Remote Sensing Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about ensuring the sustainability of the forest resource now and into the future? Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your knowledge of geomatics, data science and expertise in remote sensing to build a better Alberta? Technology is rapidly advancing in remote sensing and forest mensuration making for a dynamic and exciting time to be working in this subject area.

The Remote Sensing Specialist is a senior professional position that ensures emerging technologies and advancement in landcover observation and quantification methodologies are considered as well as incorporated into the provincial forest inventories.

This position identifies, designs, and develops tools and processes to increase the predictive accuracy as well as efficiency of land classification for forestry applications. This position leverages advanced and emerging geospatial technologies that incorporate proven automation techniques into land classification processes. This position collaborates with a diverse team of foresters, agrologists, land use planners, and external stakeholders to maximize the potential of remote sensing to address the information needs of the department.

Key responsibilities include development and interpretation of remote sensing standards related to landcover and forest vegetation inventories. The position is also responsible for reviewing novel remote sensing specifications submitted within AVI Plans providing unique analytical expertise, support and advice to technical and professional industry representatives, company-contracted consultants, and government staff.

As technologies evolve, the incumbent must be able to assess the impact of new technologies on current practice and make recommendations to improve both the policy as well as practice of quantifying forest vegetation inventories and landcover.

This position requires a combination of robust technical/analytical skills, writing abilities and strong communication skills.
 

Please click on this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

Creative Problem Solving: Work in open teams to share ideas and process issues to solve issues. Use wide range of techniques to break down problems. Allows others to think creatively and voice ideas. Identify new solutions for the organization.

Systems Thinking: Take a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them.  Anticipate outcomes and potential impacts, seek stakeholder perspectives. Work towards actions and plans aligned with APS values. 

Agility: Incorporate change into processes, create opportunities for improvement while adapting to changing priorities. Remain objective under pressure and support others to manage their emotions. Readily adapts plans and practices.

Build Collaborative Environments: Collaborate across functional areas and addresses conflict. Encourage broad thinking on projects and work to eliminate barriers to progress. Facilitate communication and collaboration. Anticipates and reduces conflict at the outset. Provides credit and recognition to team members.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Remote Sensing, Forest Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Geography or Geomatics from an accredited university with 4 years of related experience.

Experience may include: 
•    processing LiDAR points clouds.
•    implementing and interpreting machine learning models.
•    familiarity with GNSS systems. 
•    R and Python programing for process automation. 
•    experience with geospatial, scientific, and statistical libraries in R and Python environments. 
•    big data management. 
•    forest management.
•    forest mensuration. 
•    statistical analysis.
•    reforestation standards. 
•    forest resource analysis. 
•    and technical communication.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year experience for 1 year of educations.

Assets:
•    A Master of Science Degree in Remote Sensing from an accredited university or equivalent.
•    Additional formal specialized remote sensing certification.
•    Member of the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals or eligible for membership.
•    Working knowledge of all legislation, policies and standards that impact public and forestland management in Alberta.
•    Knowledge of silviculture, forest ecology, reforestation, vegetation inventories, and forest management principles.
•    Advanced programming skills for modelling and data management using statistical software (e.g. SAS, R, Python, FME, ArcGIS).

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time, temporary opportunity located in Edmonton. Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:15AM - 4:30PM, 36.25 hours a week.

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

Any costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Application Information:
•    In your application, please a include cover page detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time, or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three, 8 hour shifts/week).
•    Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.

What we offer:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.