Climate Change

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Climate Change & Environment Research Assistant

Department

ACARN | Smukler Research Group | Applied Biology Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

July 27, 2025

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

Job End Date

Sept 7, 2026

NOTE: This is a one-year position with a possibility for an extension.

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 Climate Change and Environment Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting the knowledge mobilization activities of the BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network (ACARN). They will work alongside the Network Manager and collaborate with network members to plan and deliver in-person and virtual knowledge exchange events. They will also collaborate with agricultural researchers to produce knowledge products such research briefs and fact sheets.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the ACARN Network Manager (a UBC staff position) and updates on activities will also be provided to the ACARN Chair, steering committee and working groups as needed. Some steering committee and working group members are external to UBC. This position also interacts and collaborates with the BC Ministry of Agriculture climate and environment regional extension team.

Work Performed

The Research Assistant will be responsible for:

- Conducting regular reviews of relevant climate and environment agricultural research
- Summarizing key research issues and themes into different knowledge products, e.g. research briefs and fact sheets
- Staying up to date on climate related issues and projects at the regional level
- Facilitating input and feedback from agricultural sector stakeholders on climate and environment topics
- Coordinating event speakers and volunteers
- Developing event content and workshop activities
- Assisting with the development of communications materials and summary documents
- Participating in stakeholder consultation and working groups where relevant
- Performing other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position requires the use of judgement to ensure that research, analysis and event planning are completed with attention to detail and meet deadlines. Decisions related to budget and final versions of documents are not required.

The ACARN Network Manager will monitor the work of this position. Errors or incorrect decisions will seriously compromise the quality and timeliness of deliverables. Serious compromises in the quality of analysis, writing or event delivery will jeopardize the likelihood of obtaining future funding.

Supervision Received
Reports to the BC Agricultural Climate Action Research Network Manager.

Supervision Given
None.

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
- Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree in a field related to agriculture, preferably with a background in climate change adaptation or mitigation.
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Some research and administrative experience.

Skills:

- Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Must be adaptable and flexible.
- Must have accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.