LiDAR-UAV Scientist

Drone.vet; Centralia (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan with company match

Health benefits

Job summary

The LiDAR/UAV Scientist at Weyerhaeuser is a hybrid in-office role based in Centralia, WA. You will lead acquisition and processing of LiDAR and aerial imagery to support Timberlands decisions, collaborating with the Remote Sensing team.

A MSc or PhD with GIS/Remote Sensing, ML and computer vision experience, Python/R skills, and proficiency in ArcGIS, QGIS or QT Modeler are required. UAV data collection, field work, and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in forestry, Geomatics, or natural resources with GIS/Remote Sensing emphasis.
• Experience in ML, DL, and computer vision; UAV data collection is a plus.
• Proficient in Python/R and spatial statistics; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in acquisition and management of LiDAR, aerial imagery, and UAS data.
• Generate, process, and maintain remote sensing datasets with quality control.
• Design tools for integrating multi-temporal remote sensing data for decisions.
• Develop image and signal processing code for feature extraction and ML.

Skills

GIS/Remote Sensing

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Computer Vision

Python/R

Spatial Statistics

Communication

Teamwork

UAV Data Collection

Education

MSc/PhD in forestry/geomatics/NR with GIS/RS focus

Tools

ArcGIS

QT Modeler

QGIS

Job description

• MSc or PhD degree with 1+ years of experience in applied sciences such as forestry, Geomatics, natural resources, with a strong emphasis in GIS or Remote Sensing.
• Experience in traditional machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision.
• UAV experience in data collection is a plus.
• Part 107 UAV license available or willing to obtain.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of the principles of remote sensors, field checking and image processing, and interpretation of forest or natural resource management.
• Experience in programming (Python, R), directly through a computer science degree program or from ancillary coursework to support another degree or professional activity.
• Competency in the use of statistical tools (e.g., R), and an understanding of spatial statistics.
• Proficient in remote sensing-GIS tools\: ArcGIS, QT Modeler, QGIS. Other Skills and Attributes
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work on projects collaboratively as part of a team.

About Weyerhaeuser

We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We’re serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.

Education and Experience Requirements

• MSc or PhD degree with 1+ years of experience in applied sciences such as forestry, Geomatics, natural resources, with a strong emphasis in GIS or Remote Sensing.
• Experience in traditional machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision.
• UAV experience in data collection is a plus.
• Part 107 UAV license available or willing to obtain.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of the principles of remote sensors, field checking and image processing, and interpretation of forest or natural resource management.
• Experience in programming (Python, R), directly through a computer science degree program or from ancillary coursework to support another degree or professional activity.
• Competency in the use of statistical tools (e.g., R), and an understanding of spatial statistics.
• Proficient in remote sensing-GIS tools\: ArcGIS, QT Modeler, QGIS. Other Skills and Attributes
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work on projects collaboratively as part of a team.

About Weyerhaeuser

We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We’re serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.

We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.

Find out more about Weyerhaeuser at www.weyerhaeuser.com and learn our Story here: https://youtu.be/c2R_lQ7wo0A

About Timberlands

We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.

For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.

What We Offer...

Compensation

This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range of $90,244 - $135,509 based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 7% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Benefits

When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance. We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution. Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career.

Retirement

Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our annual contribution equal to 5% of your base salary.

Paid Time Off or Vacation

We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours

Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values, and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team

This position is part of the Timberlands Science & Technology (S&T) organization and reports to the Remote Sensing Manager, part of the Advanced Forestry Systems platform.

The LiDAR/UAV Scientist at Weyerhaeuser is a member of the Remote Sensing team and partly responsible for the acquisition, processing, and analysis of airborne and close-range remote sensing data to support Timberlands business decisions. Supporting the acquisition of aerial LiDAR data for internal inventory programs is a core responsibility for the role. This role requires expertise in LiDAR, UAV operations, and digital photogrammetry, along with proficiency in remote sensing and geospatial technologies.

This is a hybrid in-office position (work in the office Tuesday-Thursday). The preferred location for this role is Centralia, WA. Will also consider candidates to work from Hot Springs (AR), New Bern (NC), Springfield (OR), Vancouver (WA).

Essential Job Functions

• Participate in acquisition and management of LiDAR, aerial imagery, and UAS data in collaboration with Technology and Timberlands teams.
• Generate, process, and maintain remote sensing datasets and LiDAR-derived products with rigorous quality control.
• Design and enhance decision support tools integrating multi-temporal and multi-spectral remotely sensed data (from active and passive sensors).
• Apply remote sensing principles and develop analytical techniques to solve operational problems and improve data applications.
• Develop advanced image and signal processing code for feature extraction, classification, and machine learning algorithms.
• Support training, and expert input on UAS systems, LiDAR data, and remote sensing strategies.
• Prepare and review technical reports, present findings, and support strategic planning with the RS unit manager and stakeholders.
• Conduct scientific analyses by correlating remote sensing data with ground truth and modeled results, supporting company objectives through modeling and documentation.
• Participate in the development of strategies related to LiDAR, UAV and Terrestrial sensor technology and data collection.
• Field work and business travel are required. Driving safety vehicles in forest roads is considered.