Software Engineer

About NatureServe

For 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout North America. With an international network of over 60 Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers across the United States and Canada (“the Network”), NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and the ecosystems on which North American species depend. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation scientists to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity statistics, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts. NatureServe and its network programs develop and manage the most comprehensive data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what the critical elements of biodiversity are, where they are found, and how they are doing.

NatureServe is not a traditional software development company. We are a non-profit primarily comprised of scientists and conservation professionals. You will join a small group of talented, dedicated Software Engineers who work alongside our scientists as members of agile teams. Our Software Engineers are fully engaged in the complete life cycle of software development, from requirements gathering and design through implementation and testing. Visit our story map to explore some of NatureServe's conservation data and tools.

About the Role

Joining NatureServe as a Software Engineer means more than just developing software—it's about creating innovative solutions that impact conservation efforts worldwide. As a member of our team, you'll be able to build cutting-edge, map-centric web applications that empower scientists and conservation professionals with the tools they need to protect rare and imperiled species and ecosystems. You'll work alongside passionate scientists and experts, blending technology with conservation to help guide critical decisions.

Our dynamic environment fosters continuous learning and collaboration, offering opportunities to develop expertise in geospatial technologies, cloud-based development, and interactive web applications. At NatureServe, you'll contribute to the conservation community and help educate the public, allowing them to engage with and support the preservation of our planet's biodiversity. This is your chance to make a real difference while growing your skills in a unique, mission-driven organization.

What you'll do

• Full-Stack Development: Designing, developing, and testing software components using a variety of technologies such as ArcGIS, Drupal, Java, PHP, JavaScript, and React, ensuring seamless integration into the overall application.
• Understanding Requirements: Analyzing user needs and translating them into technical specifications.
• Agile Collaboration: Working effectively within an agile team environment to deliver high-quality software.
• System Enhancement: Recommending and implementing upgrades for existing systems and programs.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring the continued functionality and stability of programs through rigorous testing and maintenance, including bug fixes and addressing client/consumer concerns.
• Documentation: Documenting all aspects of systems and applications for future reference, upgrades, and maintenance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience developing or maintaining underlying software for a PHP-based web platform , especially Drupal.
• Demonstratable experience developing web applications and services using PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Proficiency with source control systems, especially Git.
• Proficiency with issue tracking software, especially Jira.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Experience working across the full web development stack, including frontend, backend, and system integration with databases or other external systems.
• Familiarity with cloud-based solutions, especially AWS, and scalable application architectures.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with a proven ability to learn new technologies as needed.
• Experience with API development and integration, ensuring seamless data exchange between systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with developing web applications with responsive behaviors
• Experience with unit and integration testing, and related frameworks
• Demonstrable visual design skills, especially involving user-system interactions
• Experience with one or more widely used libraries and frameworks such as React, jQuery, , Vue.js, etc.
• Experience with web development and/or desktop GIS, especially the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript 4.x
• Experience with ArcGIS Portal, Enterprise, Server and/or ArcGIS Online
• Experience with continuous integration and deployment using microservices and Docker containers
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Azure cloud computing platforms
• Basic SQL skills and relational database experience
• Python development experience, especially using arcpy or pandas
• Basic experience with web server administration capabilities, e.g. Apache Tomcat, Apache HTTP Server

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work standard office hours.
• Ability to converse verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use organizational technology.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for long periods, often in a dedicated workspace.
• Proficient hand-eye coordination and dexterity for accurate keyboard and mouse usage.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions of the role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission Statement

NatureServe commits to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where people feel they belong and are welcomed and valued for their unique views and the ways in which their identities are expressed.