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Spatial Data Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

AP Human Geography Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching geographic model application, spatial data analysis, and free-response question ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Skilled at teaching geographic model application, spatial data analysis, and free-response question ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Skilled at teaching geographic model application, spatial data analysis, and free-response question ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

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Leverage Python data libraries (pandas, NumPy, SciPy) to clean raw spatial coordinates, parse ... Education: Bachelor's degree in Data Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical/Manufacturing ...

Strong understanding of GIS, mapping tools, and spatial data management. * Experience with data ... Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Information Technology, Computer Science ...

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Spatial Data Science information

See Michigan salary details

$38.8K

$113.1K

$154.7K

How much do spatial data science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for spatial data science in Michigan is $113,060.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,800.00 and $119,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying GIS job?

The highest paying GIS jobs are often senior roles such as GIS Director, Geospatial Data Scientist, or GIS Manager, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced skills in spatial analysis, programming, and leadership, and may involve working with tools like ArcGIS, Python, or SQL.

What is spatial data science?

Spatial data science is a field that combines data science techniques with geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and interpret spatial or location-based data. It involves collecting, processing, and visualizing data that has a geographic or spatial component, such as maps, satellite images, or GPS coordinates. Spatial data scientists use methods from statistics, machine learning, and computer science to solve problems related to urban planning, environmental monitoring, transportation, and more. The insights gained from spatial data science help organizations make better decisions based on the relationships and patterns found in geographic data.

Is GIS hard to get a job in?

Getting a job in GIS or spatial data science can be competitive, but having strong skills in GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, programming languages such as Python or R, and a solid understanding of spatial analysis can improve employability. Relevant certifications and a portfolio of projects also enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spatial Data Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spatial Data Scientist, you need a strong background in statistics, geospatial analysis, and programming (often with Python or R), typically supported by a degree in geography, computer science, or a related field. Proficiency with GIS software (such as ArcGIS or QGIS), spatial databases (like PostGIS), and relevant certifications (e.g., Esri Technical Certification) is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills to interpret spatial data and convey insights to stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for extracting actionable insights from complex geospatial datasets and supporting informed decision-making.

Is 40 too late for data science?

Age is generally not a barrier to entering a data science or spatial data science career, as skills and experience are more important. Many professionals successfully transition into data science later in life by acquiring relevant skills such as programming, statistics, and data visualization, often through online courses or certifications. Employers value diverse experiences, and continuous learning can help you stay competitive regardless of age.

What is the difference between Spatial Data Science vs Geospatial Analyst?

AspectSpatial Data ScienceGeospatial Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in GIS, Geography, Data Science, or related fields; often includes certifications in GIS or data analysisDegree in Geography, GIS, or related fields; certifications in GIS software are common
Work EnvironmentData analysis, modeling, and programming; often in tech or research settingsMapping, data visualization, and GIS software use; typically in government, environmental, or urban planning agencies
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, urban planning, environmental agenciesGovernment agencies, environmental consultancies, urban planning firms

Spatial Data Science focuses on analyzing spatial data using advanced data science techniques, programming, and modeling. In contrast, Geospatial Analysts primarily work with GIS software to create maps and visualize spatial data. While both roles require GIS knowledge, Spatial Data Scientists often have stronger programming and statistical skills, working on complex data analysis projects, whereas Geospatial Analysts focus more on mapping and data visualization tasks.

Is GIS a high demand job?

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) professionals, including those in spatial data science, are in high demand across industries such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation. The growing use of spatial analysis, remote sensing, and GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS contributes to strong job prospects and competitive salaries in this field.

What are some typical challenges spatial data scientists face when integrating geospatial data from multiple sources?

Spatial data scientists often encounter challenges like inconsistencies in data formats, varying coordinate reference systems, and differences in spatial resolution when integrating geospatial data from multiple sources. Addressing these requires familiarity with data transformation tools and a strong understanding of spatial data standards. Additionally, ensuring data quality and managing large datasets can be complex, so attention to detail and effective use of GIS software are crucial for successful integration.
What are popular job titles related to Spatial Data Science jobs in Michigan? For Spatial Data Science jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spatial Data Science jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Spatial Data Science jobs in Michigan are:
Data Scientist - Machine Learning Practitioner

Data Scientist - Machine Learning Practitioner

BlueConduit

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build, validate, and improve machine learning and statistical models used in infrastructure analytics products.

  • Help design, build, and launch new model products and model classes that broaden the assets and risks BlueConduit can predict.

  • Improve data science workflows, model evaluation, reproducibility, and handoffs into software or product systems.


