Job Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department: UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF)
Employment Period: May 1 – August 31, 2025
Schedule: Full-time hours (37.5 per week). Working days are Thursday- Monday, 10am-6pm.
Salary: $3,800/month
Benefits: n/a
Job Location: Maple Ridge, BC
JOB DESCRIPTION
The MKRF is seeking two highly motivated students from Forestry, Conservation or Wood Science, to
assist research forest staff with field and office duties for the summer of 2025. The successful candidates
will work closely with all staff members, including the manager, resident forester, research coordinator,
and administrative personnel. The undergraduate research assistant positions offer students a fantastic
opportunity to strengthen their field skills while gaining valuable knowledge and hand-on experience
working on a variety of challenging and diverse assignments. This is a unique opportunity to be
immersed in an environment of research, education and demonstration in the field of forestry and allied
sciences.
WORK PERFORMED
The undergraduate research assistant will be exposed to a variety of tasks and assignments, including
but not limited to:
• Forest patrolling for fire and fire suppression activities
• Fire equipment training and maintenance
• Silviculture surveys, assessments and maintenance of plantations
• Timber cruising using prisms
• Measuring tree attributes (heights, diameters, and general health assessments)
• Use of ArcGIS Pro for map production
• Use of GPS technology, including setting up data dictionaries, collecting data in the field, and
post-processing of data using differential correction
• Integration of GPS data in GIS to create harvesting and road construction maps
• Routine research project maintenance
• Recreational trail enhancement, interpretation and extension
• Other projects as assigned
The undergraduate research assistant receives on the job training in S100 fire suppression, basic chainsaw
training, and 4×4 and UTV driver training, as well as general forest and machine safety.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Preference will be given to candidates with the following knowledge, education and certifications:
• Currently enrolled in a Forestry, Conservation or Wood Sciences program
• Basic knowledge of surveying techniques
• Basic knowledge or fire suppression
• Basic knowledge of silviculture surveys
• Some experience with ArcGIS
• Current first aid OFA Level 1 certification
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a clean record
This position will require the candidate to work outside in all weather conditions. Shifts are 5 days per
week, Thursday to Sunday from 10am-6pm.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter by email to ionut.aron@ubc.ca by October 27, 2024 at
11:59pm. Only those short-listed will be contacted.