Research Assistant II – Deparment of Geography & Environment

Applications are to be received by: 4:30 p.m. on July 17, 2026

Classification: Research Assistant II

Employee Group: PSAC

Job Title: Community Mapping GIS Research Assistant

Department: Geography and Environment

Wage: $18.41 per hour

Hours of Work: Approximately 120 hours, flexible scheduling, with some evening/weekend event hours possible

Start Date: July 20, 2026 or ASAP

Number of Positions Available: 1

Length of Appointment: until September 30, 2026

Date Issued: July 8, 2026

Duties

The Research Assistant will support a community-engaged mapping project in Brandon using asset mapping, GIS, and community-engaged research methods. Work may relate to food access, active transportation, and/or Open Streets Brandon. Duties may include collecting, organizing, and verifying spatial and descriptive data; assisting with asset mapping, GIS work, and draft map layers; preparing materials for community mapping and dotmocracy activities; supporting Open Streets Brandon mapping activities, as needed; scanning, labelling, digitizing, and coding maps, comments, and non-identifying community feedback; identifying recurring themes, priority locations, barriers, assets, and opportunities; preparing map figures, short summaries, and research documentation; maintaining organized project files, source notes, and data records; following ethics, confidentiality, and data-management instructions; and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

– Must be enrolled as a Brandon University student at the time of application.

– Preference will be given to students with coursework, experience, or interest in geography, environmental studies, urban/community planning, sociology, community development, food systems, active transportation, public health, or related fields.

– Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

– Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.

– Strong written and verbal communication skills.

– Interest in community-engaged research, asset mapping, GIS, active transportation, food access, or applied social research.

– Familiarity with mapping, GIS, spreadsheets, data organization, or community engagement is an asset; training will be provided.- Ability to attend occasional community events, including weekend Open Streets activities, is an asset.

– Completion of TCPS2 CORE or willingness to complete required ethics/training modules as directed

To Apply

Applications should include a brief cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience, along with a current resume and the names and contact information for two references. Submit these documents to Dr. Jennifer Mateer Department of Geography and Environment, [email protected]

Brandon University is committed to equity, welcomes diversity, and hires on the basis of merit. All qualified individuals who may contribute to the diversification of the University, especially women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders are encouraged to apply.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority. Evidence of citizenship must be provided.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. This starts with the hiring process. If you require an accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please advise HR at [email protected]. All information received related to an accommodation is kept confidential. To ensure this employment opportunity is accessible to all interested individuals, this posting is available in an alternate format upon request.