Applied AI Transformation Leader

Applied AI Transformation Leader Overview of Role at West Yost Associates You will assume responsibility for helping shape and advance the practical application of Artificial Intelligence throughout West Yost. This role combines strategic leadership, organizational transformation, client engagement, and applied AI expertise. The ultimate goal is to help West Yost responsibly leverage AI to improve how we operate, enhance the value we deliver to clients, and position the firm as a trusted leader in the responsible application of AI within the water industry. The Applied AI Transformation Lead is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing AI opportunities that support West Yost's Strategic Plan and long‑term business objectives. This role will partner with leaders across the firm to propose, refine, and help execute an enterprise AI strategy that aligns with our values, culture, and business priorities. The Applied AI Transformation Lead will provide recommendations and strategic direction to leadership while taking ownership of implementing approved initiatives. This role will help establish a long‑term vision for how AI can transform West Yost's operations, service delivery, knowledge management, and client experience. This role will serve as a catalyst for organizational change by helping teams understand, adopt, and effectively utilize AI‑enabled tools, processes, and services. The Applied AI Transformation Lead will collaborate with Business Sector Leaders, project managers, technical experts, and operational leaders to identify opportunities where AI can improve efficiency, quality, knowledge management, decision making, and client service. This role will help leadership evaluate emerging technologies, distinguish between experimentation and strategic investment opportunities, and establish achievable priorities that deliver measurable business value. This role will help develop and mature AI‑enabled consulting services that create value for clients, including AI advisory services, AI readiness assessments, AI strategy development, and AI‑supported solutions that complement West Yost's existing service offerings. The Applied AI Transformation Lead will participate in strategic client discussions, support proposals and pursuits, and help position West Yost as a trusted advisor in the responsible application of AI within the water industry. People are our core asset. As such, this role will support the development of AI capabilities across the firm by creating training programs, facilitating knowledge sharing, building communities of practice, and helping staff confidently adopt new tools and ways of working. Reporting relationship: Director of Strategic Initiatives Specific Goals and Performance Expectations Specific goals and metrics will be developed with you and the Director of Strategic Initiatives. We want goals that are ambitious, achievable, and aligned with your strengths, interests, and professional development objectives. The following are representative performance objectives for your first year. These objectives are intended to guide priorities and will be refined collaboratively based on business needs, opportunities, and organizational priorities. Develop an enterprise AI roadmap that identifies strategic priorities, implementation opportunities, and measurable business outcomes. Establish a baseline understanding of AI adoption and maturity across the organization and develop recommendations for future advancement. Successfully launch and evaluate several high‑value AI pilots or solutions that demonstrate measurable benefits to staff and project teams. Develop and implement a firmwide AI training and enablement program that supports effective and responsible AI adoption. Establish and lead an AI Champions Network that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and adoption across all business sectors. Support the development of AI‑enabled service offerings and contribute to AI‑related proposals, pursuits, and client engagements. Partner with Business Sector Leaders and project teams to identify opportunities for AI‑supported client solutions and future advisory services. Develop practical tools, templates, guidance, and best practices that improve consistency and scalability across AI initiatives. Leadership and Collaboration Lead recurring AI Champions Network meetings and facilitate collaboration across sectors and shared services departments. Participate in AI Operations Team meetings and help establish priorities, monitor progress, and coordinate implementation efforts. Attend Business Sector meetings periodically to understand business needs, identify opportunities, and support adoption efforts. Attend Leadership Team meetings as requested to provide updates, present recommendations, seek input, and support strategic decision making. Travel Requirements This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices. Compensation Range: $115,020 - $155,265. Based on our office Davis, CA location. (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions). Status: Full‑time, Exempt Location(s): Davis, CA. Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. Standard Benefits: We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include 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, and even pet insurance. Other Unique Benefits: You’ll be provided with support in on‑going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through 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, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement. #J-18808-Ljbffr West Yost