GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist
Project Description
The Technological Institute of Production-CITEforestal, Maynas in Peru has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist. CITEforestal, Maynas works to promote innovation and competition for businesses in the lumber productive chain in the Loreto region. Between the 2013-2020, SERFOR (the National Forest Service) carried out a forest inventory in the region of Loreto, locating 157 sample units, providing general information about the forest situations, and updating the information is extremely costly in material and human terms, resulting in a time lapse which in most cases makes the information insufficient for detecting and solving problems of deforestation and degradation and for quantifying the impact of climate change with its possible consequences. CITE has the technological resources to implement innovative methodologies but has identified a need for additional support to train personnel to create the appropriate algorithms for the identification and automation of forest activities by using satellite images and sensors on drones.
The PCRVs will collaborate with the specialist in remote sensing for forest management in Loreto to support the implementation of the remote sensing laboratory and develop appropriate algorithms for the identification and automation of forest activities. The PCRVs will also develop an instruction tutorial about artificial intelligence tools, the use of drones, and data processing of the information gathered from remote sensors and carry out training workshops for CITE personnel and other sector institutions. The overall goal of this project is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the inventories and forest census of relevant species in Loreto to support the conservation of biodiversity and responsible and sustainable exploitation of forest resources by designing and developing a methodology, supported by traditional methods, that would integrate tools of artificial intelligence with drones and data coming from remote sensing.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Peru together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Partner Information
Technological Institute of Production---CITEforestal, Maynas
Required Skills
• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Physical Sciences
• Experience in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems and programming
• 1 to 2 years of experience in the development of algorithms oriented to Geographic information systems (GIS)
• Familiarity with Earth-Observing Data Processing and machine learning, management of QGIS, Jupiter, Python, R, space data bases, and processing of optical satellite images
• 1 to 2 years of experience training people in GIS
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and the cultural sensitivity needed for working with culturally diverse teams
• Ability to do training and field work
• Advanced level Spanish
The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Serving in Peru
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Medical Considerations
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