Research Assistant/Technician 6

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryNon Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 6Job TitleResearch Assistant/Technician 6DepartmentResearch | Johnson Lab | Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability | Faculty of ScienceCompensation Range$6, $7,492.97 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateDecember 24, 2025

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

Job End Date

December 31, 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. 

Job Summary
The position is responsible for maintaining and calibrating eddy covariance systems to ensure high-quality, continuous measurements of ecosystem-atmosphere fluxes. The role also supports reliable solar power management and data telemetry at field sites, and provides technical training and guidance to graduate student researchers.

Organizational Status
The position is housed within the ecohydrology research group in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC and reports to the Principal Investigator. It works closely with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other technical staff, and liaises with internal support units and external collaborators related to field instrumentation, power systems, and data telemetry. The role provides technical training and guidance to graduate students without formal supervisory responsibility.

Work Performed

• Lead technical aspects of field system maintenance and diagnostics within established safety and operational guidelines.

• Maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot eddy covariance systems at field sites.

• Install, calibrate, replace, and troubleshoot meteorological, trace gas, and ancillary field sensors.

• Maintain and upgrade field site infrastructure, including scaffold towers, wooden platforms, and off-grid power systems.

• Coordinate maintenance schedules across multiple field sites.

• Support data quality assurance and continuity through system diagnostics and preventative maintenance.

• Procure equipment and supplies required for system maintenance, calibration, and upgrades.

• Transport equipment and calibration gas cylinders to field sites, including over uneven or difficult terrain on foot.

• Provide training and technical guidance to graduate students to support routine field site maintenance and operation.

• Troubleshoot plumbing, electrical, and structural issues associated with field installations.

• Maintain and update field documentation, logs, and operating manuals.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position requires the use of considerable technical judgement in selecting appropriate methods and procedures to maintain and operate eddy covariance systems. Errors in judgement could result in compromised data quality, equipment damage, or delays to field operations, with adverse impacts on research and teaching activities. In more serious cases, errors could create safety risks for faculty, staff, and students working at field sites.

Supervision Received
The position works under the general direction of the Principal Investigator. Day-to-day maintenance and operational work are carried out with minimal supervision, following established procedures, technical standards, and site-specific safety protocols. Guidance is available for non-routine or complex issues.

Supervision Given
Provides technical instruction and guidance to graduate students and other researchers in methods and procedures for routine maintenance of field research sites and associated instrumentation. Ensures that maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with established safety protocols and operational procedures.

Minimum Qualifications
University degree in relevant specialty and a minimum six years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- 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

- Valid Class 5 driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform field-based technical work, including carrying equipment over uneven terrain, lifting, standing for extended periods, and working at heights on towers or scaffolding.

• Basic electronics skills, including the ability to troubleshoot electrical issues and perform basic soldering.

• Experience fabricating or modifying custom equipment mounts and field hardware.

• Ability to diagnose and resolve technical problems using innovative and practical solutions.

• Proficiency in the safe operation of common hand and power tools.

• Experience with Campbell Scientific and LI-COR environmental monitoring and sensing instrumentation.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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