Field Research Associate (Education Sector) - Calgary, AB
About Cumulus Consulting
Cumulus Consulting is a brand of Toronto Consulting Services Ltd. It helps organizations improve operations, customer experience, and business performance through structured research, process improvement, and strategic consulting. Learn more about Cumulus Consulting at www.cumulusconsulting.ca
About the Role
Cumulus Consulting is hiring a full-time Field Research Associate for an 8-week contract to help us understand how private career colleges in the Calgary area attract and enrol students.
You'll visit colleges using a structured research process to evaluate the student enrolment experience and document your findings, giving our team a clear and consistent understanding of how each institution approaches student enrolment.
This is a field-based role, not a desk job. You'll receive training on our research methodology and be expected to apply it consistently across every assignment. Success in this role comes from careful observation, accurate documentation, and following a structured process. If you're reliable, detail-oriented, comfortable speaking with new people, and able to follow a structured process without cutting corners, we'd like to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Visit colleges across the Calgary area and gather information through in-person visits, telephone inquiries, and online research.
- Follow a structured research and scoring process to ensure findings are consistent and comparable across colleges.
- Record findings promptly and accurately using the templates we provide, including supporting evidence such as notes, timings, and screenshots.
- Complete assigned college visits, phone calls, and reports within agreed timelines.
- Flag anything that doesn't fit the research process and raise it with the project team rather than making assumptions or improvising.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow project protocols at all times.
What We're Looking For
We're not looking primarily for previous market research experience. We're looking for someone who is reliable, coachable, and able to follow a structured process with consistency. If you enjoy learning, pay attention to detail, and take pride in doing quality work, you'll likely be a great fit.
You'll likely be a strong fit if you:
- Follow instructions carefully and consistently.
- Communicate in English clearly and professionally, both in person and in writing.
- Are comfortable speaking with people you've never met.
- Can manage your time effectively and meet deadlines.
- Access to a personal vehicle during business hours is preferred.
- Own a laptop and a smartphone.
- Have access to a stable and reliable internet connection for completing reports and participating in virtual meetings.
- Are comfortable using Excel or Google Sheets to record and organize information.
- Pay close attention to detail and document your work accurately.
- Exercise good judgment by raising questions when something doesn't fit the process.
A background in business, marketing, communications, or a related field is an asset, but not required. We value reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn above previous market research experience.
Success in This Role
You'll be successful if you can:
- Complete assigned college visits on schedule.
- Produce accurate, organized, and well-supported reports.
- Apply the research process consistently across every college.
- Communicate issues promptly rather than making assumptions.
Position Details
Location: Calgary, Alberta (travel throughout the Calgary area required)
Schedule: Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week
Contract: Initial 8-week contract with the possibility of extension based on project needs
Start Date: Aug 4, 2026
Compensation: $15.00 per hour
Requirements
Successful candidates must:
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check before their start date (at their own expense).
- Have regular access to reliable transportation and be willing to travel throughout the Calgary area during business hours.
- Have access to a stable and reliable internet connection for the duration of the contract.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your resume
- In 150-250 words, describe a time you committed to a project or responsibility that lasted several weeks. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you ensure it was completed successfully?
Academic, volunteer, personal, and professional examples are all welcome. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $15.00-$15.50 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you have access to a stable and reliable internet connection for the duration of this contract?
- Do you have regular access to a personal vehicle during business hours? (Preferred)
- Are you comfortable following a structured process and documenting your work in detail?
- Can you provide a Criminal Record Check before your start date?
- Are you available to work approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday during standard business hours, and travel throughout the Calgary area as required?
- Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?
Work Location: On the road
