Remote Sensing Analyst

at  University of Saskatchewan

REMOTE SENSING ANALYST

The Prairie Landscape Inventory project is led by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Dr. Xulin Guo at the University of Saskatchewan. The goal of the project is to develop reliable machine learning models to map the current distribution of native and tame grassland landcover for the prairie ecoregion in Saskatchewan to support the development of policy and tools for addressing grassland conservation.

The Remote Sensing Analyst position is the technical lead on the project. The position has the responsibility to:

• Continue developing and refining spectral libraries from existing field data and imagery for native and tame grassland landcovers.
• Build on existing deep learning modelling work to explore and develop approaches to update native and tame grassland landcover mapping using multi-year spectral library data, climate data and newly acquired satellite imagery.
• Reliably manage large and complex data sets and maintain well-documented codes for reproducibility.
• Effectively document and communicate project progress and results through written reports and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with the project team, including staff from the Ministry of Environment and the research team at the University of Saskatchewan.

The skills needed for this position include:

• A strong understanding and experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), R programing language, and Google Earth Engine Javascript/Python to conduct landcover classification using machine learning algorithms.
• The ability to program deep learning models and cloud computing for scalable landcover classification would be considered an asset.
• Experience working with and manipulating historical Sentinel, Landsat and other satellite data products.
• Experience working with image processing software such as PCI Geomatica, ENVI, and/or eCognition would be considered an asset.
• Ability to perform quality assurance/quality control on data.
• Familiarity with grassland/agricultural ecosystems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical staff and clients.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems, Data Science, Geomatics, Engineering, or other technical disciplines.
• 3+ years of experience with GIS, remote sensing.

Requirements: Candidates must be eligible to work full-time in Canada.
Department: Geography and Planning
Status: Without Term 4 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.95
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific Services
Salary Phase/Band: Not Applicable
Posted Date: 10/28/2024
Closing Date: 11/12/2024
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: Saskatoon or Regina, Saskatchewan
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan

Please refer the Job description for details