At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative AI/ML tools for environmental impact.
- Company: Join a national charity focused on improving public spaces and reducing waste.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive day rate, and impactful project experience.
- Why this job: Shape cutting-edge technology that makes a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in AI/ML, strong spatial data skills, and experience with UK datasets.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a chance to influence environmental change.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
A national environmental charity is seeking an experienced Freelance Spatial AI and Machine Learning Consultant to help shape and deliver two innovative geospatial digital products. These tools, one a predictive risk model and the other a computer vision system for detecting and classifying litter, will play a key role in improving public spaces, reducing waste, and supporting future data integration.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic and technical development of cutting-edge AI/ML systems that will have real-world environmental impact.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic & Technical Leadership
- Review project objectives and shape the technical direction of both AI/ML products.
- Advise on model selection, training, testing and deployment strategies.
- Provide recommendations that consider scalability, licensing, futureproofing and cost effectiveness.
- Contribute to final recommendations on how the enhanced frameworks can support national scale litter prevention and resource targeting.
- Risk Model Review & Enhancement
- Evaluate the existing geospatial modelling pipeline, including architecture, data inputs, feature engineering and algorithm performance.
- Recommend improvements to workflows, feature sets and geospatial techniques.
- Support experimentation using predictive modelling approaches such as Random Forest and Gradient Boosting.
- Strengthen validation processes, including training/testing design, diagnostics and error analysis.
- Conduct independent quality assurance to assess robustness, stability and interpretability.
- Computer Vision System Development
- Define the vision, success criteria and performance targets for a new litter detection computer vision model.
- Develop a data acquisition and annotation strategy with strong QA processes.
- Evaluate alternative model families, annotation schemas and deployment architectures.
- Validate the end-to-end development plan, ensuring alignment with scope, timeline and complexity.
- Design evaluation and error analysis frameworks to measure real-world performance and guide iteration.
- Advise on long-term sustainability, technical debt reduction and modular upgrade pathways.
- Stakeholder & Project Management
- Manage milestones, dependencies and deliverables, keeping internal stakeholders aligned.
- Communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Provide written technical notes and participate in short progress meetings.
- Capacity Building & Documentation
- Mentor internal staff on advanced predictive and spatial modelling methods.
- Review and contribute to clear, auditable technical documentation.
- Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in AI, predictive analytics and machine learning model development.
- Strong proficiency in spatial data science and GIS enabled modelling (QGIS, ArcGIS Pro or Python GIS stack).
- Skilled in PyTorch, Ultralytics YOLO and cloud data management (AWS or Azure).
- Experience working with UK socio-environmental datasets (IMD, ONS, land use, accessibility).
- Experience integrating models into offline or on-prem environments.
- Ability to identify risks early and propose practical mitigation strategies.
- Proven experience maintaining stakeholder alignment across project milestones.
- Right to work in the UK, ability to demonstrate contractor status, and professional indemnity insurance.
- Desirable
- Experience in environmental risk modelling, urban analytics or behavioural data analysis.
- Understanding of geostatistics, spatial interpolation and postcode level disaggregation.
- Familiarity with environmental behaviour change programmes.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape impactful AI systems that support cleaner, greener communities, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information, please contact Hannah at NFP People.
Freelance Spatial AI and Machine Learning Consultant employer: NFP People
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Spatial AI and Machine Learning Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and machine learning space. Attend relevant meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about sharing your expertise. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect freelance gig!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those related to spatial AI and machine learning. Use platforms like GitHub to share your code and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. This will make you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. You’ll need to explain complex concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and how they relate to the role you’re applying for. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated with industry trends! Follow blogs, podcasts, and news related to AI and environmental tech. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential clients that you’re passionate and informed. Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Spatial AI and Machine Learning Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AI, machine learning, and spatial data science. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include examples of past projects that demonstrate your expertise in predictive modelling and computer vision systems. We love seeing real-world applications of your work, especially if they relate to environmental impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary. Remember, we want to understand your experience without getting lost in technical details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI, machine learning, and spatial data science. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving predictive modelling or computer vision. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think of examples where you identified risks early and proposed effective solutions. This is crucial for a role that involves strategic and technical leadership, so be ready to impress with your analytical thinking.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, practice simplifying your explanations. Use analogies or relatable examples to make your points clear. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the charity's goals, the specific projects you'll be working on, and their expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your strategic thinking.