LiDAR-UAV Scientist

Weyerhaeuser • Centralia, WA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

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).

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.
• 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.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work on projects collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• UAV experience in data collection is a plus.
• Part 107 UAV license available or willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• short and long-term disability
• life insurance
• pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution
• voluntary Long-Term Care
• Employee Assistance Programs
• personal volunteerism
• diversity networks
• mentoring
• training and development opportunities
• company’s 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our annual contribution equal to 5% of your base salary
• 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment
• eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level