SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact evscmgr@sfu.ca

RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION

Title: Research Manager

Dr. Chelsea Little, School of Environmental Science – Alpine Horizons research project

Duration: July 6th, 2026 – February 26, 2027

Location: Burnaby Campus

Description of Duties:

We seek a motivated and organized full-time Project Manager to support two complementary applied environmental science research initiatives at Simon Fraser University, under the supervision of lead PI Dr. Chelsea Little. The Project Manager will divide their time roughly equally between the two active research programs. The first is a large-scale, 5-year interdisciplinary initiative investigating which ecosystems in the southwest Coast Mountains are most vulnerable to recreational activities and climate change. Research will take place both above and below treeline, examining a range of interconnected processes including the impacts of recreational use on sensitive alpine habitats, plant colonization of post-glacial terrain newly exposed by glacial retreat, and the advance of the treeline with warming temperatures and retreating glaciers. This project brings together researchers from SFU, UBC, and UVic, alongside government agencies and community partners, to generate knowledge that will directly inform land management and conservation policy in the region. The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating research activities and timelines, facilitating communication among PIs, partners, and collaborators, managing budgets and reporting requirements, organizing field campaigns and meetings, and supporting data collection and documentation. The second project focuses on restoring tree and shrub cover to agricultural landscapes in southern mainland BC. A particular emphasis will be placed on establishing hedgerows and riparian buffer plantings — two of the most ecologically valuable and spatially strategic interventions available in farmed landscapes. Hedgerows provide habitat corridors, wind protection, and biodiversity refuges across open agricultural land, while riparian buffers stabilize streambanks, filter runoff, and restore the wooded edges that many species depend on. Together, these approaches address the growing need to reintegrate native vegetation into farming regions, supporting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and long-term landscape resilience. This project also involves close collaboration with academic, government, and community stakeholders. The Project Manager will be responsible for managing field equipment and supporting and participating in lab- and field-based research activities. The Project Manager role requires someone who can balance multiple priorities across different teams and project phases. This position involves travel to alpine field sites in southern BC and agricultural field sites in the lower mainland, as well as in-person meetings in Vancouver, Victoria, and Squamish. Flexible working hours — including evenings, weekends, and holidays — are required to accommodate field schedules and partner availability. The role is based at SFU but involves ongoing engagement with collaborators at partner institutions.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate holds a degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, and has demonstrated experience in project coordination or research management. Familiarity with BC ecosystems, alpine environments, or restoration ecology is a strong asset. Experience with budget tracking, grant reporting, or field logistics is also highly valued.

Compensation:

This position is grant-funded. Pay is at $27/hour for 37.5 hours/week.

Closing Date: June 26, 2026 

Please submit your application (cover letter and CV) to Dr. Chelsea Little at chelsea_little@sfu.ca 

Application packages:

1. Include the following documents (compile and save as one pdf):

• An electronic copy of the EVSC TA Application Form
• Previous teaching evaluations (if posts held outside of the Environmental Science Program)
• Curriculum Vitae including a list of relevant courses taken, taught, and references
• Your availability for tutorials (on all campuses)

2. Email your application package to Rebecca Ho, Manager, Academic and Administrative Services, School of Environmental Science at: evscmgr@sfu.ca. RE: TA posting

3. You will receive a confirmation email. Thank you kindly.

Note: Please review the location information carefully as some courses will be offered in a blended format and some will be offered in-person. All TAs need to be comfortable working and supporting undergraduate students in an online environment such as Canvas; some courses may require additional qualifications as per the postings below. Please note that training will be available through SFU’s Centre for Educational Excellence and is recommended (overview, TA/TM Day, Remote Teaching Resources for TAs).

Should you have any questions about the collection and use of this information or require more information about the positions and application process, please contact Rebecca Ho, evscmgr@sfu.ca, phone: 778 782 9032.

Teaching Assistant Hiring Priority 

For the purposes of filling jobs posted in EVSC under Article 13 F 3.1 (a), students registered:

• for a doctoral degree,
• for a master's degree,
• or as a qualifying student for either a master's or doctoral program

and who are supervised by a Faculty member in the School of Environmental Science shall be considered as priority group (i) applicants (i.e., those registered in the department).

Amongst those people who fit one of the three bullet points mentioned above, the department will shortlist the candidate based on:

• Applicant’s Preference.
• Applicant’s Availability.
• Meeting Funding Commitments.

If an assignment within a priority group requires a selection between applicants, the graduate student without financial support from merit-based scholarships or merit-based fellowships during the semester of appointment will have priority.  Priority is reduced once students have support of at least a full graduate fellowship or $7000.