Climate Science Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE POSITION:

At Vermont Gas Systems (VGS), we do work that matters. We deliver safe and reliable thermal energy products and services to over 55,000 Vermonters across Chittenden, Franklin, and Addison counties. As we continue to evolve and advance climate forward innovation, our people remain at the center of everything we do.

We see artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to enhance – not replace – the expertise, judgement, and relationships that define our work. AI at VGS is focused on improving how work gets done, enabling employees to operate more effectively, efficiently, and creatively, while delivering consistently exceptional customer experience.

The AI Solutions Lead plays a central role in shaping how VGS evaluates, adopts, and applies AI across the organization. This role is responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities where AI can create meaningful business value, developing and testing practical solutions, and supporting teams in integrating those solutions into everyday work. This is a business solutions focused role for someone who understands how work gets done, can spot opportunities for AI to improve workflows and outcomes. The AI Solutions Lead partners closely with teams across the enterprise and works alongside technical experts on the Technology Team to bring ideas to life in a responsible, effective, and sustainable way.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategy & Roadmap

Work with the Director of Technology and other stakeholders to develop and maintain a company-wide AI strategy aligned with VGS business objectives and enterprise direction. Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases across the business enterprise. Build and present business cases for AI investments, including cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment. Track the evolving AI landscape and advise leadership on emerging capabilities relevant to utility operations.

• Prototyping & Development

Build and maintain working AI prototypes, agents, and workflow automations that demonstrate value and accelerate adoption. Develop proof-of-concept tools that address specific business problems across the business enterprise. Iterate on prototypes based on user feedback and collaborate with IT to move successful solutions into production. Maintain hands-on proficiency with current AI platforms and development frameworks.

• Vendor & Tool Management

Lead administration of company adopted AI tools including configuration, provisioning, spend management and monitoring. Evaluate AI platforms, tools, and vendors against VGS requirements for security, cost, and regulatory compliance. Manage vendor relationships and contracts, serving as the primary point of contact for AI technology partners. Assist the Director of Technology negotiate licensing agreements and monitor vendor performance against agreed deliverables. Use hands-on technical knowledge to critically assess vendor claims and ensure tools deliver on their promises.

• Cross-Functional Integration

Work across departments to identify, build, and deploy AI solutions that strengthen what employees already do well. Collaborate across all departments to identify high‑value opportunities for AI, ensuring solutions are aligned with operational needs, regulatory expectations, and employee workflows. This includes partnering with diverse teams to design and implement AI tools that enhance performance, strengthen decision‑making, and support organizational readiness and change.

• Program Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

Track adoption metrics, conduct capability assessments, and evaluate program effectiveness. Identify gaps, emerging opportunities, and areas for improvement. Recommend enhancements to AI policies, procedures, and practices that strengthen outcomes and align with organizational goals.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• AI Governance & Risk

Contribute to the development of AI governance policies covering data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, and documentation standards. Work with IT and legal to ensure AI deployments meet applicable state and federal regulations, including emerging AI-specific requirements. Maintain an inventory of AI tools and use cases across the organization.

• Training & AI Literacy

Support the design and delivery of training programs that build AI literacy across the organization. Help create an environment where employees understand AI’s capabilities and limitations and feel equipped to incorporate AI tools into their work.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, analytics, engineering, computer science, public policy, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3–5+ years of professional experience preferred in the areas of business transformation, digital product, analytics, operations, innovation, process improvement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated track record of improving business processes, workflows, or organizational performance through technology-enabled solutions.
• Hands-on experience using modern AI tools to build or support practical prototypes, automations, copilots, or agent-based workflows.
• Ability to translate business needs into well-scoped AI use cases and explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing without direct authority.
• Familiarity with AI governance, responsible use practices, data privacy considerations, and documentation standards.
• Ability to partner effectively with IT, cybersecurity, analytics, and business teams to move solutions from concept to governed deployment.
• Experience evaluating enterprise software, vendors, or technology solutions in a business setting.
• Experience in a regulated industry such as energy, utilities, financial services, or healthcare is a plus.
• Exposure to utility operations, energy policy, or Vermont’s regulatory environment is a plus.
• Proactive, organized, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-evolving field.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This is considered a hybrid position with two to three in-person days required and may be adjusted to meet business needs. Office environment is open and desks offer sit/stand features.
• A work schedule can be adopted within hours of business operations, which is a range between 7 am to 5 pm.
• Occasional travel to VGS facilities and field locations to understand operational contexts for AI applications.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At VGS, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where everyone is welcomed, respected, and valued. We believe in creating an environment that encourages diverse viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds, contributing positively to our organization’s strength and adaptability. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply, even if every skill requirement does not match perfectly, because we believe in continuous improvement and support our employees in achieving goals and objectives.