Applied AI Specialist I

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused on delivering effective water solutions. They are seeking an Applied AI Specialist I to lead the application of AI in enhancing their engineering and scientific services, developing prototypes, and collaborating with teams to implement AI solutions that improve efficiency and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute pilots and proofs of concept that demonstrate clear value
• Develop, test, and refine tools, models, and workflows using approved platforms and data sources
• Document results and provide recommendations for scaling or pivoting
• Build, configure, and deploy AI powered solutions that improve workflow efficiency, information management, decision support, and communication
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure solutions align with real project needs
• Integrate responsible AI practices including accuracy, transparency, safety, and appropriate data governance
• Develop and deliver training, guidance, and hands-on support for technical staff and project teams using AI enabled tools
• Support adoption by helping teams understand how and when to use solutions effectively
• Communicate AI concepts in clear and appropriate language for nontechnical users
• Support proposals and pursuits by explaining AI capabilities, feasibility, and best fit applications
• Participate in demonstrations related to AI-enabled services
• Train client staff when AI supported solutions are deployed externally
• Provide honest and informed feedback on what is technically feasible and ready for deployment
• Monitor solution performance and identify opportunities for refinement or expansion
• Create reusable tools, templates, and best practices to support firmwide AI maturity
• Partner with project managers, engineers, scientists, and business sector leaders to ensure solutions are practical and scalable
• Work closely with IT, cybersecurity, and data governance leaders to support safe and compliant deployment
• Strengthen cross-sector awareness and recognize opportunities that benefit multiple parts of the business

Skills

• One to three years of experience in applied AI development, data science, machine learning, software engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience building prototypes and production-ready AI solutions using modern LLMs, embeddings, retrieval augmented generation, or model fine tuning
• Familiarity with deploying and supporting shared AI tools in secure environments
• Strong understanding of AI model behavior, prompt design, evaluation methods, and solution refinement
• Experience integrating AI tools into existing workflows, applications, or business processes
• Ability to communicate technical concepts in clear and appropriate language for nontechnical users
• Commitment to responsible AI practices, including accuracy, transparency, and appropriate data use
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset who proactively identifies opportunities, experiments thoughtfully, and moves ideas forward with limited direction
• Creative thinker who enjoys rapid learning, experimentation, and iteration
• Collaborative partner who builds trust across sectors and project teams
• Comfort working in a fast-changing field with evolving technologies and incomplete information
• Applicable education or training in computer science, data science, software development, AI, or a related technical field. This may include trade school, technical certification programs, bootcamps, or equivalent hands on experience
• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree is welcomed but not required

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution)
• Paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays
• Two employee assistance programs
• Travel assistance program
• 401(k) profit sharing with employer match
• Leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off
• Parental leave
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Pet insurance
• 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid professional memberships
• Paid training
• Leadership Academy programs
• Milestone anniversary benefits
• Peer to peer recognition programs
• The potential for employee stock ownership
• Annual monetary and paid time off bonuses
• Performance-based bonus eligibility
• Merit increase eligibility
• Employee referral bonuses
• Wellness reimbursement
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules
• Local and company-wide events
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup
• Culture Workgroup
• Wellness Workgroup
• Book clubs
• Charitable giving and community service
• Firm-wide resources
• Peer groups (young professionals & middlers group)
• Mentorship and leadership programs
• Annual All Staff event
• Employee-owned company benefits

Company Overview