MABRRI hires students to work on both new and ongoing research projects throughout the academic year and during the summer period. We offer both Work Opportunity (work-op) and Research Assistant (RA) positions.
We recommend work-op positions are recommended if you are new to MABRRI. Work-op positions are part-time, project-based work. They offer 50 to 100 hours per semester. They are a great way for us to get to know you and for you to get your foot in the door. Keep an eye out on this page for any work-op positions throughout the school year.
RA positions are intended for senior undergraduate students. RAs work on several ongoing MABRRI projects at a time and assist in facilitating outreach in the community. We typically only offer RA positions throughout the summer months.
We give priority for these positions to students who have previously worked for MABRRI and demonstrated a high quality of work. However, interested students are always encouraged to contact one of the coordinators or drop by our office to discuss possible work opportunities. Please see below for current job postings.
Current job opportunities
Note that opportunities regularly come up, so please keep checking for updates. If you would like more information, please email mabrri@viu.ca.
Current job postings:
MABRRI Engagement Assistant
Rate of pay: $20 per hour
Hours: 50 hours over the 2025 Fall Semester, with the possibility of extension into the Spring Semester
Requirements: Experience or knowledge in the following is an asset: communications, social media, community engagement, and applied research. Must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 courses (9 credits).
Duties: Develop social media content, engage with public and VIU students to promote the MABR and MABRRI, and support with event planning.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 4 pm on September 26, 2025, with a cover letter and curriculum vitae to mabrri@viu.ca.
Description: The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI), at the VIU Nanaimo campus, is the education and research arm of the UNESCO-designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR). MABRRI also upholds VIU's Research and Academic Plan by creating projects and initiatives that have a regional impact. MABRRI’s mission is to advance a program of inquiry that involves regional stakeholders in meaningful explorations of issues of local relevance. By harnessing the knowledge of the MABR community and the interdisciplinary strengths of students and faculty at VIU, MABRRI is a centre for collaborative research, innovation, and knowledge sharing that elevates the relationship between people and nature on Vancouver Island and within the MABR.
MABRRI is seeking a VIU student to join our team as an Engagement Assistant Work Op for the 2025 Fall Semester. The Engagement Assistant Work Op will be tasked with four main responsibilities: 1) produce educational and promotional materials and deliver social media content; 2) foster engagement with the MABR and VIU communities; 3) support event planning and facilitation; and 4) support the development and implementation of MABRRI’s initiatives and projects as needed. The overarching goal is to enhance awareness, engagement, and action among community through the development of educational programming, tools, and materials. The student may also be tasked to assist with other MABRRI’s research projects and initiatives, such as planning for the 2026 Brant Wildlife Festival and the EuroMAB 2026 Conference.
Duties and responsibilities for this position include:
- assist with the development of social media content
- interact and engage with the public to promote the MABR and MABRRI, including aiding in the development and implementation of initiatives to engage the VIU community
- assist with the planning of events
- assist with the development of educational programming
- assist MABRRI in finding sponsorships and funding to support educational programming and research
- assist with research projects and fieldwork
Preference will be given to students with:
- experience with creating visual content
- experience and proficiency with social media platforms and marketing campaigns
- strong organization and facilitation skills
- experience with community engagement and event planning
This position will give the accepted candidate experience in 1) social media development, 2) community engagement, and 3) translating research to knowledge dissemination materials.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Vancouver Island University and MABRRI are committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members from equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
