LiDAR Data Analyst

The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national nonprofit organization of wildland fire practitioners, planners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape. TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work/life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org

Position Description Overview

The LiDAR Data Analyst reports to the Director of Fire Management.

The LiDAR Data Analyst is responsible for implementing the goals and strategies of the Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning (TLS) and remote sensing programs within the Fire Management Department. This primarily includes processing and quality-controlling LiDAR data, managing complex scanning campaigns, creating and strengthening relationships with partners, and seeking new funding opportunities that align with the Program's mission. The LiDAR Data Analyst will help Project Managers and other staff solve problems, train new staff, oversee project budget management and invoicing, ensure completion of project deliverables, and ensure directives from the Department Director and Senior Strategic Team are followed in their Program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement and/or develop a Program area by identifying and securing funding, managing budgets and contracts, and reporting on program activities
• Work with Department Director to align Program goals with Department strategy
• Process, quality-control, and archive Terrestrial and Aerial LiDAR data collected at partner agency lands to support 3-D fuels characterization and baseline fire effects monitoring
• Develop and maintain standardized data management protocols to ensure compatibility with Intelimon and other partner data processing platforms, and assist with interoperability of sample design across Eastern Innovation Landscape Network (EILN) innovation nodes and partner agency lands
• Coordinate with TEA project managers, Integrated Research Management Team members, installation personnel, and subject matter experts.
• Support TLS project manager and field crews to schedule, scope, and execute TLS scanning field operations, including pre-scan site assessments and post-scan deliverable tracking
• Serve as primary point of contact for DoD installation fire managers regarding TLS/ALS project coordination
• Produce summary reports, products, and vegetation and fuels characterization tools from completed Terrestrial and Aerial LiDAR scans for use by EILN partner agencies, IRMT researchers, and fire program managers
• Develop machine learning models and processing scripts to predict fuels and vegetation metrics from terrestrial LiDAR data; execute, modify, and link models developed in a variety of languages; develop new code in Python and R
• Supervise and mentor employees within Program area with an emphasis on advancing team cohesion
• Represent the TLS and remote sensing programs in external forums, meetings, and strategic conversations to promote visibility and collaboration
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with partners relevant to TLS and remote sensing program areas
• Support programmatic development to create new program areas and/or expand existing areas that fulfill TEA's mission, in conjunction with Department Director
• Work with Department Director to secure funding to support projects within Program (via writing project proposals, applying for grants, etc.)
• Employee may be required to travel based on Program needs
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, or related field
• At least 2 years managing geospatial or LiDAR data workflows in a research or applied science context
• At least 2 years managing multiple ongoing projects or high-complexity projects
• Success securing and administering funding (e.g., grants)
• Experience working collaboratively with other organizations on projects
• Experience with TLS or aerial LiDAR data processing (e.g., LAStools, CloudCompare, PDAL, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with wildland fire fuels characterization, fire effects monitoring, or prescribed fire operations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in creating and managing budgets and contracts
• Competent in using Microsoft Suite products including Excel, Word, etc.
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS, ArcPro) and geospatial data standards
• Programming skills in Python, R, or equivalent for data workflow development and machine learning model building
• Passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to social impact

Desired Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, Geography, Forestry, Environmental Science, or related field
• Experience with machine learning applications in geospatial or ecological contexts
• Familiarity with EILN, IRMT, or DoD land management research partnerships
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance requirements for federal contracts
• Familiarity with spatial and tabular database management and version-controlled data workflows
• Subject matter expertise in TLS/LiDAR and 3-D fuels and vegetation characterization
• Experience with Intelimon or comparable data management platforms

Schedule Requirements

This is an at-will position. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on project needs.

Work Location

Remote

How to Apply

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references through the SmartRecruiters website. This position will close on 05/14. Please specify your earliest available start date.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.