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Field Operations Technician at University of… · Vancouver
Skills
Job Description
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research AssistantsJob Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3Job Title
Field Operations TechnicianDepartment
Field Services and Experiential Learning | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of ScienceCompensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD MonthlyPosting End Date
May 24, 2026Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
June 30, 2029
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
This position provides advanced technical support for field research programs within the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, with primary responsibility for sea-going operations and oceanographic instrumentation. The role also supports field activities in geology, hydrogeology, environmental science and related Earth science disciplines, and contributes to departmental instrumentation development and project delivery through the EOAS Technical Services team. Work requires sound technical judgment, demonstrated field competency across varied environments, and the ability to operate independently in marine, coastal, and remote terrestrial settings.
Organizational Status
The position is situated within the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. The incumbent jointly reports to the Senior Sea-going Technician and the Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager, working collaboratively with faculty members, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and external partners. When not engaged in primary field operations, the incumbent also works with the EOAS Technical Services team to support instrumentation development and project delivery.
The role requires a high degree of scheduling flexibility to support vessel‑based research, which may occur during evenings, weekends, and outside standard working hours, depending on vessel availability, weather conditions, and offshore operations. The position also contributes technical support to departmental teaching activities, including assistance with the EOAS Geology Field School, the Methods in Oceanography Field School, and potentially other field‑based courses. During coastal and offshore field operations, the incumbent provides technical coordination, guidance, and operational support to ensure the safe and effective execution of research and instructional activities.
Work Performed
Provides technical support in the preparation for, and participation in, coastal and extended offshore research cruises, including organizing equipment, supplies, and operational plans.
Deploys and recovers a wide range of oceanographic sampling systems, such as Niskin bottles, plankton nets, pumps, CTDs, rosettes, gliders, and long‑term moorings (ADCP and temperature moorings).
Collects physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic data at sea, and assists with real‑time field measurements during research and teaching activities.
Services, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs oceanographic instrumentation and associated mechanical, electrical, and electronic components to ensure operational readiness.
Calibrates scientific equipment, including CTDs, salinometers, temperature loggers, and flow meters, and maintains related calibration records.
Conducts routine seawater analyses such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and chlorophyll measurements.
Operates, launches, navigates, and maintains departmental research vessels and associated deck equipment, including winches and lifting systems, in accordance with UBC safety standards.
Maintains detailed vessel‑use logs, equipment utilization records, and associated documentation.
Provides technical and logistical assistance for the EOAS Geology Field School and geology fieldwork activities, including field preparation, equipment support, and on‑site operational guidance.
Oversees inventory management for field and laboratory equipment, instrumentation, chemicals, and consumables.
Coordinates preparation, packaging, and shipment of equipment, materials, and chemicals required for research cruises and field courses.
Provides instruction and training to students, research personnel, and visiting scientists on the safe and effective operation of sampling equipment and field procedures.
Provides field technical support for geology and hydrogeology research activities, including equipment preparation, data collection, sample handling, and logistical coordination in terrestrial and remote field settings.
Assists with installation, maintenance, and retrieval of groundwater monitoring wells, piezometers, and hydrological sampling equipment as required.
When not engaged in primary field operations, contributes to the design, fabrication, testing, and deployment of scientific instrumentation through the EOAS Technical Services team.
Supports project delivery activities through the Technical Services team, including equipment preparation, calibration, documentation, and coordination with research groups and external clients, as capacity permits.
Performs other related duties as required to support the research, teaching, and operational activities of the department.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors may lead to loss or damage of equipment, compromised research data, or safety risks to personnel in marine, terrestrial, or remote field settings. Errors in instrumentation work or project delivery may affect research integrity, data quality, and departmental service commitments. The role requires sound judgment, adherence to established procedures, an ability to trouble shoot technical problems in the field, and a proactive approach to identifying and managing risk across varied field and technical environments.
Supervision Received
Works under minimal supervision and is expected to make independent decisions during fieldwork and equipment operation.
Supervision Given
May provide training and direction to students, junior staff, and visiting researchers.
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
University degree in Earth Sciences or a related discipline, or completion of a recognized technical program, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Minimum of three years of experience providing technical support in marine, field, or instrumentation-based research environments, including demonstrated sea-going technical support in oceanographic or marine field operations.
Demonstrated experience operating, launching, navigating, and working from small and medium sized marine craft.
Experience with oceanographic data collection techniques, and proficiency in troubleshooting scientific instruments and technical equipment.
Demonstrated ability to support seagoing field programs, and willingness to work at sea or in remote field locations for periods of up to one to two weeks on an occasional basis.
Effective oral and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Must possess, or be eligible and willing to obtain the following training/certifications:
* Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
* Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDVBS)
*Basic Navigation + Boat Handling (Vancouver Power Squadron)
*Maritime Radio Operator Course (ROC-M)
*Marine Basic First Aid
*Trailer towing
Experience with field data collection in geological or hydrogeological settings is an asset.
Experience with scientific instrument fabrication, testing, or electronic and mechanical systems development is an asset.