EOAS Field Station Caretaker
About the role
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Engineering Technician 3
Job Title
EOAS Field Station Caretaker
Department
Administrative Leadership | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$6,088.24 - $6,966.27 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
November 5, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
December 31, 2027
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Field Station Caretaker is the sole on-site representative responsible for the operation, maintenance, and security of the EOAS-Teck Geology Field Station in Oliver, B.C.—a remote instructional and research facility. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the facility remains safe, functional, and compliant with regulatory requirements year-round. Working independently under limited supervision, the Caretaker manages all site infrastructure and utilities, coordinates contractor activities, supports academic programs, and serves as the primary point of contact for users and local stakeholders. The role includes emergency preparedness and response, environmental monitoring, and seasonal facility transitions, requiring strong judgment, technical ability, and a high degree of accountability.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Infrastructure, Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager and indirectly to the Director of Operations & Resources. Works closely with EOAS faculty, instructional staff, administrative staff, and UBC central services. Acts as UBC’s local representative in the Oliver region for field station matters. Oversees on-site work of contractors, licensing bodies and service providers and ensures activities align with UBC safety and operational standards.
Work Performed
Operational Oversight and Facility Management
- Independently oversees all field station operations including mechanical, electrical, water, and septic systems.
- Conducts routine inspections of buildings, shelters, and infrastructure to ensure functionality, cleanliness, and safety.
- Coordinates utility service continuity and performs basic troubleshooting and repair of systems.
- Oversees and monitors contractors and vendors working on-site, ensuring work meets specifications and is performed safely and efficiently.
- Prepares and maintains site logs, inspection records, and maintenance schedules.
Emergency Response and Risk Mitigation
- Serves as the first responder to emergencies such as fire, severe weather, trespass, or system failures.
- Implements site-specific safety protocols and coordinates with EOAS and local emergency responders.
- Conducts risk assessments to identify fire hazards, structural concerns, and environmental risks; takes preventive action as needed.
- Monitors and responds to alarms and security incidents, coordinating escalation and reporting.
Site Access and User Support
- Manages site access for academic users, contractors, and local stakeholders; maintains key control systems.
- Provides orientation and support to instructional groups, ensuring understanding of site protocols and safety systems.
- Acts as liaison between EOAS and the local community, delivering clear communication and managing local relationships with professionalism.
Water Quality and Environmental Compliance
- Performs monthly water sampling and submits results to Interior Health under UBC direction.
- Maintains compliance with provincial and UBC environmental health and safety standards according to established protocols and procedures.
Seasonal Facility Preparation
- Leads full winterization and seasonal reopening of the field station, including system shutoffs/startups, cleaning, and inspections.
- Oversees annual setup and takedown of temporary shelters in coordination with contractors.
- Schedules and supervises deep cleaning or site preparation between instructional groups.
Grounds and Maintenance Coordination
-
Performs routine landscaping, pest control, and refuse management.
-
Coordinates rental, delivery, and use of on-site equipment and machinery.
-
Tracks consumables and supplies; places orders as needed.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Field Station Caretaker operates independently in a remote setting where poor judgment or failure to act could result in serious consequences, including safety hazards, environmental compliance violations, equipment damage, or disruption to instructional activities. The role requires sound decision-making, especially in emergency scenarios where immediate support may not be available. Failure to manage maintenance or access properly could compromise UBC’s field programming or damage community relationships.
Supervision Received
Works independently with minimal direct oversight. Receives operational guidance and support from the Infrastructure, Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager, with regular communication and scheduled check-ins.
Supervision Given
Oversees and coordinates the work of on-site contractors, seasonal workers, or external vendors. Ensures third-party work is performed to UBC standards for safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree or technical diploma in a relevant discipline such as facilities management, building operations, or environmental technology. Minimum of two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in remote environments.
- Experience with building systems, water quality testing, and contractor coordination.
- Familiarity with safety regulations and emergency response in rural/field contexts.
- Facilities management and/or property management experience.
- Proven ability to foster relationships with stakeholders.
- Experience with minor repairs and routine facility maintenance tasks.
- Strong communication and record-keeping skills.
- Valid BC Driver’s License and clean driving record.
- First Aid certification and ability to respond to site incidents.
