Student, Remote Sensing

Location:

Edmonton, Alberta

Employment Type:

Student, 4 month term

Salary Range:

$29.38 - $33.22 per hour

Student, Remote Sensing – Hybrid The Opportunity

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is recruiting a Remote Sensing Summer Student to join the dynamic team at the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS). At AGS, we advance data-driven regulatory decision-making and characterize Alberta’s diverse resource potential through innovative Earth Observation (EO) projects.

As a Summer Student, you will gain hands-on experience in both field and office settings, supporting AGS projects through the collection, validation, and management of EO data, and contributing to critical mineral indicator mapping in oil sands byproducts. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of remote sensing specialists, geoscientists, and environmental scientists to deliver projects that support regulatory compliance and resource development in Alberta’s energy sector.

This role provides an opportunity to develop valuable technical skills, participate in field campaigns, expand your professional network, and receive mentorship from experienced team members. Joining AGS means becoming part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and service to Albertans, with a strong focus on work–life balance, training, and professional growth.

What your day-to-day will look like:

- Collect, validate, and manage Earth Observation (EO) data to support regulatory decision-making and compliance assurance workflows.

- Prepare labeled datasets and assist with machine learning workflows using EO derivatives for abandoned well sites, reclamation sites, and spill materials.

- Integrate multispectral and SAR EO imagery (e.g., Sentinel-1/2, Landsat) for compliance monitoring, including change detection and land-use/land-cover classification related to oil and gas activities.

- Review and categorize incoming EO requests, such as pipeline monitoring and spill detection, to ensure proper prioritization and integration into workflows.

- Participate in field campaigns to ground-truth and validate EO data.

- Map weathering and spectral absorption features associated with vanadium and rare earth element potential in oil sands byproducts.

- Analyze petcoke samples and iron oxide signatures, expanding a spectral library for mine waste and tailings samples.

- Collect field spectra using an ASD FieldSpec4 spectrometer to support predictive mapping of mineral indicators across the oil sands region.

What we’re looking for in you:

- Currently enrolled in third year or higher of a Bachelor’s program in Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Geoscience, Environmental Science, or a related field.

- Basic experience with Google Earth Engine, ENVI, SNAP, and ArcGIS Pro is preferred.

- Familiarity with remote sensing and GIS concepts, with an interest in hyperspectral and multispectral analysis is an asset.

- Completion of First Aid and H2S Alive training is considered an asset.

- Strong attention to detail and a willingness to work in outdoor field settings.

- Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Information:

- Proof of enrollment in a registered post-secondary institution including enrollment in the semester following the work term, or enrollment in a registered co-op program will be a condition of hire.

- Please include a cover letter / portfolio as part of your application.

- All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.

- A pre-placement medical and a fully valid Class 5 driver’s license, along with a positive driving record, are required.

- This role involves approximately 20% field work.

- Should an individual with the required qualifications not be available, applicants with closely related qualifications may be considered. As a result, the position may be redesigned and/or reclassified.

- If you need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please email PeopleServices@aer.ca. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

What we offer you:

- Flexible Work Program - hybrid work and flexible hours.

- Edmonton: employees will work in office two days per week.

- Student Cohort Groups - Join vibrant student cohorts for networking, collaboration, and support.

- Engagement Activities - Participate in workshops, seminars, and social events to enhance your skills and personal growth.

- Mentorship and Networking - Gain insights from experienced professionals and build meaningful relationships.

- Skill Development - Hone your skills and contribute to meaningful projects.

More information about working at the AER’s including our comprehensive Total Rewards package can be found in the  careers section of our website.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

At the AER, our values of Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency, and Trust & Respect are foundational to our culture – a culture where every individual, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected factors, thrives and contributes their unique perspectives.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fuels innovation, creating a brighter, more sustainable Alberta for all. Join us in shaping this dynamic future.

Application closing date: January 19, 2026, at midnight