GIS / Remote Sensing Scientist – FL

Applied Ecology, Inc., a small, but rapidly expanding environmental consulting business, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified GIS / Remote Sensing Scientist with expertise in collecting and applying various remote sensing data for environmental and ecological investigations. AEI has three offices located in Florida (Orlando, Melbourne, and Tampa) and is a regional leader in water resources, ecological and natural resources, geospatial, and environmental remediation and compliance services. As a small business, we are involved in diverse yet challenging environmental research projects that require innovative approaches and out-of-the-box solutions. Our business provides a great opportunity for an individual passionate about research to solve real-world environmental problems while working with a highly qualified multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers. This position is ideal for someone who prefers a high-energy environment working on diverse projects ranging from geospatial analyses of coastal changes, to identifying and evaluating habitat health, to estimating water column attributes.

The GIS / Remote Sensing Scientist hired for this position will apply geospatial knowledge to plan and design research to support policy and programs that address environmental problems. Qualified candidates must have demonstrated experience and expertise in remote sensing data, geospatial analyses, and application of spatial analyses to environmental issues in Florida and the southeastern US. Additional competency is desired in one or more areas including water quality, environmental compliance, coastal management, habitat and species monitoring, resiliency and adaptation planning, shoreline restoration and monitoring, and/or environmental protection policies and programs. In this role, the qualified candidate will have the opportunity to further develop project management skills, interact with clients, and work on exciting small and large-scale project designs. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental remote sensing applications, solid technical writing skills, a willingness to step into project management, and is a great communicator and collaborator.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Dr. Leesa Souto, Operations Manager, Applied Ecology, Inc.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads remote sensing research projects, including identifying, downloading, and manipulating remote sensing data, organizing data files appropriately, integrating data into ArcGIS for analyses, using and developing indices for interpretation, implementing appropriate analytical methods, and succinctly writing results that resonate with receiving audiences.  
• Provides leadership to the geospatial services team, including training GIS staff on remote sensing applications.
• Develops and clearly depicts geospatial analyses and workflows, ensuring work products can be easily interpreted and recreated.
• Effectively organizes, writes, and edits technical reports, user guides, peer review summaries, data collection memos, and other technical documents. Writes analytical methods and technical documents so they are understandable to lay readers and accurately represent processes and results. 
• Plans, implements, documents, and accurately records data collected using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS, aka. drone).   
• Utilizes remote sensing data collected via drone (UAS), aerial, and satellite to evaluate water conditions and flows, estimate ChlA in water, and classify vegetative communities.
• Interprets remote sensing data to evaluate water, vegetation, and habitat conditions, identify submerged aquatic vegetation, and apply other novel approaches to interpret remote sensing data using custom or known algorithms like the NDVI, NDCI, NDWI, etc.
• Conducts remote sensing field data collection safely, documented accurately, and in compliance with applicable protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Develops appropriate field validation monitoring to calibrate remote sensing estimates.
• Oversees the calibration, maintenance, and inventory of specialized geospatial equipment like high resolution GPS equipment (RTK), UAS equipment (drones), and sensors.
• Coordinates multidisciplinary research teams to design research and field sampling methods to solve real-world environmental problems.
• Supports Sr. Project Managers by assisting with scopes of work and estimated costs, coordinating teams, and tracking tasks and budgets.
• Assists with business development opportunities and written products, including proposal technical approaches, company capability statements, and project descriptions.
• Presents at public workshops and community forums as needed to gather input on policy recommendations, restoration activities, adaptation planning and other activities.
• Works on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and tracks time to stay within budget and timeline.
• Effectively communicates with clients, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and the public.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources or similar with Masters degree preferred.
• 5 years of progressive experience in environmental / ecological remote sensing applications.
• 3 years of experience in spatial / non-spatial data analysis and/or technical reporting.
• A valid Florida Driver’s license is required, and a clean driving record must be maintained.
• Must be able to pass drug testing and a background check.
• Ability to work on DOD contracts (US citizenship required).
• UAV Remote Pilot Certification (or ability to get certified within 6 months).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of UAV experience (data acquisition, processing, and scope development)
• LiDAR processing experience
• Experience in satellite data, including ESA sensors, data processing and applications
• GIS Professional Certificate (GISP) or ASPRS certifications
• Graduate degree in related fields
• GIS and/or Remote Sensing experience in water resource management, ecological applications, and resilience/vulnerability assessments
• Experience in python scripting in the GIS framework
• Public sector project experience (state, local, and federal government)
• Prior project management experience, including developing scopes and budgets, managing workflows, and completing quality review of deliverables
• Training or supervisory experience
• Experience presenting data and final products to technical peers and/or clients

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Expertise with spatial data management, large dataset QA/QC, spatial analysis technologies, process design and modeling, server and web GIS technologies
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills
• In-depth understanding of remote sensing techniques and available sensors associated with multiple platforms.
• Possesses effective analytical, critical thinking skills.
• Is highly motivated to learn and contribute to the growing Geospatial Services Line.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite with expertise using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and familiarity with Access.
• Able to work in the field in various weather conditions, lift heavy equipment (30 pounds), and stand, bend, twist, and walk for 8 hours a day.
• Able to organize and prioritize time to execute multiple projects effectively.
• Able to peer review and quality assure final data products created by the geospatial team
• Detail-oriented and takes pride in delivering high quality work
• Exhibits professional, courteous demeanor

Applied Ecology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our firm is committed through responsible management policies to recruit, hire, promote, train, transfer, compensate, and administer all other personnel actions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a protected veteran and any other factor prohibited under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules, and regulations.