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Climate Data Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Climate Data Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.9K

$171.7K

$253.3K

How much do climate data scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate data scientist in Reston, VA is $171,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,900.00 and $176,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Climate Data Scientist job?

A Climate Data Scientist analyzes large datasets related to climate and environmental changes to identify patterns, make predictions, and support decision-making. They use statistical models, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to assess climate trends, extreme weather events, and environmental risks. Their work often supports policymakers, researchers, and organizations in mitigating climate change impacts and developing sustainable solutions.

What are some common projects or responsibilities a Climate Data Scientist may handle on a daily basis?

Climate Data Scientists typically work on projects such as analyzing large climate datasets, developing predictive models for weather or environmental trends, and visualizing data to support scientific or policy reports. Day-to-day tasks may include cleaning and processing data, running simulations, and collaborating with other scientists or policy experts. There’s also a strong focus on communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, often as part of a multidisciplinary team. This variety ensures that each day brings new challenges and opportunities to contribute to impactful environmental solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Climate Data Scientist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Data Scientist, you need a strong background in statistics, environmental science, and programming, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Expertise with data analysis tools like Python, R, machine learning libraries, and experience with geospatial systems such as GIS is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help you interpret complex climate data and convey insights to diverse stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for effectively turning vast climate datasets into actionable information that drives environmental research and policy decisions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Climate Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Climate Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Climate Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? For Climate Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Climate Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Climate Data Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Climate Data Scientist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Climate Data Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Climate Data Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,677 per year, or $82.5 per hour.

Data Scientist - AI/ML

Science Systems & Applications

Lanham, MD • On-site

$87K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a highly motivated Data Scientist to support NASA Earth science data systems, geospatial analytics, scientific software development, and AI/ML initiatives. The role includes researching, evaluating, and applying emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing methodologies, and advanced analytics to advance Earth science research, geospatial data processing, and scientific discovery.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and deploy machine learning and artificial intelligence models to support predictive analytics, environmental monitoring, geospatial intelligence, and Earth science research applications.
  • Develop geospatial analytics, visualization tools, and web-based applications for large environmental and remote sensing datasets.
  • Create and support RESTful APIs, web services, and cloud-based data access systems utilizing AWS and Azure cloud platforms for scalable storage, processing, and dissemination of Earth science data.
  • Develop workflows for processing, quality control, analysis, and dissemination of satellite-derived geospatial products.
  • Collaborate with scientists to translate research requirements into operational software solutions.
  • Support Earth science data archives, user services, and community engagement activities.
  • Perform spatial and temporal analysis of environmental datasets using GIS, remote sensing, and statistical methods.
  • Develop and automate data processing pipelines using Python and scientific computing frameworks, leveraging cloud services to support large-scale geospatial and remote sensing workflows.
  • Support, maintain, and integrate legacy scientific applications developed in Fortran with modern Python-based analytics, data processing, and visualization workflows.
  • Integrate diverse datasets from satellite observations, field measurements, and numerical models.
  • Prepare technical documentation, scientific reports, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, and technology partners to identify opportunities for integrating quantum computing concepts into AI/ML workflows, high-performance computing environments, and next-generation Earth science applications.

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree (M.S.) and a minimum of 5 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience applying AI/ML techniques to Earth science, climate, environmental, geospatial, remote sensing, or other large scientific datasets.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and experience with scientific computing workflows, including Fortran and high-performance computing environments.
  • Experience developing and deploying AI/ML solutions using cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure.
  • Experience with GIS and geospatial data processing tools.
  • Experience working with large environmental, remote sensing, or geospatial datasets.
  • Knowledge of spatial databases, web services, application development frameworks, and emerging technologies such as quantum computing.
  • Experience developing and supporting data visualization and analytics tools.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience supporting NASA, NOAA, USGS, or other federal Earth science programs.
  • Experience with satellite data products such as MODIS, Landsat, VIIRS, or similar Earth observation datasets.
  • Experience developing geospatial web applications and cloud-enabled data services.
  • Knowledge of GDAL, ArcGIS, GRASS GIS, or similar geospatial software packages.
  • Experience with JavaScript, Node.js, SQL, Linux, and scientific computing environments.
  • Experience with hydrologic, environmental, ecological, or climate modeling.
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Experience interacting directly with scientific user communities and stakeholders.


EEO/AA Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus