Research Assistant – Remote Sensing (Digital Agriculture)

Duties
We are seeking a research assistant with experience in remote sensing technology for plant assessments and data management. The successful candidate will work closely with the Research Scientist and provide technical support on projects that require digital imaging in field trials by using both ground and aerial imaging sensor platforms. This includes acquisition and management of data as well as the development and implementation of open-source pipelines for data retrieval and analysis. 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. Design and setup high-throughput automation system for agriculture based experimental trials. 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, manuals and contribution to the preparation of scientific publications, presentations, purchase and testing of new equipment. Additional duties may be assigned relevant to remote sensing and phenomics program.Job responsibilities include:
• Supporting research projects, under the guidance of AAFC Research Scientist, focused on crop imaging, digital phenotyping, and agriculture systems.
• Managing laboratory, greenhouse and field operations related to project activities with limited direction.
• Developing new or modified methods, practices, techniques for model development.
• Contributing to the content of databases, and computer models designed for research activities within specific project objectives and the generation of scientific manuscripts.
• Maintaining quality control and troubleshooting anomalies to ensure accurate results.
• Identifying, learning and adopting new technologies and collaborative approach as available.
• Providing support to develop project reports, research articles, as well as participating on knowledge transfer activities.

Intent of the process
A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various employment tenures. The immediate need is to staff a position for a one year term with a possibility of extension.

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (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. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace. We also have various employee diversity networks dedicated to ensuring that our department continues to grow as an inclusive employer.

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Conditions of Employment:
Reliability Status security clearance
Possession of a valid class 5 Alberta driver’s license or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to travel to remote agriculture fields.
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work in field environments for extended periods at a time.

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Operational Requirements:
Ability to handle expensive sensors and related equipment with appropriate safety measures.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environments.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.

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Education:
Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical, engineering or applied science with specialization in remote sensing (digital imaging/geomatics) or a comparable discipline relevant to the duties of the position.At a later stage in the selection process, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your educational credentials.If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials(CICIC).

Experience:
Experience in the techniques for analyzing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), airborne, and/or ground based digital imagery.
Experience in the collection of plant imaging and crop parameters to support interpretation of remote sensing data.
Experience in AI algorithm and model development for analyzing large dataset with high performance computing resources.
Experience carrying out research projects, developing remote sensing lab and agriculture field based data collection protocols.
Experience contributing to the production of reports, manuscripts, posters and/or presentations.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of application of remote sensing in agriculture system and/or crop science.
Knowledge of imaging systems, sensors, platforms (i.e. UAVs) and other related technologies.
Knowledge of the use of image processing software and/or basic programming language (e.g. Python, Matlab, R, OpenCV, others) for analyzing imagery data and interpretation of results.

Competencies:
Interactive communication
Writing Skills
Planning and organizing
Initiative
Teamwork

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Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

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Education:
M.Sc. or doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in remote sensing or engineering science and its integration in agriculture system.

Experience:
Experience working with UAVs/drones and multispectral/hyperspectral sensors in precision agriculture or digital phenotyping.
Experience using scientific instruments and tools to collect remote sensing data and ground measurements in agronomy and cropping system.
Experience handling large amounts of data, statistical analysis and AI modelling (preferably with plant growth models).
Experience partaking in multi-disciplinary collaborative research projects with various stakeholders, research collaborators and/or external partners/clients.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of remote sensing principles, sensor-based systems, imaging platforms, data management and image analysis techniques.
Knowledge of machine learning algorithm development and/or big data analytics for plant phenotyping applications.

Supporting employment continuity by prioritizing AAFC employees impacted by workforce adjustment for job opportunities.

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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.

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Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

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