Staff - Union
CUPE 116
CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2
Research Assistant and GIS Analyst
Research | McHale | Department of Forest Resources Management
$27.24 - $29.82 CAD Hourly
May 26, 2026
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
July 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.
To provide technical support to the Faculty of Forestry’s Urban Ecology and Sustainability (UE&S) Lab. The research assistant will assist the principal investigator (Dr. Melissa McHale) and is responsible for performing a range of tasks in support of urban ecology research, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. The incumbent will assist in the acquisition, processing, and integration of spatial data, conduct routine spatial analysis, and contribute to data visualization, mapping, and reporting. Additionally, this position involves the creation and use of custom GIS tools, quality control of remote sensing and field data, and maintaining spatial data inventories. The role requires close collaboration with faculty, staff, and students to support research initiatives and provide technical expertise.
Organizational Status
Reports to PI, Melissa McHale
Work Performed
Assists with the acquisition, processing, and integration of spatial and remote sensing data using GIS software to support urban ecology research.
Conducts routine analysis and interpretation of spatial and remote sensing data, including data visualization, mapping, and spatial analysis.
Collaborates with teaching teams to provide insight and produce coursework.
Utilizes and develops custom GIS and remote sensing tools to perform technical tasks, such as creating and updating spatial datasets, and producing detailed maps, reports, and labs for courses.
Supports the integration of spatial data with field-collected data.
Organizes and maintains spatial data inventories, distributing resources as needed to ensure efficient access to data for team internal and external partners.
Prepares and maintains documentation for GIS workflows, data processing methods, and metadata to support consistent and reproducible research.
Assists in the training of team members by providing guidance on GIS and remote sensing tools, techniques, and best practices.
Collaborates with faculty, staff, and students and provides technical assistance as needed.
Performs other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work is assessed on an ongoing basis by supervisor. Consequences would be delays in producing and communicating scientific research results that are expected by collaborators and funders.
Supervision Received
Work is supervised by PI Melissa McHale
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
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field.
Some additional training or certification in GIS and remote sensing technologies.
Minimum of 4 years of related experience in GIS and remote sensing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ESRI Suite, eCognition) and remote sensing tools.
Experience with Python scripting for spatial data analysis, mapping, and data visualization techniques.
Must demonstrate excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
