GIS Technician and Developer

Job Responsibility: Department Faculty of Science - Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute Salary range $59,224.40 to $80,437.45 Hours per week 40 Grade 8 Posted date July 8, 2024 Closing date July 15, 2024 Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day with the possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

This competition will be used to hire multiple positions.

Location - This is a remote work-from-home role within Alberta.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) detects large changes in biodiversity in Alberta with the annually updated Biodiversity Intactness Index and Human Footprint Inventory. This research provides ongoing, relevant, scientifically credible information on Alberta's living resources to meet the information needs of government planners, industrial developers and local communities.

Position

The Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Technician & Developer at the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) will be responsible for creating and managing scripts for diverse applications, leveraging geospatial data, including lidar. Reporting to the Senior Machine Learning Scientist, the role includes tasks such as vegetation regeneration mapping and mapping wetlands across Alberta. Specific responsibilities encompass scientific programming, project-specific work including lidar data processing, training and providing technical support and assistance for GIS Technicians with tasks and workflows, and knowledge dissemination.

Duties

1. Scientific Programming (50%)

The GIS Technician & Developer conducts scripting, automation and related development tasks as outlined below:

• Write, Modify, Test, Document and Implement Scripts:
  • Develop, modify, and document scripts to support ABMI's projects and applications.
  • Write code to automate processes related to geospatial and lidar data processing and analysis.
  • Conduct thorough testing to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the developed scripts.
  • Implement scripts into workflows for the efficient processing and analysis of lidar data and other geospatial datasets.
  • Follow established best practices for scripting and programming.
Utilize Artificial Intelligence Scripts:
• • machine and deep learning scripts for tasks such as linear feature detection and vegetation and wetland classification.
  • Explore and implement advanced algorithms to improve the accuracy of classification models.
• Identify Automation Opportunities:
  • Identify opportunities for further automation within spatial and/or biodiversity monitoring processes.
  • Propose and implement solutions to streamline repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency.

2. Undertakes Project Work (30%)

Working with the Senior Machine Learning Scientist, Lidar and Geospatial Data Specialist, ABMI staff and collaborators, the GIS Technician and Developer performs project-specific work including lidar processing and geospatial analysis, especially during deadline-driven periods, contributing to the team meeting project timelines.

• Conduct lidar processing and QA/QC.
• Prepare lidar data for delivery.
• Delineate features utilizing GIS software, adhering to GIS digitization best practices.
• Interpret orthoimagery and derivatives from lidar to identify anthropogenic features.
• Conduct GIS analysis and basic geoprocessing (e.g., clip, buffer, erase).
• Proactively address challenges in lidar data and GIS workflows, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Create and maintain documentation of workflow, methodologies, and datasets to ensure transparency and facilitate knowledge sharing within the team.
• Execute R and Python scripts.
• Track and report progress on projects.
• Identify opportunities for streamlining workflows and improving efficiency in project tasks.
• Implement rigorous quality assurance checks to validate the accuracy and reliability of generated data.
• Take responsibility for seeking assistance when necessary.

3. Trains and Manages (10%)

In cooperation with the Senior Machine Learning Scientist, the GIS Technician & Developer assists in providing oversight on script execution and provides training and support to team members.

• Script Execution Oversight:
  • Oversee the execution of scripts among multiple technicians.
  • Develop and implement a systematic approach to ensure scripts are assigned and executed efficiently.
  • Implement a tracking system to monitor the progress of script execution tasks.
  • Provide prompt and regular reports to supervisors on the progress of script execution tasks.
  • Provide training to technicians on script execution techniques and tools.
• Colleague Support:
  • Assist with training and support for new staff.
  • Provide assistance to colleagues in troubleshooting issues related to scripts, software, and data.
  • Act as a resource for technical support, addressing questions and concerns promptly.

4. Supports Knowledge Dissemination (10%)

• Code Maintenance on GitHub:
  • Maintain code repositories on platforms such as GitHub to facilitate version control and collaboration.
  • Ensure code is well-documented and accessible to team members.
• Prepare Documentation and Metadata:
  • Prepare comprehensive documentation, including metadata, for scripts, workflows, and datasets.
  • Ensure documentation adheres to industry standards and facilitates reproducibility.
• Support Reporting:
  • Prepares summaries for reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems, Geography or related disciplines.

Experience:

• One to three years of experience in GIS, programming or software development.
• Intermediate to advanced computer programming and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with Python, R, and GitHub.
• Experience working with large geospatial datasets, including lidar, point clouds, digital elevation models, and canopy height models.
• Familiarity with GIS software (e.g. ArcPro, QGIS, GlobalMapper).
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to GIS and lidar software.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain focus and productivity while executing repetitive tasks, ensuring efficient task completion over time.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills.
• Interest in biodiversity, ecology, and environmental monitoring applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and executing machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms would be an asset.
• Experience with ArcPy, GDAL, and GeoPandas libraries would be an asset.
• A valid driver's license would be an asset.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight July 15, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta local time.