Job Description

Staff - Union
Job Category CUPE 116
Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title Research Coordinator
Department Research | McHale | Department of Forest Resources Management
Compensation Range $4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date October 27, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date March 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 Research Coordinator will lead components of an applied urban forestry research project in the Urban Ecology & Sustainability Lab at UBC. The position focuses on the development, execution, and analysis of a urban tree inventory in collaboration with the University Neighborhoods Association (UNA). This role involves high-level research design, geospatial and ecological data analysis, and knowledge mobilization to inform strategic management of urban trees.
Working independently under the direction of Dr. Melissa McHale, the Research Coordinator will collaborate with university partners and student research staff. This position requires excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, and a strong background in urban ecology, forestry, or environmental science.
Organizational Status
Reports to Dr. Melissa McHale and will work closely with UBC undergraduate and graduate students in the Urban Ecology & Sustainability Lab.
Work Performed
Research Design & Project Development * Review and synthesize existing tree-related data across UNA-managed lands.

• Collaborate with UBC and UNA stakeholders to establish consistent monitoring protocols and metadata standards.
• Identify and recommend appropriate data management tools, software platforms, and field technologies.
• Design and document the research framework for a comprehensive urban tree inventory and monitoring program.

Research Implementation & Field Coordination * Develop training resources and oversee onboarding for student researchers involved in ecological data collection.

• Ensure data collection protocols are followed and provide methodological guidance and troubleshooting support.
• Support consistency in data quality by auditing collected data and adapting protocols as needed.

Geospatial and Ecological Data Analysis * Analyze spatial and ecological data related to tree health, species composition, and canopy cover.

• Conduct comparative analysis between UNA tree systems and other UBC datasets.
• Generate visualizations (maps, dashboards, figures) to communicate research findings.

Reporting and Knowledge Mobilization * Produce technical reports and actionable recommendations to support UNA's tree management strategies.

• Contribute to scientific communications, presentations, and public outreach materials.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions with UNA, UBC partners, and other urban forest stakeholders.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Decisions and analyses produced in this role will directly impact the scientific quality and management relevance of the urban forest data collected. Errors in judgment or execution may affect the success of future monitoring strategies or stakeholder trust.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision from Dr. Melissa McHale. Expected to plan, prioritize, and execute research tasks independently in alignment with project objectives.
Supervision Given
May assign and oversee the work of student field assistants and provide guidance on data collection and analysis methods.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline . Minimum of 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

• Master's degree (MSc) in Urban Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science.
• Experience with urban tree inventories or ecological fieldwork.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, Survey123, Collector for ArcGIS, and Excel.
• Strong skills in spatial analysis and ecological data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate research findings effectively.

Skills Required