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Fieldwork/Research Assistant
| Company | University of Alberta |
|---|---|
| Location | Edmonton, AB |
| Published | Feb 10, 2026 |
| Closing | May 03, 2026 |
| Category | Student Job Board or Student Volunteer Opportunity |
| Attachment | jobPosting2026.docx (2).pdf |
Project Descriptions: Opportunities to contribute to various projects depending on candidates' interests and lab needs. Projects include:
- Sheep Vegetation Management: This project examines the impact of sheep grazing on competing vegetation and tree seedlings in regenerating cutblocks. Work includes estimating percent cover and height of vegetation, assessing seedling damage and tree condition, and drone imagery work to make a comparison between ground-based methodology and remote sensing data accuracy. Study sites are located near Grande Prairie and Edson, AB.
- Aboveground biomass (AGB) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning: This project investigates variations in tree allometry and aboveground biomass (AGB) allocation within the western boreal forest. The field assistant will assist with TLS data collection and the measurement of harvested material in the field. This summer, fieldwork will be conducted across various sites in the boreal forest of Alberta.
- Functional traits of aspen: This project involves assisting a PhD student who is investigating intraspecific variation in functional traits of aspen in Canada and how these traits influence its resilience to climate change. This year, the focus is on collecting samples from aspen trees in Alberta. The technician will help gather samples in the field by measuring and coring trees and collecting leaf samples, and will also assist with processing these samples in the lab. Tasks will include DNA extraction and measuring tree cores after sanding them, as well as data entry.
- SmartForests: This project is a network of monitoring plots and plantations dedicated to modeling and adapting forests to climate change. Fieldwork involves visiting permanent plots (EMEND, near Peace River) to collect monitoring data, including dendrometer measurements, soil data, and other key data. Additionally, responsibilities include maintaining equipment, such as replacing batteries and resetting disturbed devices to ensure continuous data collection.
Accommodations & Travel: Field accommodations are covered and primarily include shared hotel rooms, with occasional camping required (equipment provided). RAs will be responsible for operating the field trucks for transportation between Edmonton and field sites.
Schedule: This position follows a 5-day field rotation, with an average of 10 hours per workday. All travel from Edmonton, accommodations, and per diems are provided during field stints. As with all field operations, the schedule remains flexible to account for weather conditions and project demands.