Field Operations Technician

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides advanced technical support for field research programs within the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, with primary responsibility for sea-going operations and oceanographic instrumentation. The role also supports field activities in geology, hydrogeology, environmental science and related Earth science disciplines, and contributes to departmental instrumentation development and project delivery through the EOAS Technical Services team. Work requires sound technical judgment, demonstrated field competency across varied environments, and the ability to operate independently in marine, coastal, and remote terrestrial settings. The role requires a high degree of scheduling flexibility to support vessel‑based research, which may occur during evenings, weekends, and outside standard working hours, depending on vessel availability, weather conditions, and offshore operations. The position also contributes technical support to departmental teaching activities, including assistance with the EOAS Geology Field School, the Methods in Oceanography Field School, and potentially other field‑based courses. During coastal and offshore field operations, the incumbent provides technical coordination, guidance, and operational support to ensure the safe and effective execution of research and instructional activities.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

University degree in Earth Sciences or a related discipline, or completion of a recognized technical program, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Minimum of three years of experience providing technical support in marine, field, or instrumentation-based research environments, including demonstrated sea-going technical support in oceanographic or marine field operations.
Demonstrated experience operating, launching, navigating, and working from small and medium sized marine craft.
Experience with oceanographic data collection techniques, and proficiency in troubleshooting scientific instruments and technical equipment.
Demonstrated ability to support seagoing field programs, and willingness to work at sea or in remote field locations for periods of up to one to two weeks on an occasional basis.
Effective oral and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Must possess, or be eligible and willing to obtain the following training/certifications: Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDVBS), Basic Navigation + Boat Handling (Vancouver Power Squadron), Maritime Radio Operator Course (ROC-M), Marine Basic First Aid, Trailer towing
Experience with field data collection in geological or hydrogeological settings is an asset.
Experience with scientific instrument fabrication, testing, or electronic and mechanical systems development is an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides technical support in the preparation for, and participation in, coastal and extended offshore research cruises, including organizing equipment, supplies, and operational plans.
Deploys and recovers a wide range of oceanographic sampling systems, such as Niskin bottles, plankton nets, pumps, CTDs, rosettes, gliders, and long‑term moorings (ADCP and temperature moorings).
Collects physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic data at sea, and assists with real‑time field measurements during research and teaching activities.
Services, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs oceanographic instrumentation and associated mechanical, electrical, and electronic components to ensure operational readiness.
Calibrates scientific equipment, including CTDs, salinometers, temperature loggers, and flow meters, and maintains related calibration records.
Conducts routine seawater analyses such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and chlorophyll measurements.
Operates, launches, navigates, and maintains departmental research vessels and associated deck equipment, including winches and lifting systems, in accordance with UBC safety standards.
Maintains detailed vessel‑use logs, equipment utilization records, and associated documentation.
Provides technical and logistical assistance for the EOAS Geology Field School and geology fieldwork activities, including field preparation, equipment support, and on‑site operational guidance.
Oversees inventory management for field and laboratory equipment, instrumentation, chemicals, and consumables.
Coordinates preparation, packaging, and shipment of equipment, materials, and chemicals required for research cruises and field courses.
Provides instruction and training to students, research personnel, and visiting scientists on the safe and effective operation of sampling equipment and field procedures.
Provides field technical support for geology and hydrogeology research activities, including equipment preparation, data collection, sample handling, and logistical coordination in terrestrial and remote field settings.
Assists with installation, maintenance, and retrieval of groundwater monitoring wells, piezometers, and hydrological sampling equipment as required.
When not engaged in primary field operations, contributes to the design, fabrication, testing, and deployment of scientific instrumentation through the EOAS Technical Services team.
Supports project delivery activities through the Technical Services team, including equipment preparation, calibration, documentation, and coordination with research groups and external clients, as capacity permits.
Performs other related duties as required to support the research, teaching, and operational activities of the department.