How to apply for Staff Data Scientist - Wildfire
Overstory
About Overstory
Overstory is a pioneering climate tech company that uses AI and satellite imagery to help utilities prevent wildfires and improve grid reliability. Working here means directly contributing to solving one of the most pressing climate challenges, with a diverse, passionate team across the Americas and Europe.
About the role
As a Staff Data Scientist focused on wildfire, you'll lead the development of AI models that predict and mitigate wildfire risks from vegetation encroachment on power lines. Your work will directly impact the safety and resilience of communities and the grid, making this a highly impactful role in the fight against climate change.
A typical day
A typical day might involve leading a team meeting to discuss model performance, collaborating with engineers to integrate new data sources, and diving into code to experiment with a novel deep learning architecture. You'll likely spend time analyzing satellite data, reviewing model outputs, and presenting insights to stakeholders, all while working remotely with a global team.
Who Overstory is looking for
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Tips for this application
- Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you've applied AI to satellite imagery or geospatial data, especially for environmental or climate-related challenges.
- Quantify the impact of your work—e.g., 'improved model accuracy by 20%' or 'reduced false positives by 30%'—to demonstrate tangible results.
- Showcase your leadership experience in guiding junior data scientists or cross-functional teams, as the 'Staff' title implies mentorship and strategic influence.
- In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal passion for climate action with Overstory's mission of reducing wildfire risk and building a resilient grid.
- Research Overstory's technology and recent news; mention specific details (e.g., their use of Sentinel-2 or partnerships with utilities) to show genuine interest and preparation.
What to cover in your cover letter
['Emphasize your technical expertise in machine learning and computer vision, specifically applied to satellite or remote sensing data.', 'Highlight your experience with large-scale data processing and model deployment in real-world settings.', 'Convey your passion for climate change mitigation and your understanding of the critical role utilities play in resilience.', 'Mention your ability to work collaboratively in a remote, cross-cultural team, as Overstory spans the Americas and Europe.']
Draft a cover letterResearch before applying
- Read Overstory's blog and case studies to understand their current technology and how they measure success.
- Look into recent news about Overstory's partnerships with utility companies and any pilot projects they've launched.
- Familiarize yourself with the basics of wildfire risk assessment and vegetation management practices in the utility industry.
- Check Overstory's LinkedIn and employee testimonials to get a sense of the company culture and values.
Likely interview topics
Based on the job description, expect questions about:
- How would you approach building a model to predict wildfire risk from satellite imagery? What data sources and features would you use?
- Describe a time you led a data science project from research to production. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
- How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in deep learning and geospatial analytics?
- How would you communicate complex model outputs to non-technical stakeholders, such as utility executives?
- What is your experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and MLOps practices for deploying models at scale?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Don't submit a generic resume that doesn't highlight geospatial or satellite imagery experience—this is a core requirement.
- Avoid focusing solely on your technical skills without showing how you've applied them to real-world problems with business impact.
- Don't neglect to mention your remote work experience or ability to collaborate across time zones, as Overstory is a distributed team.
Deadline
No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.