Full Stack Django Developer – data science, nature, non-profit

Full Stack Web Application Developer – NBN Trust Vacancy

Location: Fully remote, working from home, with some travel.
Contract: Fixed term to 31st March 2025, with possibility of extension.
Secondments and sabbaticals welcomed.
Hours: 35 hours per week. Flexible working available. We would consider part-time working (minimum 28 hours per week) for the right candidate.
Closing date: None.
Interview: Within 10 working days of your first enquiry.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Django/Python Full Stack Web Application Developer with extensive MVC/MVT
experience in developing database-centric web applications. While the lead developer will
provide oversight, you will be the sole developer working on the application. You will play a
significant role, in collaboration with the lead developer, in establishing conventions,
patterns, and development strategies that will result in a clean, maintainable, and extensible
codebase.

This application will serve as a template for all future web application development, so
getting it right from the start is crucial.

What we are developing

We are developing a multi-tenant data management web application for the biodiversity recording
community throughout Scotland. The application will enable Local Environmental Records Centres
(LERCS) and Recording Groups to collate and manage data, as well as generate reports using
their data holdings. It will also replace an outdated desktop application that is reaching the
end of its life.

About the Role

As a true full-stack developer, you will have solid experience across the stack, from setting
up the PostgreSQL database to customizing the authentication framework and implementing
editable data tables within a template driven front end. It’s likely that you’ve developed your
own web applications as side projects. We have only just moved towards developing this
application in Django/Python. We are primarily Java experts and completely understand how to
develop this application in Java technology, including likely changes to the system
architecture as it grows in complexity. We need someone who also has this level of confidence
but in Django/Python.

Essential requirements

• Django MVT/ MVC
• Database-driven web application development
• Database/schema migrations and data modelling
• PostgreSQL
• JavaScript (not frameworks as this is MVT html template)
• Bootstrap
• Competent UX skills
• Linux and infrastructure setup

Highly desirable

• HTMX
• An understanding of biodiversity data, for example, Darwin Core Archive
• Knowledge of the NBN Atlas
• Experience with AWS, particularly EC2 and RDS

We understand that developers are not graphic designers, but skilled full-stack web application
developers should be able to create clean, functional data administration applications with
good UX. We use Bootstrap for our front-end styling.

The application will primarily follow the MVC/MVT pattern, though there may be instances where
a React component or similar can provide a better user experience for specific features. Please
familiarize yourself with HTMX if you aren’t already. While we occasionally use Alpine.js,
we’re open to other JavaScript libraries that can facilitate rapid, clean development. What we
don’t want is verbose unstructured JavaScript.

We follow an iterative approach to development. Our business analysts have worked closely with
stakeholders to create a clear list of requirements. Some of these will be familiar web
application features, while others will require you to collaborate with the BAs to refine
details.

You will liaise with:

• NBN Trust colleagues, including the BBD Team and Business Analysts.
• External service providers such as Amazon Web Services.
• BBD Partner organisations such as the LERCs and Recording Groups in Scotland.
• Other conservation bodies and stakeholders, for example at our annual NBN Conference and
  occasional stakeholder workshops.

We’d like you to be someone who’s passionate about making a difference, and who enjoys being
part of a team but is also able to work independently using your own initiative. You should
have excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills. Applicants must be
UK-based and eligible to work in the UK.

We can offer you:

• A meaningful role making a genuine difference for nature.
• Your place in a small, friendly, and mutually supportive team.
• Flexible, fully remote working with occasional travel. 28 days leave per annum.

The NBN Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we’re striving to create a diverse and
inclusive team.

To apply

Please send your CV along with a cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to [email protected] Your covering letter should include the following:

• Why does this role interest you?
• What key aspects of your experience equip you for this role?

If suitable, we will then arrange an introductory call with our Lead Developer.We aim for the
entire process, from when you first get in touch to meeting us for your job interview, to take no
more than 10 working days. Interviews will take place virtually, via Microsoft Teams.