Earth Observation Research Scientist

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Natural Resources Canada is committed to having a skilled and diversified workforce representative of the population it serves. In support of our strategy to achieve our employment equity goals, preference may be given to qualified candidates who, at the time of application, indicate that they are belonging to the following Employment Equity groups (self-declaration): Women, Indigenous People, racialized communities, or persons with disabilities. Therefore, we encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups.

The Government of Canada is committed to building a skilled workforce that is representative of Canada's diversity, which includes the recruitment of Canadian Veterans and releasing Canadian Armed Forces personnel:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/public-service-jobs/canadian-armed-forces-members-veterans.html

We encourage applicants to identify any abilities, competencies, and/or experiences acquired through employment with the Canadian Armed Forces where applicable.

You will be required to provide a response to a screening question addressing the following:
A Research Statement (requirements provided within screening question)

Work environment

The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) is Canada’s Centre of Excellence in remote sensing science, technology, and data. CCRS operates as a division of the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO), conducting research and delivering remote sensing science and expertise on behalf of the Government of Canada. CCRS is one of the lead proponents of Canada's new Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation (https://asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/canada-strategy-for-satellite-earth-observation/) which aims to maximize the benefits of Earth observation for our nation and the world.

We are seeking both new and established research scientists who are passionate about developing and applying Earth Observation methods and data to help address important challenges facing Canadians such as climate change, the sustainable use of resources and the management of disasters (e.g. flooding). We invite you to join our team and work alongside our scientists who are at the top of their fields continuing CCRS’ fifty-year legacy of advancing remote sensing in Canada and around the world. As a CCRS scientist, you will have broad, direct access to the EO data, software, and computing you need to innovate and advance the research you lead. You will be encouraged to collaborate and maintain research relationships with academia, industry, or other public agencies, and will have the opportunity to supervise and mentor younger scientists and students. Your expertise will be called upon to help advise and support the selection and development of new EO missions for Canada. In this role, you will find we actively foster a culture of professional development that will encourage and support your promotion when you decide you are ready for consideration.

We support balancing your work and private life by offering the benefits of flexible work arrangements as well as several benefits you are entitled to from an opportunity at NRCan. By coming to work at NRCan you will be working for a department that is on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers 2022!

Ottawa office: Located across from Dow’s Lake in the heart of Ottawa, we are close to greenspace and the Rideau Canal. Take runs at lunch, or skate or bike to work. With only a quick walk to Preston Street, so you can enjoy the culinary delights from many restaurants. There is also easy access to biking routes, transit, trains to major bus routes. Easy access to the Queensway helps ease the daily commute! Our location offers numerous benefits to both the nature lover, and the adventurous.

Intent of the process

A pool of (fully or partially qualified) candidates may be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions at the RES group at various levels (RES-01 through RES-05) within Natural Resources Canada with various tenures (determinate period or permanent), various language requirements (English Essential, French Essential, English or French Essential, or Bilingual), linguistic requirements (imperative and/or non-imperative) and profile(s) (BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC, CCC/CCC, etc.), various security requirements (Reliability status or Secret clearance), and various conditions of employment.

Positions to be filled: 4

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of the natural sciences related to the duties of the position (including, but not limited to remote sensing, biology, engineering, forestry, geography, geomatics, geophysics, hydrology, mathematics, physics).

Productivity or Recognition In Earth Observation Science:
Productivity or recognition is required for all positions in the Research Scientist sub-group (SE-RES)

Productivity or recognition in earth observation science includes developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the research environment. It also refers to recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from:
• Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems;
• Operational research and scientific analysis;
• Planning, analysis and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and development.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
-Significant (*) experience planning and conducting spaceborne and/or airborne EO research, in at least one of the following areas:
-Characterization of systems and processes of the hydrosphere
-Characterization of systems and processes of the cryosphere
-Characterization of systems and processes of the biosphere
-Characterization of hazards and natural disasters
-Characterization of systems and processes supporting natural resource management
-Characterization of ground infrastructure monitoring and assessment
-Development of earth observation systems, data processing or analysis methodologies.

-Experience communicating results of research to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

(*) Minimum of 1 year experience, post-graduation.

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

English or French

Information on language requirements

Competencies:
Thinking things through
Showing Initiative
Working effectively with others

Abilities:
Ability to communicate complex scientific subject matter orally
Ability to communicate complex scientific subject matter in writing
Ability to network and engage with organizations and partners
Ability to develop innovative and impactful research and applications

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

Different asset qualifications will be relevant for the positions to be staffed. Candidates are not expected to meet all the asset qualifications listed below.

Asset Experience:
Experience in collaborative research with universities, governments, science-based non-government organizations or industry.
Experience contributing to the transfer of EO technologies to the public and/or private sectors.
Experience managing multi-year and/or multi-disciplinary projects (which incorporate EO data or methods), with associated human resources, budgetary and planning functions
Experience developing and delivering research with indigenous partners and/or stakeholders
Experience in scientific leadership in the domain of EO science

Asset Knowledge:
Knowledge of basic project management principles, techniques, and practices

-EO Data Sources:
Knowledge of advanced techniques related to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and/or other Microwave Earth Observation Data
Knowledge of advanced techniques related to Optical Earth Observation Data
Knowledge of advanced techniques related to Thermal Earth Observation Data
Knowledge of advanced techniques related to Gravity Earth Observation Data
Knowledge of advanced techniques related to LiDAR Earth Observation Data

-Technologies:
Knowledge of numerical data processing and modeling and computer programming in C++.
Knowledge of numerical data processing and modeling and computer programming in Fortran.
Knowledge of numerical data processing and modeling and computer programming in C.
Knowledge of numerical data processing and modeling and computer programming in Java.
Knowledge of numerical data processing and modeling and computer programming in Python.
Knowledge of numerical data processing and modeling and computer programming in R.
Knowledge of big data analytics systems for EO data processing, analysis, and product generation
Knowledge of the application of Machine Learning for EO data processing, analysis or product generation

-Application Areas:
Knowledge of earth observation science for the characterization of systems and processes of the hydrosphere
Knowledge of earth observation science for the characterization of systems and processes of the biosphere
Knowledge of earth observation science for the characterization of systems and processes of the cryosphere
Knowledge of earth observation science for the characterization of hazards and natural disasters (prediction/mitigation, monitoring, and/or response)
Knowledge of earth observation science for ground infrastructure monitoring and assessment

Asset Abilities:
Ability to contribute to CCRS focus priority/focus areas

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

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability status or Secret Status security clearance will be required (depending on the position being staffed)

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

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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