Summer Student : Geospatial Deep Learning For Forestry Applications (Nov 2025)

Support national-scale geospatial research using deep learning and remote sensing to advance forestry monitoring at Scion, Rotorua.

Your Role

Key responsibilities include :

Assisting researchers in training state-of-the-art models that combine aerial imagery and LiDAR datasets to create a prototype 'digital twin' of New Zealand's planted forests.

Contributing to national-scale geospatial research projects focused on detecting, mapping, and characterising New Zealand's planted forests.

Extracting geospatial and remote sensing data from various sources under supervision.

Interpreting aerial and LiDAR imagery to support data preparation and validation tasks.

Creating high-quality labelled datasets for training and evaluating deep learning models.

Assisting with the development of machine learning models under supervision.

Inspecting and providing feedback on model predictions.

Working with large-scale public datasets to extract, interpret, and curate data, and helping evaluate model performance across multiple development iterations.

Gaining hands-on experience in GIS, remote sensing, environmental data science, and forestry applications.

About You

The ideal candidate will have :

Basic experience with GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or similar tools.

Experience in coding and modelling in Python.

Familiarity with file organisation, naming conventions, and working with structured data formats (e.g., shapefiles, GeoTIFFs).

Enthusiasm for landscape-level data and forest monitoring.

Ability to interpret complex imagery with strong attention to detail.

Clear documentation of work and openness to feedback.

Previous experience working with remote sensing imagery, deep learning algorithms, or machine learning training data is desirable but not essential.

Ability to carry out tasks under supervision to a high level of accuracy.

Ability to solve problems in a timely fashion.

Compensation & Benefits

Paid, full-time summer research position (fixed term).

Hands-on work experience in a leading Crown Research Institute.

Opportunity to work alongside internationally recognised staff.

Access to Scion's facilities and resources.

Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Training & Development

Supervised research project with guidance from experienced Scion staff.

Exposure to cutting-edge AI tools, geospatial analysis, programming, and cloud-based data processing.

Opportunities to develop practical skills in environmental research and technology.

Career Progression

Valuable experience for future roles in geospatial science, forestry, environmental data science, and AI research.

Networking opportunities within the Bioeconomy Science Institute and broader research community.

How to Apply

Submit your application as instructed in the job posting, ensuring all required documents and information are provided.

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