- Ability to work a variety of shifts including evenings and weekends
- Ability to be ‘on call’ during off hours in the event of a facility emergency
EOAS Field Station Caretaker
About the role
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Engineering Technician 3
Job Title
EOAS Field Station Caretaker
Department
Administrative Leadership | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range
$6,088.24 - $6,966.27 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
November 5, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
December 31, 2027
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Field Station Caretaker is the sole on-site representative responsible for the operation, maintenance, and security of the EOAS-Teck Geology Field Station in Oliver, B.C.—a remote instructional and research facility. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the facility remains safe, functional, and compliant with regulatory requirements year-round. Working independently under limited supervision, the Caretaker manages all site infrastructure and utilities, coordinates contractor activities, supports academic programs, and serves as the primary point of contact for users and local stakeholders. The role includes emergency preparedness and response, environmental monitoring, and seasonal facility transitions, requiring strong judgment, technical ability, and a high degree of accountability.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Infrastructure, Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager and indirectly to the Director of Operations & Resources. Works closely with EOAS faculty, instructional staff, administrative staff, and UBC central services. Acts as UBC’s local representative in the Oliver region for field station matters. Oversees on-site work of contractors, licensing bodies and service providers and ensures activities align with UBC safety and operational standards.
Work Performed
Operational Oversight and Facility Management
- Independently oversees all field station operations including mechanical, electrical, water, and septic systems.
- Conducts routine inspections of buildings, shelters, and infrastructure to ensure functionality, cleanliness, and safety.
- Coordinates utility service continuity and performs basic troubleshooting and repair of systems.
- Oversees and monitors contractors and vendors working on-site, ensuring work meets specifications and is performed safely and efficiently.
- Prepares and maintains site logs, inspection records, and maintenance schedules.
Emergency Response and Risk Mitigation
- Serves as the first responder to emergencies such as fire, severe weather, trespass, or system failures.
- Implements site-specific safety protocols and coordinates with EOAS and local emergency responders.
- Conducts risk assessments to identify fire hazards, structural concerns, and environmental risks; takes preventive action as needed.
- Monitors and responds to alarms and security incidents, coordinating escalation and reporting.
Site Access and User Support
- Manages site access for academic users, contractors, and local stakeholders; maintains key control systems.
- Provides orientation and support to instructional groups, ensuring understanding of site protocols and safety systems.
- Acts as liaison between EOAS and the local community, delivering clear communication and managing local relationships with professionalism.
Water Quality and Environmental Compliance
- Performs monthly water sampling and submits results to Interior Health under UBC direction.
- Maintains compliance with provincial and UBC environmental health and safety standards according to established protocols and procedures.
Seasonal Facility Preparation
- Leads full winterization and seasonal reopening of the field station, including system shutoffs/startups, cleaning, and inspections.
- Oversees annual setup and takedown of temporary shelters in coordination with contractors.
- Schedules and supervises deep cleaning or site preparation between instructional groups.
Grounds and Maintenance Coordination
-
Performs routine landscaping, pest control, and refuse management.
-
Coordinates rental, delivery, and use of on-site equipment and machinery.
-
Tracks consumables and supplies; places orders as needed.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Field Station Caretaker operates independently in a remote setting where poor judgment or failure to act could result in serious consequences, including safety hazards, environmental compliance violations, equipment damage, or disruption to instructional activities. The role requires sound decision-making, especially in emergency scenarios where immediate support may not be available. Failure to manage maintenance or access properly could compromise UBC’s field programming or damage community relationships.
Supervision Received
Works independently with minimal direct oversight. Receives operational guidance and support from the Infrastructure, Field Services & Experiential Learning Manager, with regular communication and scheduled check-ins.
Supervision Given
Oversees and coordinates the work of on-site contractors, seasonal workers, or external vendors. Ensures third-party work is performed to UBC standards for safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree or technical diploma in a relevant discipline such as facilities management, building operations, or environmental technology. Minimum of two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in remote environments.
- Experience with building systems, water quality testing, and contractor coordination.
- Familiarity with safety regulations and emergency response in rural/field contexts.
- Facilities management and/or property management experience.
- Proven ability to foster relationships with stakeholders.
- Experience with minor repairs and routine facility maintenance tasks.
- Strong communication and record-keeping skills.
- Valid BC Driver’s License and clean driving record.
- First Aid certification and ability to respond to site incidents.
- Ability to work a variety of shifts including evenings and weekends
- Ability to be ‘on call’ during off hours in the event of a facility emergency