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*This position is contingent upon contract award*
Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA (Onsite or Hybrid depending on department policy).
Job Summary:
The City of Virginia Beach is seeking a skilled and forward-thinking AI Specialist to support the development, deployment, and maintenance of artificial intelligence solutions that enhance municipal operations and public service delivery. This role focuses on applying AI technologies—such as machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation—to solve operational challenges, improve efficiency, and support data driven decision making across city departments.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with a commitment to ethical, transparent, and responsible AI use in the public sector.
Responsibilities:
AI Solution Development & Implementation.
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Design, develop, and deploy AI models, tools, and applications that support city operations.
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Build machine learning pipelines, NLP models, and predictive analytics solutions using structured and unstructured data.
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Support the integration of AI capabilities into existing enterprise systems, workflows, and cloud platforms.
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Conduct model testing, validation, and performance tuning to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Data Analysis & Feature Engineering
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Analyze datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for AI enabled improvements.
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Prepare, clean, and transform data for model training and evaluation.
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Collaborate with data owners to ensure data quality, accessibility, and compliance with city policies.
AI Operations & Support
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Monitor AI systems in production, retrain models as needed, and maintain documentation for transparency and auditability.
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Troubleshoot AI related issues and coordinate resolution with IT teams and vendors.
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Provide technical support and training to staff using AI tools and applications.
Responsible AI, Governance & Collaboration
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Ensure all AI solutions comply with city policies, cybersecurity standards, and ethical guidelines
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Support responsible AI practices, including fairness, transparency, explainability, and human oversight.
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Collaborate with city departments to identify use cases, gather requirements, and translate operational needs into AI solutions.
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Participate in cross departmental AI initiatives, innovation projects, and modernization efforts.
Requirements:
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Must be a US citizen.
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Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field; OR 4 or more years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
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2–5+ years of experience in AI/ML development, data science, or advanced analytics.
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Proficiency with Python, SQL, and AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit learn).
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Experience with data modeling, feature engineering, and model evaluation techniques.
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Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
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Familiarity with responsible AI principles and data governance practices.
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Successful background and drug screening check.
Preferred Requirements:
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Experience working in local government, public sector IT, or civic tech environments.
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Knowledge of municipal operations, public service workflows, or government data systems.
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Experience with cloud-based AI services (Azure AI, AWS AI, Google Cloud AI).
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Familiarity with workflow automation, RPA tools, or AI enabled service platforms.
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Certifications in AI/ML, data engineering, cloud technologies, or analytics.
Core Competencies
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Analytical and Critical Thinking
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Technical Problem Solving
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Innovation & Continuous Improvement
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Communication & Collaboration
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Ethical and Responsible AI Awareness
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Public Service Orientation & Accountability
Physical Demands or Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
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Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
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Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
About ZelTech:
Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.
Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.
Our Mission:
Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.
Our Workforce:
ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professionals, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.
Benefits:
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Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
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401k immediate vesting with company match
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Flexible Spending Accounts
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Health Savings Account with company contributions
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Bonuses for performance
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Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
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Educational assistance and special training programs
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Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
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Group life insurance (Company paid)
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Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
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Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
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Health and fitness reimbursement
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Referral bonuses
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Employee discounts on various services and products
Equal Opportunities:
ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.
