The GBIF Secretariat is seeking a motivated and experienced software developer.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is a multilateral initiative designed to facilitate access to, and sharing of, data relating to the world's biodiversity via a global network of institutions and organisations. The Secretariat has designed and operates a Data Portal (http://data.gbif.org) that already facilitates access to more than 199 million specimen and observation records held in more than 3,000 datasets.
The GBIF Secretariat is seeking a motivated and experienced software developer for a 3-4 month consultancy under the overall supervision of the Head of Informatics. The appointed consultant will develop a web-based, extensible GIS client that can be customised for different uses and distributed freely. The primary use case is a means of visualising information about biodiversity data from disparate sources delivered through standards-based web services (e.g., Open Geospatial Consortium). A second use case is as a client to a transactional OGC Web Feature Service, enabling updates to a geospatial data store. Several datasets and services relating to African Protected Areas will be used to develop a demonstration case. An important aspect of the work will be preparing/packaging a toolkit, documenting its use, and developing a tutorial. We are particularly interested in hearing from those with experience in GeoExt, OpenLayers, Flex or other comparable toolkits/platforms.
Mandatory requirements:
- Minimum 3 years development experience in web programming
- Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) WFS and WMS service deployment
- Proven experience with a spatial database (PostGIS preferred)
- Proven experience with the following:
o a JavaScript, Flex or equivalent API
o a Web based OGC client library such as OpenLayers, Flex, etc.
o XML technologies
o AJAX
o Web services - Ability to create well documented scripts and tutorials
- Experience working in a software team and understanding of CVS or SVN source repositories
The following will be highly regarded:
Knowledge of:
- Cartography, mapping
- Biodiversity data standards including those defined by TDWG
- Species taxonomy modeling
Experience with:
- Geospatial platforms such as GeoServer or MapServer
- Integrating different spatial data types
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter addressing explicitly how you match the listed requirements/qualifications for the position,
- A detailed curriculum vitae,
- Names and addresses of three referees.
Applications should be submitted in English to GBIF Head of Informatics, Samy Gaiji (sgaiji_@If you can read this, please upgrade to a modern browser.gbif.org). The appointed individual is expected to commence work on 1st May 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter and will work remotely. Travel to Copenhagen to meet with the GBIF staff will be required.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 25 April 2010.
