Research Assistant

Position Information

Position Number

P02691; P02690

Position Title

Research Assistant - Okanagan Valley Lithics Sourcing Survey (2 Positions Available)

Supervisor Department

Anthropology/Archaeology

Supervisor

Flannery Surette, Joseph Jeffrey Werner

Location

Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm

Other Flexible Work Options

Remote Work (BC Only)

Your Opportunity

In accordance with Letter of Understanding #3 – Research Projects, and under the direct supervision of the College Professor, the Research Assistant assists and supports the supervisor with research-related activities pertaining to the professor's professional background and within the supervisor's research areas of interest and expertise.

Functions and Duties

The Research Assistant will assist the supervisor by performing the following duties:

1. Assists with research for educational purposes.

2. Assists in identifying perspective subjects for research.

3. Assists in researching information for grants, research grants and research papers.

4. Searches literature sources pertaining to the relevant areas of research.

5. Assists in collecting, recording, compiling, summarizing data, and disseminating information.

6. Participates in research activities related to the subject area being investigated such as events, interviews, reading articles, listening to speakers.

7. Performs other duties as assigned

Position Specific Functions

About the Project:

The Okanagan Valley Lithics Sourcing Survey seeks to locate and identify key outcrops of stone material particularly chert, used by local Indigenous peoples to craft stone tools like projectile points prior to the arrival of European settlers. This position is an opportunity for a student to gain experience in data collection, artefact analysis, literature review, and synthesis.

RA Duties for this Project:

The research assistant will work on three areas:

• Complete the lithics database, based on cultural resource management literature

• Literature review of specific topics like hide working, heat treatment, jade, petrified wood, etc.

• Data entry

Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

There are 2 positions available. Each position is funded for 50 hours of work. See below for eligibility.

Education and Experience

Students with a minimum of one-year post-secondary education in the specified educational program listed below.

Prior work experience is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.

• Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of computer software applications.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Well-developed organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication skills to maintain effective correspondence with professors and partners
• Excellent time management skills to coordinate research and academic activities

Position Specific Education and Experience

The ideal candidate will have had taken Anth 103: Introduction to Archaeology or have completed it by the start of this position. We will also consider other courses in Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Geography, Earth and Environment Science, and History.

These RA positions are funded by Okanagan College to support OC researchers in their projects and for OC students to gain research experience. A requirement of the funding is that only current OC students and recent grads (within 6 months) will be hired.

Desired Start Date

12/01/2025

Position End Date

03/31/2026

Schedule

The schedule of work can be decided between the researcher (supervisor) and the employee.

Hourly Rate

Appointment Type

Support Non-Regular Student

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

S000427

Open Date

11/05/2025

Posting Close Date

11/14/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

In your cover letter:

1. Please explain why you are specifically interested in archaeology.

2. Please comment on how you meet the eligibility requirements for the position funding (ie: you are a current OC student or you are a recent grad of OC).

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,