrolled in, and maintained, a minimum of two or more (3 credit) courses at another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C. in the term immediately preceding the work term and has indicated an intention to enroll at the institution in the term immediately following the work term

International students must meet ONE of the following criteria, to be eligible to work as a Student Assistant/Student Research Assistant:

1. The international student is enrolled in full-time studies at Douglas College, throughout the academic year; OR

2. The international student, who is not a Douglas College student, but is an international student at another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C., has a valid Study Permit that has the notation – “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186 (F), (V) or (W). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.” Proof of enrollment in full-time studies from the other post-secondary institution is required.

An original copy of a Social Insurance Number ( SIN ) and an original Study Permit are required by law before commencing work at Douglas College.

Qualified Douglas College students meeting the above criteria will be given first preference over students of other qualifying institutions.

Additional Information

The position is located at the Coquitlam campus. Hours of work: up to a maximum of 20 hours/week. The work terms for this position are:

1. Summer 2025: May 6, 2025 – August 18, 2025

Posting Number

Posting Number 02600SA

Position Title

Position Title Student Research Assistant, LiDAR Pilot and GIS Research

Anticipated Start Date

Anticipated Start Date 06/09/2025

End Date

Needs a Criminal Records Check

Needs a Criminal Records Check No

How To Apply

Open Date

Open Date 06/06/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Minimum Number of References

Equity Statement

Douglas College is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable learning and working environment. In support of this journey, we welcome all people to apply, including people from groups that are experiencing inequity, including, but not limited, to Indigenous Peoples, racialized or persons of colour, persons with mental or physical disabilities, persons who identify as women, and/or persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and persons of all faith identities, age, marital status, and parental status.

Click the link at the top of this page to apply directly to this posting.
Please include the following:

- Douglas College Student ID number or indicate if you are enrolled in another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C.

- Domestic or International student status

- Being eligible to work please indicate the work terms you are applying for:

1. Summer 2025

- If selected for an interview please bring one of the following:

1. Proof of enrollment for work term from Douglas College OR

2. Proof of enrollment for work term from another post-secondary institution OR

3. Domestic students only: proof of registration for the term immediately preceding the work term and indication of intention to enroll at the college in the term immediately following the work term

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you first find out about this employment opportunity?
  • Douglas College Careers Site
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram)
  • Personal Referral
  • Agency Referral
  • Professional Association Website
  • Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN)
  • Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT)
  • Douglas College CareerHUB
  • Career Fair or Other Hiring Event
  • Other
  • Glassdoor
• * If you are not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, do you currently have a valid Canadian work permit?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not Applicable
• * If you have a valid Canadian work permit, please indicate expiry date and the type of work permit you hold. (Type N/A if not applicable).

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Being eligible to work please indicate the work terms you are applying for: Fall, Winter, Summer or combination of the above.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * If you are a current or former student, please enter your student number. (Type N/A if not applicable)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please confirm that you will maintain residency in the Lower Mainland for the duration of your employment.
  • Yes, I confirm
  • No, I am not able to meet this requirement