The National Biodiversity Network Trust is a specialist non-profit organisation with the mission of “making data work for nature”. We provide data management capability for the Biodiversity Community in the UK.
We are currently recruiting for a permanent position, initially working on a 12-month project. There is scope to extend the position beyond the current project subject to further funding.
The job is offered on a full-time basis, but we work flexibly. We are happy to receive applications and enquiries about different working patterns, for example working around school runs. We are looking for commitment to the project and for whoever we appoint to have us as their only employer for the duration of the contract.
Our people are based all over the UK and work remotely, so you must be able to work from home. You will need the right to work in the UK, or be ready to obtain it independently, and we take up two references after we make a job offer, one of which is from a current employer.
We are a supportive and friendly organisation and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and personal situations.
What we are developing
About the Role
You may also be required to work on the NBN Atlas and other projects within the NBN Trust.
Our technology stack
Our current technology stack includes:
- Backend: Java, Grails, Groovy
- Frontend: Server-rendered MVC, HTMX, JavaScript
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Data engineering: Python, Dagster
- Infrastructure: AWS, including EC2 and RDS
Essential experience
- Strong SQL and relational database skills, including performance optimisation with large datasets.
- Experience with Python for data processing, migration and pipeline development.
- Ability to analyse complex datasets, identify data quality issues and design appropriate solutions.
- Experience with backend application development, ideally Java or similar.
- Experience deploying applications or data pipelines to cloud environments, ideally AWS.
- Ability to independently plan, design and deliver maintainable, well-tested solutions.
- A commitment to writing clean, maintainable and well-tested code.
Desirable experience
- Dagster, Airflow or similar data orchestration tools.
- Java, Groovy, Grails or Spring.
- AI-assisted development, including critical evaluation and testing of generated code.
- MVC or server-rendered web applications.
- Biodiversity data standards, such as Darwin Core.
How we work
We are a small team developing a substantial system, so engineers have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions and take real ownership of their work.
We favour pragmatic, maintainable solutions over unnecessary complexity, and value thoughtful technical design, clear communication and a willingness to investigate problems thoroughly.
We use AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity, while maintaining high standards of code quality, testing and technical understanding.
You will have support and technical collaboration from the Principal Software Engineer.
We can offer you a meaningful role making a genuine difference for nature, a place on a small, friendly and mutually supportive team and flexible, remote working with occasional travel agreed in advance.
Application
To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter showing how you meet the criteria for the role, at the link below.
Please make sure you read the Recruitment FAQs on our website before submitting your application.
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a human on a rolling basis, and the role will close once appointed. There will be an initial interview to assess technical knowledge, and then a follow-up interview to assess alignment with the values of the organisation and goals of the project. Both will be carried out on Teams.
If you have any questions about the role that aren’t answered here, please contact Helen Manders Jones, Principal Software Engineer at h.manders.jones@nbn.org.uk
Finally, a word about AI: we know that many candidates are using AI to help them prepare their applications and have seen a significant increase in the number which seem similar and generic. We ask that people ensure their applications are a genuine reflection of their skills, experience and interests, and to ensure they verify any AI-suggested information. This will avoid damaging your credibility as a candidate and help us accurately assess your suitability for the role.
Thanks for your interest in working for the NBN Trust and good luck with your application.
Apply for the Senior Software Engineer role.
Benefits
- Flexible working from home
- Employer pension contribution of up to 7%
- 28 days holiday per year + bank holidays + Christmas closure days
- Health cash plan, employee assistance programme and shopping discounts