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About the position
Duties
Under the direction of a research scientist, the technician provides technical support to the precision agriculture program by conducting projects to develop and apply remote sensing, AI-based digital imaging, and automation technologies for crop assessment, monitoring and precision management. The job supports the development and implementation of methods, workflows, and tools for field and controlled environment studies, and the maintenance of image analysis software, codes, and data archives. The role also contributes to the design, setup, and operation of high-throughput automated systems for agricultural experimental trials. Responsibilities will include collecting remote sensing imagery, conducting digital image processing and analysis, and assisting with image interpretation. It will also include performing rudimentary statistical analysis, conducting data quality checks, and communicating results to other members of the research team. The position involves interacting with other researchers and technicians to coordinate remote sensing data collection and experimental activities. It also requires preparing technical reports and manuals, contributing to scientific publications and presentations, and assisting with the purchase, evaluation, and testing of new equipment.
Intent of the process
Immediate need: 1 full time permanent (indeterminate) position.
A pool of qualified and/or partially qualified candidates may be established and used to fill similar positions on a temporary or permanent basis.
In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, they may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.
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.
Conditions of employment
Reliability Status security clearance
Learn more about security screening process.
• Possession of a valid, class 5 Manitoba driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
• Known or developed allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
• 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 outside and travel to remote agriculture fields, under various environmental and weather conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, including evenings and weekends, with reasonable notice. Occasional short-notice overtime may be required during time-sensitive field campaigns.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
• Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in precision agriculture, digital agriculture, remote sensing, geographic information science or other specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
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).
Learn more about degree equivalency.
• Experience in techniques for analyzing satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), airborne, or ground-based digital imagery.
• Experience in applying artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning algorithms to integrate, analyze, and model multimodal big data for agricultural applications.
• Experience in collecting plant imaging data, crop parameters, and soil variables to support the interpretation of remote sensing data and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Experience in using two or more software (e.g., ENVI, Pix4D, ArcGIS, or QGIS) and at least one programming language (e.g., Python, R, or Matlab) for analyzing remote sensing data and interpreting outputs.
Applied / assessed at a later date
• Knowledge of the application of remote sensing in crop production systems.
• Knowledge of remote sensing equipment and how to trouble-shoot anomalies.
• Knowledge of AI, machine learning, and deep learning.
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Planning and organizing
• Interactive communication
• Adaptability
• Concern for safety
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.
Learn more about language requirements.
You may need (asset qualifications)
May be applied / assessed at a later date
M.Sc. degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in remote sensing, proximal sensing, precision agriculture, digital agriculture, or other relevant field.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
• Experience designing, coordinating, and implementing field campaigns to collect remote sensing data and associated ground-truth measurements.
• Experience operating UAV/drone systems equipped with multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR, and thermal sensors.
• Experience applying physical scattering and emission models to interpret remote sensing data.
• Experience working and collaborating as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience collaborating with external partners, stakeholders and clients.
• Knowledge of satellite, UAV/drone, and proximal remote sensing theories and applications.
• Knowledge of big data analytics, image processing, image classification, and biophysical parameter retrieval methods.
• Knowledge of factors affecting remote sensing data acquisition and data quality across different platforms, sensors, and agricultural environments.
Organizational needs:
• Supporting employment continuity by prioritizing AAFC employees impacted by workforce adjustment for job opportunities.
Our commitment
We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
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.
Learn more about employment equity.
Preference
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.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide
- Your résumé
- Contact information for 2 references
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.
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