Remote Sensing Technician

Duties

Under the direction of a research scientist, the technician provides technical support for a research scientist by conducting projects to utilize remote sensing technology for soil and plant assessments and management. The job will require assisting in the developing of methods and tools for use in field and controlled environment studies and in maintaining image analysis software and data archives. Responsibilities will include the collection of remote sensing imagery, performing remote sensing digital image analysis, and assisting in image interpretation. It will also include performing rudimentary statistical analysis, and communicating results to other members of the research team.

It will involve interacting with other researchers and technicians to coordinate remote sensing data collection. It also requires the preparation of technical reports, and contribution to the preparation of scientific publications, presentations and purchase of equipment.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives.

The Science and Technology Branch (STB) undertakes agricultural research, development and knowledge transfer activities to support and contribute to the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. We work with industry, academia, provincial governments and other partners to generate new knowledge, foster innovation and increase adoption and commercialization of agricultural, agri-food, and agri-based products, process and practices. Together, we will work to support a resilient and innovative agriculture sector. The strategic objectives for the Branch include: increasing agricultural productivity; improving environmental performance; improving attributes for food and non-food uses; and addressing threats to the agriculture and agri-food value chain.

The STB is organized into three agriculture regions, each with unique ecological environments to tailor delivery of national priorities to regional needs: Coastal Region; Prairie Region; and Ontario-Québec Region. In addition there is a Partnerships and Planning Directorate. Our science and technology transfer capacity is distributed across the country in an extensive network of Research Centres, farms, labs, and offices.

Intent of the process

Immediate need: 1 full-time temporary position (1 year).

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the location indicated for this process.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting or assignment/secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in remote sensing, geographic information systems or other specialization relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the techniques for analyzing satellite, airborne, unmanned aerial vehicle or ground based digital imagery.
Experience in the collection of plants and soil parameters to support interpretation of remote sensing data.
Experience in the use of software (e.g. PCI, ENVI, ArcGIS) for analyzing remote sensing data and interpretation of the output.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

M.Sc. degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in remote sensing and its integration in geographic information systems.

Degree equivalency

Experience with organizing a field campaign to collect remote sensing and ground data.
Experience in C++, IDL or Python.
Experience working as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and with external partners and clients.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of application of remote sensing in agriculture system.
Knowledge of the principles of remote sensing and image analysis.
Knowledge of factors influencing the collection of remote sensing data using different sensors and platforms.
Knowledge of program language (e.g. C++, Python, IDL).

Interactive communication
Writing Skills
Planning and organizing
Initiative

Ability to maintain good records of activities and archives.
Ability to trouble-shoot equipment and anomalies in remote sensing data.
Ability to adapt image capture and image analysis techniques.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability; visible minorities, women.

Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by Work Force Adjustment.

Ability and willingness to work for long periods of time at the computer.
Ability and willingness to work outside.
Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environments.
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.

Other information

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.