Research Assistant

Applications are invited for a part-time Research Assistant (RA) position supporting the development and organization of a special lecture and publication series focused on climate relocation, planned retreat, property buyouts, and related policies and debates in British Columbia. The project aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, community representatives, and other experts to examine emerging and ongoing cases in which communities exposed to climate-related hazards are considering, debating, or implementing relocation, retreat, or property buyout strategies. The lecture series will provide a forum for sharing experiences, discussing policy and implementation challenges, and identifying lessons for disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and post-disaster recovery in British Columbia and the rest of Canada.

Job Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Undergraduate or graduate-level education in disaster and emergency management, climate change adaptation, environmental studies, geography, planning, public policy, community development, or a closely related field;
• Basic knowledge of the disaster and emergency management context in BC;
• Familiarity with climate-related hazards and disaster risk reduction issues affecting communities in BC;
• Strong research and information-synthesis skills;
• Advanced academic and professional writing and editing skills in English;
• Good knowledge of APA 7th edition citation and referencing conventions;
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet agreed deadlines.

Preference may be given to candidates who have:

• Professional, research, governmental, or community-based experience related to post-disaster relocation, planned retreat, managed retreat, property buyout programs, climate relocation, or community recovery in BC, and
• Existing familiarity with communities in BC that have experienced significant flooding, wildfire, erosion, or other climate-related hazards.

Additional Information

This is a casual, on-call position from until March 30, 2027. The hourly rate is $25.44. Due to its limited term nature, this position is not eligible for enrolment in the University’s Benefits Plan, but you will be provided with 4% in lieu of vacation. Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

Royal Roads University values and appreciates the interest of all candidates who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the employment contract. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at human.resources@royalroads.ca so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our recruitment and hiring process. ALL COMPETITIONS WILL CLOSE AT 10.00 P.M. ON THE DATE OF CLOSING