Research Assistant and Outdoor Educator

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title
Research Assistant and Outdoor Educator

Department
Wild & Immersive | Research Facilitation and Support | University Research Forest

Compensation Range
$27.29 - $32.18 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date
April 25, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Jan 1, 2025

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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 Malcolm Knapp Research Forest’s Wild & Immersive program is searching for a Research Assistant and Outdoor Educator. The Research Assistant and Outdoor Educator is responsible for leading and facilitating Wild & Immersive’s outdoor programs and supports the development of the Wild & Immersive program within the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. The Research Assistant and Outdoor Educator utilizes their knowledge of procedures to complete complex tasks and supports general project logistic, working closely with the Wild & Immersive Coordinator. The Outdoor Educator is a qualified and highly motivated individual.
Organizational Status
Under the supervision of the Wild & Immersive Coordinator and the Field Education Manager, the successful candidate will work closely with all Wild & Immersive team members, as well as MKRF administrative staff.
Work Performed

• Works closely with Wild & Immersive senior staff and performs duties that will contribute to the overall success and growth of the program.
• Assists with the development of content for Wild & Immersive programs.
• Creates new programs based on prior knowledge and education. Comes up with future program ideas based on prior knowledge, research and assessment of program needs, community needs and demographics.
• Works in cooperation with other team members and provides proper communication on work progress and work needs.
• Coordinates program sessions on a weekly basis and makes changes based on analysis and review of previous sessions success/failures.
• Researches, coordinates and performs content development and activity design for events in support of Wild & Immersive program growth.
• Assists with the training of the Wild & Immersive team and lower level staff.
• Organizes program materials and ensures necessary supplies are ordered and in safe working order.
• Uses critical decision-making skills to troubleshoot program challenges and difficulties in real time.
• Fills out all appropriate documentation for programs.
• Attends and leads pre-brief and de-brief sessions.
• Acting as the backup for the Wild & Immersive Coordinator when required.
• Performs other related duties as required based on the needs of the program and analysis of the program.

This position will require physical activity and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Must exercise judgment based upon a thorough knowledge of procedures, guidelines, and regulations. Must exercise judgment based upon the safety and liability of our team and guests. Incorrect decisions will directly affect the University's and department's reputation with government authorities, community and faculty, staff and students and general public and could require intervention by supervisory and or senior management.
Supervision Received
This position will receive supervision from the Wild & Immersive Coordinator and Field Education Manager.
Supervision Given
This position may supervise junior and lower level members of the Wild & Immersive team.
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

• Past engagement in youth programming and community education.
• Experience working with groups, specifically children.
• Insight into outdoor education needs and community involvement.
• Ability to work with a diverse team and diverse program participants.
• Knowledge and experience working with difficult and challenging behaviours. Experience with neurodivergences.
• Good communication and critical decision-making skills.
• Good analytical skills and experience.
• Strong understanding of British Columbia’s ecology.
• Strong understanding of childhood development.
• Comfortable managing and speaking to large groups.
• Comfortable working along and in a team-setting
• Current Remote First Aid Certificate.
• Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driver’s abstract (class 4 considered an asset).
• Current Criminal Record Check.
• Outdoor skills certifications considered an asset.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with children.