Ubc Course Website & Biology Program Support

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

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 Description Summary
Provides timely and high-quality teaching and learning support for the Biology program at the UBC Point Grey campus. Responsible for training and supporting the Biology program in activities related to successful implementation of learning technologies (LT) tools for the development, delivery, and assessment of courses (online and in-person). This position supports the use of UBC's primary learning platform, currently Canvas, including the implementation and use of LT integrated within and outside Canvas. As new LT are adopted by the Biology program, the Teaching and Learning Support Specialist will be assigned to lead the implementation of these tools. As part of the Biology Team, responds to shifting priorities and works to resolve issues that arise in an efficient, calm, and customer-service oriented manner. Works independently (with minimal supervision) to achieve goals set by the Biology program leadership team.

Organizational Status

Reports directly to the Biology Program Manager and works to implement the goals of the Biology program which are set by the Associate Head of Biology and the Department Heads of Botany and Zoology.

Work Performed

Educational Learning Technology (LT) Support

1. Oversees the deployment and use of the learning management system (LMS), currently Canvas, for the Biology Program; acts as point of contact and administrator for Canvas-related issues for all members of the Biology teaching community, including instructors, TAs, and staff.

2. Manages and is responsible for training and supporting faculty members (e.g., one-on-one, hosting workshops, preparing training materials), in the use of novel pedagogical tools, including but not limited to, the learning management systems, assessment and marking-related tools, and other LT tools. This includes a range of activities such as, providing an orientation on the use of course site features, helping with set ups (as appropriate) of course content pages, assessments (e.g., helping set up online quizzes based on questions/answers provided by instructors), troubleshooting issues by liaising with ScienceLT or LT Hub.

3. Provides training/workshops on adopting new learning technologies (e.g., include but not limited to: PLOM grading software developed by UBC Department of Math; instructor support for Clicker/iClicker); stays up-to-date with new and current learning technologies through training and engagement with CTLT and/or Skylight;

4. Manages Biology Program technology equipment inventory and works with departmental IT staff to make sure equipment is maintained.

5. Manages and leads other Biology Program initiatives (e.g., Imagine Day, teaching and learning community retreats and gatherings) as needed.

6. Develops new advising tools.

7. Other duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors would impact instruction by faculty and learning by students. Negative course and program experiences could influence student opinion toward the program, departments, and university.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Biology Program Manager. Supervised by the Biology Program Manager and the Associate Head of Biology via regular (weekly or bi-weekly) in-person check-in and update meetings.

Supervision Given
Does not directly supervise, but expected to coordinate and oversee the work assignments of student employees hired to support the Biology program.

Minimum Qualifications

University degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. B.Sc required. Minimum of two years experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Undergraduate degree in biology an asset.

Experience with developing online course content (including assignments and assessments and undergraduate instruction).

Intermediate computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, WordPress), experience in course management systems (Canvas) and other learning technologies.

Strong communication skills (verbal and written including writing scientific content), organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to shift focus and re-prioritize work as needed. Able to work well independently and within a team.

Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

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.