The Plants, Soils and Climate Department is currently seeking a talented graduate student with a passion for image processing and deep learning to join our team. The project focuses on employing image and video processing and deep learning techniques to monitor water levels in irrigation canals. It necessitates extensive fieldwork for image collection and laboratory work to develop a robust model to measure water levels.

Field Surveys and Data Collection:

• Install and maintain cameras and other sensors along canals and ditches in designated valleys across Utah.
• Conduct regular field surveys to ensure proper functioning of the equipment.
• Collect and log data, including water levels, and images from the installed cameras.

Data Management and Preprocessing:

• Clean, normalize, and preprocess collected data to ensure high quality and consistency.
• Maintain a well-organized database of all collected data

Machine Learning Model Development:

• Develop and train machine learning models to detect and predict water levels in canals and ditches.
• Use regression models for continuous predictions and classification models for categorizing water levels.
• Implement image processing techniques using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to analyze visual data from cameras.

Validation and Calibration:

• Conduct field tests to validate the accuracy of model predictions against actual water level measurements.
• Calibrate sensors and models to improve predictive accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrollment in a MS or PhD program.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying machine learning models.
• Proficiency in programming languages and libraries such as Python, Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, and OpenCV.
• Proficiency in image and video processing and deep learning methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data visualization skills.
• Strong communication skills for effective reporting and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for data storage and processing.
• Familiarity with edge computing and deploying models on devices like Raspberry Pi or Arduino.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with IoT devices and camera-based data collection.
• Ability to work independently in remote field locations and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong aptitude for effective fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel frequently to various field sites in Utah.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV” 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023