Urban and Agricultural Bat Ecology Research Technician

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Vancouver is seeking a Research Assistant to provide technical support for bat-related projects. Responsibilities include data acquisition and analysis, managing acoustic datasets, and supervising undergraduate students. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with extensive experience in bat research and data analysis. This position ensures valuable contributions towards environmental studies and conservation efforts.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Collaboration opportunities with faculty

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum three years of related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience with bat trapping and handling methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with acquisition and analysis of bat ultrasonic data.
• Conduct routine analysis and interpretation of spatial data.
• Lead ultrasonic recorder deployment in the field.

Skills

Experience with bat ultrasonic recording data

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Ability to lead undergraduate students

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Kaleidoscope Pro

Sonobat

QGIS

R scripting

Job description

Job Summary

This position will provide complex technical scientific support to the “Impacts of Urban and Agricultural Land Use on Bats in Metro Vancouver” project funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The research assistant will assist Dr. Matthew Mitchell and is responsible for performing a range of tasks in support of identifying urban and agricultural landscape features that influence bat activity in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley. The Research Assistant will assist in the acquisition, processing, and analysis of bat ultrasonic call data; and will prepare data visualization and mapping outputs, as well as reports and draft publications. Additionally, this position will contribute bat expertise to the Perennial Plant Restoration for Carbon Sequestration in Canadian Agricultural Landscapes (PERCS) project and the assessment of bat activity and co-benefits in agricultural areas. This will require designing field collection procedures, deployment of ultrasonic sound recorders, leading bat trapping activities, and training undergraduate students in these field tasks. This position involves the management and quality control of acoustic datasets, the organization and maintenance of this data, and close collaboration with faculty, staff, and students to support research initiatives and provide technical expertise.

Organizational StatusReports to Matthew Mitchell

Work Performed

• Assists with the acquisition, processing, and analysis of bat ultrasonic recording data in combination with spatial datasets.
• Conducts routine landscape structure analysis and interpretation of spatial data, including spatial analysis, data visualization, and mapping.
• Organizes and maintains ultrasonic data inventories, distributing resources as needed to ensure efficient access to data for team internal and external partners.
• Prepares and maintains documentation for field data collection methods, data processing methods, and metadata to support consistent and reproducible research.
• Leads ultrasonic recorder deployment in the field and bat mist-netting activities, including the supervision of 1-2 undergraduate assistants.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and students and provides technical assistance on bat fieldwork and data analysis as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Makes decisions and recommendations on multiple aspects of the research work. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have moderate impacts on the effectiveness, logistics, and collaboration of the research project. Inappropriate judgement could result in fundamental flaws in research results with consequences for project success.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to Dr. Matthew Mitchell. Will also work in collaboration with faculty involved in the PERCS project.

Supervision Given

Will supervise one or two undergraduate students in the field. Will explain analyses and results to undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum 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 Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field.
• Comprehensive experience with bat ultrasonic recording data and analysis; extensive bat mist-netting experience.
• Experience with bat trapping and handling methods, including techniques that meet Animal Care guidelines and minimize any transmission of White Nose Syndrome between bats
• Familiarity with bat acoustic software (e.g., Kaleidoscope Pro, Sonobat) and GIS software (e.g., QGIS)
• Experience with R scripting for bat ultrasonic data analysis and data visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific reports and peer-reviewed papers.
• Must demonstrate excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Posting End Date September 27, 2025

Job End Date January 20, 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.