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.

Qualifications
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.

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