Geospatial Software Developer
Organization: TerrAdapt
About TerrAdapt: TerrAdapt is a non-profit organization with a mission to help our partners see the risks to biodiversity posed by our rapidly changing environment and act strategically to mitigate them. We empower communities and organizations with the data and tools they need to track emerging threats and opportunities at scale, see the pattern in the noise, communicate the need for action, and prioritize where to implement measures that ultimately foster functioning, diverse, and resilient natural systems.
Location: Remote from anywhere in the continental US
Reports to: Executive Director
FLSA status: Half-time exempt
Position Summary: As the Geospatial Software Developer at TerrAdapt, you will lead the continued development, deployment, and maintenance of the TerrAdapt platform and its connections to our conservation science data production pipeline. You will work closely with our conservation science team, linking their cloud workflow to an API and compelling geospatial applications for our partners. The role demands high technical proficiency as well as strong skills in co-producing geospatial applications with stakeholders to meet their needs for actionable insights that help them meet their conservation goals and natural resource management mandates.
Key Responsibilities:
- Orchestrate modular Docker environments containing geospatial applications for our partners, with deployments managed by Dockploy and the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) using secret management and environment variables.
- Develop and maintain a Python Flask API that serves as the bridge between the core TerrAdapt libraries and the geospatial frontend. Implement Redis caching to optimize request speeds.
- Architect and maintain PostgreSQL databases for user and organizational data. Implement a lightweight CMS for managing rich text, layer descriptions, and file uploads.
- Support a headless JS/HTML/CSS dashboard and build interfaces for seamless file storage and retrieval (Images, GeoTIFFs, etc.) via Google Cloud Storage.
- Engaging with our staff, partners, stakeholders, and app users to understand and address their needs for geospatial applications.
- Manage the organizational landing page on Drupal, ensuring high availability, responding to staff requests for new or modified content types, and performing regular security updates.
Qualifications:
- Education: B.S. required in computer science, software engineering, data science, GIS or a closely related field.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in developing and maintaining geospatial applications for applied conservation and natural resources management.
- Skills:
- Expert-level Python (Flask) and strong JavaScript/CSS/HTML skills.
- Deep experience with PostgreSQL and PostGIS; familiarity with Redis.
- Proficiency with Docker, Dokploy, GCP (Cloud Storage, Compute Engine), and secure CI/CD workflows.
- Experience with leveraging AI/ML frameworks to accelerate software development.
- Understanding of geospatial data structures and integrating custom Python spatial libraries.
- Ability to design intuitive, map-centric interfaces that manage complex spatial layering, dynamic legends, and temporal navigation (time-sliders) while maintaining a clear visual hierarchy.
- Expertise in translating high-dimensional conservation data into scannable dashboard analytics (KPIs, trend charts, and automated reports) that are accessible to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Engagement skills needed to co-develop geospatial applications with our science team, partners, and stakeholders.
Values Alignment:
- Strong commitment to TerrAdapt’s mission of helping our partners track and respond to environmental change and meet their conservation mandates.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree or higher in a field related to geospatial software development
- Experience using Google Earth Engine’s python API in a geospatial application backend environment.
- Prior experience in a non-profit or government research setting.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a remote and geographically dispersed team environment.
Working Conditions:
- This is a remote position, requiring a reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace free from distractions.
- Occasional travel may be required for fieldwork, conferences, team meetings, or partner engagements.
- Ability to work flexible hours occasionally to accommodate different time zones or urgent project needs.
To Apply: Please submit a comprehensive application package including:
- A detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant scientific experience, research interests, and how your skills align with TerrAdapt's mission.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Applications should be sent to [email protected]
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled. Start Date: flexible based on candidate availability
TerrAdapt is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.