Remote Sensing Specialist

Job Description

The research of the Townsend Lab in the Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology involves the use of spectroscopy, sensors and remote sensing imagery to map/characterize vegetation in greenhouses, crops and natural vegetation. We utilize imagery collected from NASA aircraft, as well as data that we collect using our own instruments, including handheld spectrometers and imaging sensors deployed on tractors, UAVs and aircraft. The individual will be responsible for preparing remote sensing data for analysis using an established processing framework, as well as maintaining our remote sensing database. The individual will gain experience in the operation of field spectrometers, including the calibration of spectral instruments and data. 

The Environmental Spectroscopy Lab includes three spaces: an electronics/spectroscopy facility (with calibration darkroom), a wet lab, and a staging area/shop.

Principal Duties

40% PROCESSING OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

• Perform processing on remote sensing imagery and spectral collected by our lab or provided by others such as NASA or NEON, including quality assurance and quality control
• Utilize existing tools and contribute to development of new tools for radiometric calibration, georectification, atmospheric correction and other corrections as needed
• Process spectral data through existing analytical pipeline
• Scripting of routine image processing activities, development of new analytical pipelines as needed
• Extract data from imagery for locations of field sites for further analysis
• Preparation of figures for scientific publications and presentations
• Organize data and metadata and upload to online data repositories
• Maintain data organization, preparation of data for internal and external distribution

25% FIELD DATA COLLECTION

• Collect data in the field using portable spectrometers, including ancillary data associated with spectral measurements (e.g., foliar samples)
• Prepare and store field samples
• Operate imaging instrumentation
• Work with researchers and field assistants to ensure proper data collection and organization

25% LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS

• Make laboratory spectral measurements of samples retrieved from the field
• Organize and save field samples for additional processing 
• Maintenance of spectrometers, related instrumentation and equipment
• Make calibration measurements and implement calibrations
• Troubleshoot and repair instruments as problems arise
• Communicate with manufacturers on instrumentation

10% OTHER DUTIES

• Assistance with proposal and report preparation
• Coordinate field activities with other members of the lab

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Education and/or experience in remote sensing or geospatial sciences preferred.
• Master’s degree or 1-3 years of experience in collecting and processing remote sensing imagery (digital image processing) preferred.
•  Experience with relevant image processing software packages, such as ENVI/IDL, Matlab or similar.
• Experience making field measurements for environmental/biological research preferred.
• Experience with remote sensing instruments (cameras, spectrometers) would be a plus 

Additional Information

We are looking for someone with experience processing remote sensing data for environmental applications.The successful candidate must also be interested in primary acquisition of data, including operating spectrometers and imaging cameras.Although we are not specifically seeking a person with extensive programming experience, some familiarity with scripting will be helpful, and such experience will be gained in this position.

Special requirement: Ability to lift at least 60 pounds and willingness to operate instruments as a passenger on small aircraft.

Ideal applicants should have:

• Experience with remote sensing data, such as from airborne sensors or NASA satellites 
• Experience with remote sensing/image processing tools such as ENVI/IDL or Matlab
• Experience organizing and managing geospatial data
• Experience with field measurements for use with geospatial data.

Desired skills:

• Experience working with Python, R
• Comfortable working in Linux OS
• GIS software such as QGis or ArcGIS
• Field measurement experience of plants in agricultural or natural settings (these can include spectral measurements, or other specialized measurements related to plant biology)
• Experience with high accuracy Differential or RTK GPS
• Commitment to open source distribution of data and tools
• Interest in use of microcontollers and microcomputers (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi) for automation of data collection
• Knowledge of electronics and mechanical aptitude

Apply online at link included