Career Opportunities

Software Engineer

  • Position Title: Software Engineer
  • Supervisor: Technology Manager
  • Location: Arlington, Virginia (2 Blocks from the Rosslyn Metro)
About Us

NatureServe, a 501(c)3 conservation science and technology organization, provides the scientific basis for effective conservation action. With nearly 100 staff and an international network of over 80 natural heritage programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, we are the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by providing scientifically sound guidance for major conservation investments across the hemisphere.

Summary of Position:

This position is in the Conservation Information Systems Division (ISD), which provides the information management and technology frameworks for the organization. This includes the methods, tools, software, systems, and product support needed to effectively manage NatureServe data and make it accessible. This person will perform all aspects of life–cycle systems development in a web–based and geospatial information systems management environment. This includes requirements analysis, product evaluation, design, development, testing, implementation, system/application user support, technical documentation, system maintenance, and/or system migration/conversion. This person will interact with other NatureServe employees, member program staff, and clients in the course of developing and implementing specialized systems and tools that support biodiversity information management, conservation planning, and resource management. Position involves occasional travel.

Essential Job Functions:
  1. Collects/develops, analyzes, and documents requirements and designs for systems, applications or tools and estimates the associated work effort. This includes contributing to hardware, software, or hosting product identification and evaluation as part of the design process.
  2. Performs system, application, or tool development and testing. This includes all phases of testing, the development and execution of test plans, and contribution to software certification processes.
  3. Provides installation, configuration, and user acclimation (e.g., training, support) for system, application, or tool implementation.
  4. Performs system, application, or tool maintenance. This includes effectively using software configuration management processes and tools.
  5. Writes or contributes to the development of technical documentation as related to life cycle systems development.
  6. Provides regular status on project work. Participates in and may present project/related work. Develops and provides/conducts system, application, or tool demonstrations or training.
  7. Identifies and implements process improvements for software engineering practices and information technology frameworks in ISD.
  8. Leverages existing or outside resources to creatively approach their role.
Required Experience & Qualifications:
  1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
  2. 2–4 years software engineering experience with web–based applications.
  3. Experience in various aspects of life–cycle systems development and development methodologies.
  4. Experience with software configuration management processes and tools.
  5. J2EE experience.
  6. Experience in XML and related technologies (XSLT, XQuery, SAX/DOM parsing, and XSD schemas, knowledge of character encoding issues, and knowledge of namespace usage).
  7. Experience in Java technologies: Spring, Hibernate, Velocity, and Swing.
  8. Experience in web technologies: Javascript, Ajax, and HTML.
  9. Experience in database design: Oracle and SQL Server.
  10. Experience in web services: SOAP and REST.
  11. Demonstrated analytical and creative problem solving skills.
  12. Proven delivery skills and the ability to work within budget and meet deadlines.
  13. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  14. Ability to work effectively on more than task.
  15. Good communication skills (listening, verbal, and writing).
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with ESRI technologies (e.g. ArcServer, ArcView, ArcGIS, ArcSDE, etc.).
  • GIS experience.
  • Non–profit, environmental, and/or conservation experience.
  • Background in biological sciences or natural resource management.
  • Fluency in Spanish.
How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to:

  • Attn: Job #SE891
  • NatureServe
  • 1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor
  • Arlington, VA 22209
  • E–mail: jobs@natureserve.org (Please refer to Job#SE891 in the subject line)

For more information about NatureServe, go to www.natureserve.org

NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer