Research Assistant - Modelling Costs to Municipalities Addressing Homelessness

Research Assistant – Modelling the Costs to Municipalities for Addressing Homelessness

Okanagan College hires the best‑qualified candidates for its positions. Selections for bargaining unit positions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Collective Agreement. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

• Position Number: P2708
• Title: Research Assistant – Modelling the Costs to Municipalities for Addressing Homelessness
• Supervisor: Kerry Rempel
• Department: Business Administration
• Location: Kelowna, Other
• Flexible Work Options: Eligible for Hybrid Work, Remote Work (BC Only)
• Salary: $18.42–$23.51/hour
• Schedule: 50 hours between 01/19/2026 and 03/31/2026 (to be discussed)
• Appointment Type: Support Non-Regular Student
• Posting Close Date: 01/18/2026

In accordance with Letter of Understanding #3 – Research Projects, and under the direct supervision of the College Professor, the Research Assistant assists and supports the supervisor with research‑related activities pertaining to the professor’s professional background and within the supervisor’s research areas of interest and expertise.

In British Columbia, costs of addressing significant social challenges such as homelessness are increasingly being managed at the community level. This project supports the preparation for a future research study that seeks to create models for identifying and calculating those costs. The eventual model will compare the relative burden borne by communities of different sizes and in different BC geographies, and may inform alternative tax policy.

• Utilize AI, library resources and experts to identify how these costs have been modelled in the past.
• Identify leading researchers and experts with relevant information.
• Identify communities that have modelled these costs (in BC and Canada).
• In discussion and collaboration with the research supervisor, contact and arrange online meetings with communities that have done such modelling.
• Summarize and document all research information in a structured way.
• Create a reference database using Zotero.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the project supervisor.

Students with a minimum of one‑year post‑secondary education in the specified educational program. Prior work experience is an asset.

• Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of computer software applications.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Well‑developed organizational skills.
• Detail‑oriented.
• Excellent communication skills to maintain effective correspondence with professors and partners.
• Excellent time‑management skills to coordinate research and academic activities.

• Be willing to learn new technology (Zotero, AI, Search Tools).
• Be proficient with a suite of Microsoft software (Excel, Word, One Note).
• Be able/willing to utilize Teams as a tool to manage and store files as well as to communicate.
• Be self‑directed and able to work independently with guided supervision.

• 3rd year standing preferred but not required.
• Students in all disciplines will be considered, but should be willing to go beyond their program content for this project.

Desired

Start Date:

01/19/2026
Position End Date: 03/31/2026

This position is funded for 50 hours of work…