Positions

Come work with us! We expect to announce several positions in late November 2026. The positions would sit in the Forest Change Analysis Lab (FOCAL) at UC Davis, led by Dr. Derek Young. To stay informed, join our mailing list, or simply contact us to express interest.

Expected positions

3D forest modeling data scientist(s)

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD-level research scientist (responsibilities tailored to expertise).

Likely areas of focus include:

  • Develop tools for 3D forest reconstruction from drone and ground imagery (summary)
    • Translate raw imagery-based computer vision class segmentations (e.g., tree, log, shrub) onto mesh models using Geograypher
    • Evaluate reconstructions against ground-truth data from traditional forest inventory plots
    • Summarize semantic mesh models into forest management-relevant datasets including individual tree locations, species, and sizes
    • Evaluate potential accuracy tradeoffs of using semantic point clouds rather than semantic meshes
    • Evaluate NeRF and Gaussian splatting for under-canopy 3D reconstruction, as alternatives to traditional photogrammetry
  • Develop and evaluate methods for co-registering co-located geospatial datasets from different dates and/or modalities (e.g, drone and ground-based imagery)
  • Develop internal data processing pipelines for generating OFO data products using Argo Workflows on Kubernetes (example)
  • Improve software documentation and OFO data processing tutorials for the broader community
  • Test and optimize computer vision-based methods for tree detection and species classification from orthomosaics, canopy height models, and raw drone imagery
  • Assist in curating existing and incoming drone and ground-based datasets for inclusion in the OFO data catalog

Data and field logistics manager

Duties include:

  • Manage incoming drone and ground-based datasets, including metadata and data quality checks
  • Coordinate field data collection and drone flights, including scheduling, permitting, and logistics
  • Recruit, train, and manage field technicians
  • Assist in curating existing and incoming drone, GoPro, and manual datasets for inclusion in the OFO data catalog
  • Assist in developing and maintaining OFO data collection protocols and workflows
  • Assist in testing and documenting OFO data processing tools and workflows

Field crew positions

Duties include:

  • Collect drone and ground-based data in the field, including piloting drones, operating GoPro cameras, and conducting traditional forest inventory surveys
  • Assist in data quality checks and metadata collection
  • Camp for extended periods at remote field sites, often in rugged terrain and under variable weather conditions