The University of British Colombia– Okanagan Campus is inviting applications for the Masters (MA or MSc) in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Sustainability. This project is part of the British Columbia Living Lab, one of a number of living labs established as part of the Agricultural Climate Solutions initiative. The British Columbia Living Lab includes four areas of focus: perennial row crops, dairy, field vegetables and cattle and forage. Within these focus areas are a variety of different commodities. Partner organizations representing a number of these commodities have organized a series of on farm trials examining different Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). These trials will explore how effective the BMPs are at achieving net reductions in climate change impacts and at meeting producer goals.
For a selection of commodity groups, the successful applicant will work with producers to identify the operational changes between conventional practices and a set of BMPs being investigated in the living lab. Visiting farms and spending time consulting with producers to document their experience with the BMPs will be required. The purpose of these visits is to collect quantitative data measuring the changes from the conventional practice that have direct financial consequences, such as addition inputs that need to be purchased, and indirect impacts, such as additional time required to learn about the BMP and to implement it.
The project funding provides $15,000 CAD per year for two years for Master’s students. The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to apply for teaching assistant positions. Graduate teaching assistantships pay approximately $13,500 annually, and require about 192 hours of work per academic term for two terms.
Eligibility
- Experience with primary data collection, such as interviews, focus groups, and/or surveys.
- A bachelors degree with a strong quantitative component.
- A high level of English fluency.
- Training and/or experience with business financial information.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Requirements
- Experience working in the agricultural sector.
- A personal vehicle available for work travel.
Application Details
- CV
- A statement of courses and grades
- A covering letter describing interest in the project
The complete application should be sent by email to Jonathan (John) Anthonius, ja*****@ub*.ca, with the email subject as ‘BMP BUDGET MA’.
Positive application review will be followed by a a virtual meeting with to learn more about the applicant and address any remaining questions.
