Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Geography in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 3.5 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Technician reports to the Primary Investigator. The position is comprised of technical work to support a multi-year field program involving the development, testing, modification, enhancement, and maintenance of advanced sensor systems mounted in piloted aircraft, small aerial drones, passenger vehicles, robots ground vehicles, and on other platforms such as tall towers. The position also includes field and office work in Calgary, Alberta.

The Research Technician\'s responsibilities include work with electronics and design, troubleshooting, instrument configuration and calibration, light metal work and fabrication, prototyping and design of multi-sensor systems and allied hardware and firmware, and field testing.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Fabricate and maintain multi-sensor hardware systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and improve electrical systems under lab and field conditions.
• Firmware updates and troubleshooting.
• Lead controlled gas release testing at a field site to test system performance.
• Lead at least 3 field campaigns to test the systems at upstream oil and gas facilities.
• Work collaboratively with students, staff, and researchers to support project outcomes.
• Engage end users to determine hardware and software modifications and enhancements.
• Collaborate with an iner-disciplinary team of researchers, technica,l personnel, industry partners, and project stakeholders to advance the technology.
• Contribute to knowledge mobilization related to project oucomes.
• Independently assess, implement, document, and communicate technical improvements.
• Manage sensor and parts inventory.
• Organize and manage field campaigns.
• Track spending and maintain project budget.
• Make recommendations to policy or procedural changes which governs project or team objectives.
• Document maintenance praxctices and repairs.
• Develop technical reports documenting testing results and design changes.
• Update technology user manuals.
• Review and provide feedback on reports and research presentations.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• University degree in earth science, geography, engineering, or related fields.
• Familiarity with Linux computing.
• Experience with programming (Python preferred).
• Field experience troubleshooting and repairing hardware, sensors, or computer systems.
• Alberta drivers license and clean driving record.
• Experience towing large trailers.
• Ability to obtain necessary safety certifications.
• Experience working in teams.
• Experience with hardware fabrication, electronics, and power supplies.
• Experience with the operation of natural gas components (regulators, flowmeters, flow controllers).
• Ability to create, review and/or implement procedures to develop, calibrate and test scientific sensors and the ability to understand the results and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to multi-task and deal multiple simultaneous priorities in an effective, efficient manner.

Application Deadline: May 3, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our . For more information visit

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada\'s leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation\'s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada\'s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide in line with the foundational goals of , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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