Application Developer

Description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Application Developer

CLASSIFICATION: Professional 3

SALARY: $68,000 - $75,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation

LOCATION: Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: Director, Conservation Data Scientist

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: November 2022

POSITION SUMMARY

The Application Developer (developer) contributes to the development of software for translating data and knowledge into on-the-ground conservation improvements as part of the Center for Conservation Innovation at Defenders of Wildlife, where we pioneer creative, pragmatic conservation solutions at the intersection of science, technology, and policy. This unique combination of approaches is essential in an age of increasing threats to wildlife and static or dwindling resources for conservation. We identify current and emerging conservation challenges, develop solutions that improve conservation outcomes, and use a suite of techniques and partnerships to advocate for those solutions.

Reporting to the Director of Conservation Data Science, the developer plays a key role in CCI by leading and collaborating on the development of new tools for conservation that use cutting-edge technologies. The developer works with the senior data scientist on conservation technology research that will improve outcomes. Ambition and creativity, with a strong desire to translate data and knowledge into real-world change for conservation, are essential in this position. This role requires initiative because the incumbent has a large degree of autonomy in determining how they build out the apps they work on.

The developer works as part of the CCI data and tech team to grow the Conservationist.io suite of apps and tools, which allows users to incorporate data-such as refined range maps-and tools-such as our automated habitat change detection application-into their conservation work. (See our current collection of public tools at https://defenders-cci.org)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Director of Conservation Data Science and working closely with the other members of the data and tech team, the developer will:

• Develop web-first applications to integrate our existing conservation data and applications into a toolkit for conservation.
• Create pilot applications, and test these with audiences from federal agencies, state governments, non-profits (including Defenders), conservation stakeholders, and the private sector. Center staff will facilitate this testing, but the developer will be closely involved in the process.
• Build infrastructure required for large-scale deployment of our toolkit. This will include identifying key technological needs and opportunities for the Center's development strategy.
• Work closely with the other application developer(s) to standardize and document methods and protocols.
• The developer works with senior scientists in CCI to identify new technologies and approaches that improve conservation outcomes.
• With guidance from the Director of Conservation Data Science, assist Center staff in understanding possibilities and potential limitations of different approaches to developing conservation tools.
• Present technical work at internal and external professional events such as project meetings, retreats, roadmap planning, conferences, and staff trainings, and provide input on other CCI projects.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 3

Administrative

1. Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records.
2. Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service.

Communication

1. Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely.
3. Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies.
4. Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders' interests in external environments.
5. Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders.

Critical Thinking

1. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
2. Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner.
3. Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
4. Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders' work,
5. Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments.
6. Strategic thinker with the ability to take high-level strategy and translate into relatable points and action steps.

Project Management

1. Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments.
2. Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests.
3. Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.
4. Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
5. Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues.
6. Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion.

Coalition and Community Engagement

1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders' members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public.
2. Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.
3. Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

Conservation Knowledge

1. Expert-level knowledge of Defenders' legal, scientific, and/or political issues.
2. Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Applications Developer

Essential:

1. Skill with Python web application frameworks including Django or flask.
2. Ability to work with spatial datasets (GeoTIFF, GeoJSON, shapefile, etc.).
3. Knowledge of various databases, such as PostgreSQL and elasticsearch.
4. Ability to implement front-end JavaScript frameworks such as React, ember, or Vue.js.
5. Ability to use Git/Github and/or other version control systems.
6. Knowledge of HTML/CSS.

At least 3 of the following:

1. Knowledge of cloud computing technologies, such as Azure.
2. Knowledge and familiarity with mobile app development.
3. Ability to conduct statistical analysis and data visualization using software such as R, Matlab, or Python, and packages such as Shiny, Pandas, and Plotly.
4. Ability to manage virtual machines, web servers, and deploy applications.
5. Knowledge of user design and user experience principles.
6. Ability to communicate the purpose and function of web applications for conservation practice and implementation to non-technical audiences in writing.
7. Skill in presenting applications and technical work products to a variety of audiences including scientists, activists, and agency staff.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

O

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Noisy environments.

Hazardous conditions.

Poor ventilation.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 10 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible.