Masters opportunity in Quaternary geology and analysis of glacial landforms using LiDAR - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

This M.Sc. project, “LiDAR mapping of modern glacial landforms and its application to mineral exploration in Pleistocene glaciated terrains” aims to advance automated mapping methods of Pleistocene glaciated terrains by analogy of modern glacial environments. High density LiDAR data will be processed to generate ultra high-resolution maps (<10cm) using the LiDAR intensity parameter. This parameter is directly associated with a surficial material’s (rock, sediment) physical and chemical properties and has immense potential in automated mapping methods. Preliminary results from a small test area have demonstrated the powerful capability of this method and much work is required to further advance and automate the methodology. The initial stage of this thesis requires a great deal of intensive data processing (requiring several months) to generate the digital maps required for mapping. Subsequent work will require generating a combination of mathematical and machine learning workflows to achieve a ubiquitous methodology which can later be applied in various parts of Canada with high mineral potential. The results will also contribute to our understanding of the fundamental controls on glacial flow, particularly fast flow, and its role in landscape evolution.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. Canada's governments depend on geoscience to inform policy, manage the country's landmass and develop its natural resources responsibly. The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is the national organization for geoscientific information and research. Since 1842 the Geological Survey of Canada has produced cutting-edge, authoritative geoscience to support mineral exploration, climate change research, marine and coastal resilience, and natural hazards mapping. Our work supports decision-making in the mining and energy sectors, as well as national sovereignty, hazards risk management and more. The GSC is proud to create a workplace that supports an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and diverse workforce at the ready to tackle current and future science challenges. The GSC provides a stimulating work environment with a passionate team and promotes work-life balance.

Intent of the process

The intention is to staff one student position for the completion of a Master of Science degree supervised by Dr. Nicholas Eyles at Planet Earth Lab, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "A covering letter (300 words maximum) outlining your interest in the position, and relevant education/experience."

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

Essential Education:
• Currently enrolled at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus in a Master of Science program with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
• Graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geosciences, Physical Geography or other relevant specialization from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

Essential Experience:
In the context of student recruitment in the federal public service, experience/knowledge can be acquired through studies, work experience or volunteer activities.
• Experience working with digital elevation models and data using GIS
• Experience with statistical applications to spatial datasets
• Experience working individually and in teams

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Essential Knowledge:
• Quaternary or Glacial Geology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Essential Abilities and Skills:
• Writing in English

Conditions of employment

• Reliability Status security clearance - NOTE: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment.
Therefore, the student will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-related documents.
• The duration of the project will take place over 2 years (January 2024 – December 2025).

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

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html

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.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email. Candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

A written examination may be administered.
An interview may be administered.
Reference may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials and a list of courses may be required.

Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

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

Candidates from outside the public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

Preference

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