Drone Data and Analytics Specialist Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 55022)

Description

Are you a data-driven innovator passionate about using cutting-edge technology to shape a greener urban future?

The City of Edmonton's Parks and Road Services department is looking for a Methods Analyst I - Drone Data and Analytics Specialist to join our Parks and Urban Forestry team. This is a unique opportunity to assist in the geospatial intelligence functions of our burgeoning Drone Operations Program. You will play a pivotal role in transforming raw aerial data into actionable insights that protect and enhance Edmonton's vital natural infrastructure. If you thrive at the intersection of computer science, remote sensing, and environmental stewardship, we want to hear from you.

As the Drone Data and Analytics Specialist, you will be the technical engine behind our drone-collected datasets. Reporting to the Manager of Operations Performance and Analytics, you will design and maintain automated pipelines that process everything from LiDAR point clouds to multispectral imagery. Your work involves building or utilizing existing sophisticated machine learning models to classify tree species, detect canopy changes, and assess wildfire risks. Beyond the technical "how," you will create intuitive dashboards that help our operational teams make real-time, data-backed decisions. You will work independently yet collaboratively, bridging the gap between field-collected data and high-level strategy. Your expertise will directly influence maintenance planning and resource allocation across our city's parks.

What will you do?

• Design and Automate: Build and maintain automated processing workflows for drone datasets, including orthomosaics and 3D point clouds using tools like Pix4D or DroneDeploy.
• Advanced Analytics: Develop and refine machine learning models for object detection, vegetation density analysis, and urban canopy mapping.
• LiDAR Development: Build specialized workflows for canopy height modeling and terrain characterization.
• Operational Reporting: Create user-friendly dashboards and automated reports that translate complex data into clear indicators for program managers.
• Data Governance: Establish frameworks for naming conventions, storage architecture, and privacy compliance (FOIP).
• Collaboration: Work with internal collaborators like the Senior Landscape Technician to align field collection with analytical needs.
• Research and Innovation: Monitor emerging trends in AI and remote sensing to keep the City's drone program at the leading edge.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science is required.
• Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in data science, geospatial analytics, remote sensing, software development, or a closely related technical field. *Applicants are encouraged to submit their transcripts as part of the submission process.*

Assets

• Additional education or formal training in Geomatics, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Remote Sensing, or Data Science.
• Master's degree or graduate coursework in geospatial data science, machine learning, or urban forestry analytics.
• Training in Geomatics, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or Remote Sensing.
• Experience with photogrammetry or LiDAR software such as Agisoft Metashape, LAStools, or CloudCompare.
• Relevant certifications: ESRI ArcGIS, Google Cloud/AWS/Azure data platforms, or Transport Canada Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate.
• Experience working within a municipal government or public sector environment.

Skills required for success

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in developing machine learning models for image or geospatial analysis.
• Advanced ability to build scalable data pipelines for massive geospatial datasets.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in Python-based data science workflows (scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, GDAL, etc.) and experience with enterprise GIS platforms like ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to solve complex technical challenges, such as developing ML models with limited training data.
• Communication: Skill in translating highly technical findings into clear, actionable information for non-technical audiences.
• Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple analytical projects simultaneously with competing deadlines.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team player who can work effectively with everyone from field crews to corporate IT infrastructure teams.
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment

• Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires adherence to related protocols.

Work Environment

• This role primarily operates in an indoor office environment (approximately 67-100% of the time) but involves occasional outdoor work where you may be exposed to moderate temperatures and variable weather conditions.
• You will frequently be required to walk, stand, and balance, with occasional lifting of equipment up to 10 lbs.
• The role involves significant visual acuity and spatial perception for data analysis.
• Protective equipment, such as safety footwear, is required during field visits or when working around equipment.
• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52.
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Up to 2 temporary full-time positions for up to 8 months

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $41.177 - $51.444 (Hourly) $85,977.580 - $107,415.070 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: AG/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

IND123

Classification Title: Methods Analyst I
Posting Date: Apr 14, 2026
Closing Date: Apr 28, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Temporary Full-time
Union: CSU 52
Department: City Operations
Work Location(s): Kennedale, 12830 - 58 St Edmonton T5A 4L3

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