Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist senior remote sensing specialists by providing scientific expertise in the implementation and delivery of the provincial Land Cover and other geo-spatial applications for use in resource management in support of the Provincial Land Cover Mapping Program. To provide specialized remote sensing and other geo-spatial services in the creation of science based (or scientifically sound) remote sensing information products including derived data products, methods, and assessment reports to Land Cover clients. To support the Inventory Monitoring & Assessment program with scientific investigation through remote sensing for the Provincial Land Cover Mapping Program.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. The provision of scientific expertise in the implementation and delivery of provincial remote sensing and other geo-spatial applications for use in resource management by:
• assessing scientific needs in the context of MNR priorities, through consultation with clients, for remote sensing and other geo-spatial applications for use in resource management in support of MNR's geoscience activities;
• reviewing and synthesizing current research against client needs and adjusting as appropriate;
• developing and presenting options for remotely sensed imagery and remote sensing applications that include consideration of scientific methods, client needs and corporate capacity;
• providing specialized remote sensing services, advice and technology transfer to provincial clients by maintaining knowledge and understanding of remote sensing, geo-spatial applications, geo-referencing technologies and geo­spatial databases in the geoscience field;
• participating in field-based research projects;
• carrying out scientific data searches and data analyses, compiling and analyzing results, developing and testing models, developing decision support tools;
• supporting collaborative partnerships within and external lo the Ministry to increase the resources and expertise available to address science priorities and to exchange scientific information;
• providing peer review support and scientific advice in support of research proposals, consultation with staff, and preparing budget submission;
• participating in the application of remote sensing science to environmental monitoring.

2. Providing specialized remote sensing and other geo-spatial services in the creation of scientifically sound remote sensing information products including derived data products, methods, and assessment reports to provincial clients by:
• Developing scientifically derived remote sensing information products such as thematic data layers, maps and reports through the appropriate application of tools and techniques;
• Ensuring quality control measures are adhered to through rigorous methodological control;
• Providing scientific advice on issues related to multi-scale data integration including resolution, minimum mapping units and error propagation.

3. Transferring knowledge and science to clients by:
• publishing in scientific journals, newsletters, annual reports, technical reports, and other publications;
• preparing final published geo-spatial and remote sensing reports and maps and geoscientific maps and reports based on the work of a professional geoscientist;
• presenting at scientific meetings, workshops, training courses, field tours, seminars and other forums;
• providing advice to senior geoscientists and science managers.

4. Ensuring policy and practice is based on best available science by:
• participating in the development or policy and practices;
• fostering linkages with natural resources policy, and other business areas.

Manager/Supervisor has the right to assign additional duties.

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor.

Staffing and Licensing :

n/a

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge and understanding of geoscientific principles, theories and practices: remote sensing; geo-spatial applications: and one or more geoscience disciplines (e.g. environmental science, hydrology, geophysics) or sub-disciplines in order to contribute to research which is authoritative. Job requires knowledge or geospatial procedures and approaches and remote sensing principles, techniques and theory required to assist in research; including visual and digital image analysis and interpretation techniques, field methods, remote sensing data integration and digital mapping techniques (e.g. GIS) and geo-referencing technologies (e.g. GPS). Job requires knowledge or ministry land and natural resource management programs; inventory, monitoring and assessment framework: geo-spatial data modeling, models and systems; geoscientific database development methodology and techniques; and geoscientific data management theory, principles and techniques to provide technical scientific support in the implementation and delivery or provincial remote sensing and other geo-spatial applications for use in resource management. Job requires knowledge or field procedures and laboratory-based research (possibly gained from previous geoscientific research experience) to provide specialized remote sensing and other geo-spatial services to provincial clients.

Skills :

Job requires skills to identify or interpret the appropriate scientific methodologies required to support the implementation and delivery of provincial remote sensing and other geo-spatial applications for use in resource management. Job requires project management skills to support the delivery of the corporate program of scientific investigation. Job requires interpersonal skills to participate as a team member on research projects; work collaboratively with external partners and Ministry programs; and to train new or junior staff. Job requires reasoning/problem solving skills to assess client needs; to analyze issues; and to provide alternatives for solution of problems. Job requires analytical/research skills to plan and perform statistical and spatial analysis, interpret/extrapolate results, and use associated software packages and modern, state-of-the-art equipment to undertake remote sensing and geo-spatial research; and to contribute to research projects by providing scientific advice and consulting with staff. Job requires oral communication skills to gather information on user requirements; explain and discuss technical project issues and scientific concepts to clients, users, project team and staff. Job requires written communication skills to prepare scientific reports and maps, Journal papers, technical notes, and other articles for a variety of technical and less specialized readers. Job requires skills in the interpretation and analysis of multiple remote sensing data sets for the purpose of extracting geo-spatial and remote sensing information; analytical and problem solving skills; and the ability to develop analytical and statistical models using a combination or advanced image analysis and custom geospatial analysis.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within ministry and government policies, guidelines and directives related to scientific study and research in the areas of geoscience and remote sensing. Job participates in research projects according to scientific methods in support of MNRs geoscience programs and provides scientific expertise to the Ministry and collaborating agencies. Job participates in defining the experimental design and methods of data collection and analysis for research studies, analyzes data, determines the accuracy of information and results, and develops conclusions and recommendations that are authoritative. Job exercises latitude in making decisions within the limits or Ministry objectives, policies, or practices. Job is accountable for ensuring quality standards are met and scientific integrity is maintained. Job requires liaising with ministry staff at various levels to ensure coordination of effort and mutual sharing or ideas and solutions. Job refers to Supervisor/Senior Specialist in relationship to changes to work plans and budgets, reporting on staff problems/issues, and accomplishment or research and transfer objectives. Results are reviewed by Supervisor/Senior Specialist for overall adherence and effectiveness within context of Ministry priorities. Job is free to negotiate on technical issues when working with clients and partners.