Student Research Assistant - School of Climate Change and Adaptation

The University of Prince Edward Island is hiring Student Research Assistants for the School of Climate Change and Adaptation. These full-time positions, starting June 2nd, 2025, involve various research and outreach projects related to climate change across the island. Responsibilities include assessing climate vulnerability, community engagement, and developing educational resources. Applicants must be current UPEI students and possess strong communication skills.
The Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (hereafter known as the “Climate Centre”) at the University of Prince Edward Island is a destination for world class research and learning that provides expertise and collaboration within a living laboratory setting. The Climate Centre houses state-of-the-art research centres, including the internationally recognized UPEI Climate Research Lab, as well as the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation. Research activities at the Climate Centre include application and advancement of drone technology, precision agriculture, historical and future land use, big data analytics, monitoring coastal erosion, ecosystem resilience, food security and human health.

Five summer student positions are expected to be available, (full-time, 12-week term), starting June 2nd and ending August 22nd, 2025. These positions will support research and/or outreach projects across the island with various host organizations. They are intended to provide students with opportunities to build practical skills and experience while exploring climate related work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following list outlines responsibilities for multiple projects. Successful applicants will be assigned to a project that best fits their skills and experience.
• Assessing vulnerability of archaeological sites to climate change
• Community engagement regarding wildfire prevention
• Assessing sector vulnerability to extreme heat-events
• Assisting drone crew in collecting aerial imagery for a variety of research projects
• Developing climate change and adaptation resources and activities for PEI schools
• Outreach regarding invasive species and climate resilient planting options
• Homeowner education on what things to look out for in insurance regarding climate
• Community outreach for emergency preparedness and adapting to climate change
• Developing workshops for teachers, support staff and other community members to support child, youth, and adult mental health impacts related to climate change
• Assisting in the development of a climate resilient community demonstration garden and nature-based water management system

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be a current UPEI student
• Verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills are required
• Demonstrated capacity to take direction and work collaboratively with others
• Ability to work independently and remotely when appropriate
• Must be capable of communicating project progress and requesting support, feedback, or clarity regarding project deliverables and timelines
• Relevant education and experience of climate impacts and risks on PEI will be considered an asset
• Driver’s license and reliable transportation will be required for certain projects that require field work