Junior Remote Sensing Scientist - Earth Observations for Regional Cumulative Effects - Research Affiliate Program

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Successful applicants will participate as part of a multi-year study focused on the
application of Earth Observation technologies and methodologies to support cumulative effects monitoring related to environmental impacts associated with responsible resource development and distribution. The research will focus on the application of remote sensing to support the following two areas:

1. Geo-spatial information on land surface changes and disturbances from mining development is essential to enable assessment of the potential impacts on the environment. Remote sensing data and technology, especially high-resolution datasets, play a key role in the provision of such information. This research is focused on the development of image processing methodologies for mapping and impact analysis of land disturbances due to various types of mining development, to support environmental assessments of mining activities at local and regional scales.

The student will work on one of the following research topics:
A. Development and testing of methodologies for automated detection/extraction of fine-scale land disturbances due to mining activities from high-resolution imagery.
B. Development of methodologies for retrieval of fine-scale terrain changes due to tailings spills based on cost-effective remote sensing imagery.

2. Water management requires information that can be difficult to obtain when dealing with large hydrographic networks. Remote sensing is a tool that can help to obtain baseline information in large areas and in the acquisition of complementary data. The remotely sensed data can be useful in assessing cumulative effects of river changes on the land, and the effect of land change on river flow and quality.

We are looking for a student to help demonstrate the usefulness of new remote sensing technologies, such as drones or new and upcoming satellite missions, in water management and cumulative effects related to surface water. Our main study is focused on the St. Lawrence River tributaries in the Eastern Township area of the province of Quebec. There is also the possibility of an additional candidate working on the Lowlands of the Hudson Bay in Ontario.

The students should pursue opportunities to disseminate research findings through publications in scientific journals or conferences. Planning data acquisitions, pursuing field campaigns, and analysis of remote sensing imagery are all potential activities that can be included.

Work environment

The analysis and research work will be conducted at the successful candidates’ respective universities. Occasional visits to the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation in Ottawa may be required.

Intent of the process

Student will be hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) with the purpose to accomplish research and complete a thesis or dissertation. Duration of the RAP will depend on academic level: • Bachelor Students (1 year). • Masters Students (1- 2 years). • Doctorate Students (1-3 years). Extensions may be possible.

Positions to be filled: 2 (with the potential for 4)

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 3,000 words (maximum) "A Letter of Interest including proposed research concept co-signed by proposed Academic Supervisor"

Contact information for 3 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

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

Education:

• Have successfully completed 2 years of a Bachelors Program (for a Bachelors
proposal), a completed Bachelors Degree (for a Masters proposal) or Masters Degree
(for a Ph.D. proposal) and have a strong background in geomatics, remote sensing or
other related field, with an interest in environmental remote sensing.

• Must be registered in a graduate program at a Canadian University, or have a letter
of support from a prospective graduate supervisor.

Degree equivalency

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

Prior research as documented with conference presentations or peer-reviewed
publications.

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

Various language requirements

Information on language requirements

Abilities and Skills:

• Ability to program computer codes to facilitate data analysis
• Familiarity with a remote sensing or geomatics software package.
• Be able to demonstrate good writing and oral skills.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Applications should include a Cover Letter (including proposed research concept), CV(including publications and conference attendance if any), and a copy of academic transcripts. Names and contact of references may be requested.

We thank all applicants for your interest, but only the short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

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