Applied AI Specialist I at West Yost in Davis, CA

Summary: West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused on delivering innovative solutions for water-related challenges. The Applied AI Specialist will lead the application of AI within the firm, designing and testing prototypes while collaborating with teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. 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 Required Qualifications: - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree or advanced degree is welcomed but not required Required Skills: Applied AI development, Data science, Machine learning, Software engineering, Large language models (LLMs), Embeddings, Retrieval augmented generation, Model fine tuning, AI tool deployment in secure environments, AI model behavior understanding, Prompt design, AI solution evaluation, refinement, AI integration into workflows, Responsible AI practices, Technical communication for nontechnical users, Entrepreneurial mindset, Creative thinking 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, Support in on-going education through our 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, Potential for employee stock ownership, Annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, Performance-based bonus eligibility, Merit increase eligibility, Employee referral bonuses, Wellness reimbursement