Remote Sensing Specialist (PhD) - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to September 15, 2023 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

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).

Duties

The Earth Observation Unit of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Agroclimate, Geomatics and Earth Observation (ACGEO) Division is responsible for AAFC’s space-based data and information products. This includes developing and deploying satellite data, products and applications to improve AAFC’s agri-environmental indicators. The successful candidate will apply their remote sensing knowledge and experience to develop and test satellite-based methods for detecting and monitoring the fractional cover of post-harvest crop residue. The focus will be on local studies and methods that can then be scaled nationally. The successful candidate will work with an AAFC research team of scientists and technicians with extensive experience in the processing and analysis of satellite data.

Work environment

The successful candidate will be expected to work two (2) days per week or 40% of their work week on-site at an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Station or on-site at the university where they are enrolled.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.

• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 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:
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the date of appointment in a PhD program in a recognized Canadian post-secondary academic institution with specialization in satellite remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Earth science, Agriculture, or a related area.

Note: Must be recognized as having full-time student status in the academic institution in which you are presently enrolled, pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting your application. Proof of enrollment will be required prior to start date and must be returning to full-time studies for your next academic term.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Experience* in the development of deep learning (machine learning) algorithms to extract information from satellite remote sensing data.
Experience* in scripting or programming in Python, Matlab, or JavaScript.
Experience* using software for processing, integrating and analyzing satellite image data and other geospatial (geographic) datasets (such as ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine, QGIS, R, Matlab, PCI Geomatica, ENVI).
Experience* in the processing of multi-spectral (optical) satellite image data for applications relating to the detection of on-farm activities.
Experience* preparing technical documents, research papers or scientific presentations.

*In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the application of satellite remote sensing to agriculture.

Competencies:
Initiative
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

Abilities:
Ability to orally present research findings.

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

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

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

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under “Contact Information”.

Candidates will be required to pay for their own travel related to assessment and successful candidates will be responsible for obtaining their own living accommodations.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

Preference

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