Job description

Company overview
BlueConduit is an infrastructure analytics SaaS company and social enterprise helping communities make better, faster, and more equitable decisions about critical water infrastructure. Our founding team pioneered predictive modeling for lead service line replacement in Flint, Michigan, and BlueConduit now works with hundreds of cities and utilities across North America.
Our platform helps utilities, municipalities, government agencies, and consultants combine fragmented infrastructure records, field observations, geospatial data, and predictive models to identify risk, prioritize work, meet compliance requirements, and communicate clearly with the public. We are a remote-first team committed to using data science for social good and building tools that are trusted by the people making high-stakes infrastructure decisions.
The role
BlueConduit is hiring a Data Scientist to improve and expand the machine learning models at the core of our infrastructure analytics platform. In this role, you will work on models that help cities prioritize infrastructure investments, reduce risk, and improve drinking water outcomes. You will strengthen our existing modeling workflows, help launch new model products and asset classes, and communicate results clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
This is a strong fit for someone who combines rigorous applied ML judgment with product-minded execution: you enjoy messy real-world data, care about model validation and uncertainty, can build repeatable workflows rather than one-off analyses, and like explaining technical work to people who need to act on it.
In this role you will be expected to be using the latest available AI tools to code productively. You will need to understand what you're building and coding, and understand agentic AI workflows that involve best practices, including unit tests, built-in code reviews, and extensive documentation in your commits for fellow data scientists and software engineers.
This role reports to the VP of Data Science.
What you'll do
  • Build, validate, and improve machine learning and statistical models used in BlueConduit's infrastructure analytics products
  • Help design, build, and launch new model products and model classes that broaden the assets and risks BlueConduit can predict
  • Improve data science workflows, model evaluation, reproducibility, and handoffs into software/product systems
  • Work with heterogeneous municipal, infrastructure, geospatial, and field-observation datasets to generate actionable risk predictions
  • Design validation approaches and communicate model uncertainty, limitations, and tradeoffs clearly to internal teams and customers
  • Use modern AI coding tools such as Claude Code, Codex, or similar systems to accelerate development while applying strong independent programming judgment
  • Use multiple AI agents to contribute to extremely robust workflows and code pipelines with built-in testing and reviews
  • Support customer-facing analysis and present findings in ways that are clear, accurate, and useful for nontechnical decision-makers
  • Contribute to R&D that scales the impact, reliability, and reach of BlueConduit's predictive methods

BlueConduit is a small, remote, and growing team, so this is an opportunity to shape both the role and the next generation of our data science products.
What we're looking for
  • Strong Python-based data science experience, including pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, and production-quality analysis workflows
  • An undergraduate degree in a quantitative field (e.g., CS, math, stats, physics)
  • Experience building, validating, and improving machine learning or statistical models on messy real-world data
  • Experience building repeatable data science workflows in a product at a SaaS company or similarly operational environment
  • Ability to communicate modeling results, uncertainty, and tradeoffs clearly to technical and nontechnical stakeholders
  • Fluency using modern AI coding tools - including coordinating work of AI agents - to accelerate development, grounded in strong independent programming ability and judgment
  • Strong data visualization, verbal communication, and written communication skills
  • Comfort with Git-based development workflows
  • Attention to detail, curiosity, and commitment to building models that are understandable, usable, and trusted by the people making infrastructure decisions
  • Passion for socially impactful data science, environmental justice, and public-interest technology
We're especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following
  • A rigorous graduate degree in a quantitative field, or equivalent applied experience
  • Experience modeling asset classes beyond BlueConduit's current water distribution portfolio, such as fire risk, wastewater, hydraulic systems, climate risk, insurance risk, or other infrastructure domains
  • Experience with geospatial data, GIS systems, GeoPandas, or spatial modeling
  • Experience creating a new model product or extending an existing model product to a new domain or asset class
  • Experience with both global/cross-location models and local/site-specific models
  • Experience with methodologies beyond classical ML, such as neural networks, transformers, transfer learning, or other modern ML approaches
  • Experience with cloud-based model workflows, model tracking, versioning, Databricks, PySpark, or distributed computing
  • Familiarity with infrastructure, water quality, government data, or regulated public-sector decision environments
  • Experience working in Agile product development environments
  • Aptitude and interest in building with rapid iteration cycles involving prototyping, receiving feedback, and rebuilding
Location
Remote
Compensation
  • Expected salary range: $140,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience
  • Equity options
  • Health, vision and dental benefits
  • Simple IRA benefit with company contribution matching

Every qualified applicant will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.