Research Engineer I

Hours per Week: 40
Salary Grade: R2

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience. The Northern Tornadoes Project aims to contribute to exploring tornado behavior and climatology using various remote sensing technologies, plus ground-based storm survey investigations and public reports, with the objective of improving knowledge of tornadoes in Canada, including their detection, climatology, and prediction.

Responsibilities

The Research Engineer will be responsible for independently planning, executing, and evaluating ground-based and aircraft-based aspects of the ‘The Northern Tornadoes Project’. The role will lead a rapid-response storm damage survey team charged with promptly collecting key ground survey and drone survey data from locations across the country after severe weather occurs. The role will also lead the arranging of logistics for aircraft-based aerial imagery collection by a vendor and the analysis of collected imagery, as well as oversee the documentation of damaging wind events using the collected data. The Research Engineer will be responsible for providing timely updates and reports to the Executive Director following event investigations and provide support and guidance to the project team regarding project design, as well as approaches to utilizing required equipment and tools to ensure timely, innovative research and/or project outcomes are achieved.

Qualifications

Education:
-   Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Wind Engineering, or related field
-   Drone Operator License (Advanced)

Experience:
-   3 years' experience in a research environment planning, preparing and executing storm damage surveys, and managing projects
-   Experience interpreting and analyzing damage survey data related to severe storms  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
-   In-depth knowledge of techniques for planning, managing and coordinating multiple projects, with competing priorities that involve a variety of stakeholders
-   Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
-   Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
-   Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
-   Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
-   Excellent troubleshooting ability along with hands-on expertise in technical support
-   Communication skills to describe technical concepts and the proper and safe use of materials and equipment effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
-   Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
-   Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
-   Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
-   Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
-   Commitment to ongoing professional development, with a willingness to stay abreast of technological developments and a desire to take on new challenges
-   Ability and willingness to travel within Canada, and to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the activities of the research project
-   Intermediate computer skills using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). Experience with mapping software, GIS, aerial photography equipment and other software applications to support the project would be beneficial
-   Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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