Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 1
Job Title Field and Lab Assistant
Department Research Support | Smukler Research Group | Applied Biology Program | Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Compensation Range $4,109.47 - $4,507.06 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date August 10, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date August 31, 2026
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
Job Summary
This position will coordinate laboratory and field work at various farm sites in southwest British Columbia.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Principal Investigator (Sean Smukler). Will work with a UBC research team consisting of professors, postdoctoral fellows, technical staff, graduate and undergraduate students.
Work Performed

• Conducts field sampling of soils, crops and amendment;
• Prepares and analyses soil, crop and amendment samples for chemical and physical properties using colormetric and mid-infrared spectroscopy methods;
• Analyzes data and enters data into FT-IR database
• Performs other duties when necessary.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Incorrect decisions, particularly in the field would likely be costly in terms of wasted time and flawed data. Poor judgement will negatively impact the reputation of the Program and Faculty.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Principal Investigator.
Supervision Given
None.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Education & Experience:

• High School Graduation.
• Undergraduate degree or diploma in agroecology or an agriculture related subject or Masters of Science is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal with the ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people.
• Ability to research, analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Must be able to adapt and be flexible.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job - fit with excellent stamina, able to perform work for extended periods of time in any weather conditions. Ability to effectively use MS Office at an intermediate level. (e.g., MS Word/Excel, Email, Internet)
• Must have valid Class 5 Driver's License.