Ecocity Centre Student Researcher
Ecocity Centre Director Dr. Jennie Moore has been awarded a grant from the Social Science and
Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The project will explore how living within the Earth’s carrying
capacity can be measured and managed at the city scale. The purpose is to understand how a handful of
high-consuming cities around the world are achieving absolute reductions in energy and material
throughput and how this could be translated into policy and action in Canadian cities.
Research will include discovering which cities are achieving reductions in energy and materials
throughput as measured by greenhouse gas reductions, material footprint, ecological footprint, and
urban metabolism studies (energy/material flows). The student researcher will then compile data on
which evaluation frameworks, metrics, governance models, and policies these cities are using. Initial
search terms and other guidance will be provided but the researcher should have well-developed critical
thinking and analysis skills and be able to undertake independent work from their home or other remote
location.
The project team is now seeking a project research assistant to:
- Conduct literature research.
- Collect, analyze, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data.
- Conduct and summarize results of interviews.
- Maintain records and references in an organized manner.
- Handle and protect confidential data and information with utmost care and integrity (e.g.,
maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as
necessary). - Manage and respond to project related email.
- Participate in project meetings (by Zoom or phone), including serving as a note-taker.
- Prepare memos based on their work, providing a reflective analysis.
- Prepare charts, diagrams and tables.
- Summarize results and prepare progress reports.
Minimum qualifications/requirements:
- Bachelor credential (Masters student or graduate credential preferred) or similar, particularly in
a related discipline, e.g. urban studies, planning, civil or environmental engineering, urban
geography, environmental studies. - Knowledge and experience in software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Experience with data collection and analysis.
- Eligibility to work in Canada.
Desirable qualifications:
- Academic and/or work experience in sustainability, including research related to literature
review and subject interviews. - Experience working in a community, environmental, or local government organization.
- Participation in an urban sustainability or community based initiative.
Aptitudes:
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Attention to detail.
- High degree of professionalism.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Self-motivated, responsible and resourceful.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- Capacity to adapt to new research methods and work schedules quickly.
Total hours: Approximately 340 hours will be required between August 2020 and March 2021, with the
majority of the hours allocated during the data collection phase (July-September). Compensation:
$15.19/hour. The student will also participate in the final project forum, anticipated to take place in
Ottawa in March 2021 (expenses will be covered).
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and skills
as soon as possible to EcocityCentre@bcit.ca. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis but to be received
by August 7, 2020 at the latest.
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