Mobile Application Developer Contract

Birds Canada is the country’s leading national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Our dedicated team of over 100 staff works alongside thousands of committed volunteers to support bird research and conservation.
Birds Canada is a collaborative, values-driven organization that supports flexibility and well-being while addressing important conservation challenges. Our organization consistently sees strong employee wellness outcomes and high engagement, reflecting a workplace where people feel supported and proud of the work they do.

Birds Canada’s Data Science and Technology branch maintains two internationally recognized conservation technology platforms NatureCounts (naturecounts.ca) and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (motus.org). These tools support hundreds of research and monitoring projects across more than 400 institutions, enabling the collection, management, and sharing of thousands of datasets representing nearly 10 billion observations. These data and tools are instrumental to the successful implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy, and for solving applied conservation challenges from local to global scales.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Mobile Application Developer is responsible for the development and maintenance of mobile application software in support of Birds Canada research and monitoring projects, in particular the NatureCounts Mobile Application (https://naturecounts.ca/nc/default/nc_app.jsp). Responsibilities will include completing regular upgrades to maintain compliance with the requirements of Apple and Android stores and integrating new features and improvements to existing applications.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
Reporting to the Associate Director, Data Science and Technology, this is a one-year, full-time contract position, with strong likelihood of renewal dependent on funding availability. This role may be performed remotely from anywhere in Canada or from one of our office locations (Port Rowan, ON, or Sackville, NB). Hybrid arrangements are also available to support accessibility and work-life balance. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

TOTAL COMPENSATION
Birds Canada offers a competitive starting wage, 20 days of vacation and 12 personal health days per year (prorated based on start date and contract duration), paid days off between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and observance of all statutory holidays, including the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

We also offer a primarily employer-paid extended health and dental benefits package – including disability, life insurance, vision care, travel insurance, and an Employee Assistance Plan, as well as access to exclusive employee discounts through select outdoor and conservation-focused partners.

STARTING SALARY: This role offers a starting salary range of $56,987 – $74,084, with the final salary determined based on relevant experience and aligned with internal pay equity practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Implement features and improvements to the NatureCounts mobile application, or other Birds Canada mobile applications, including development, regression testing, documentation and deployment.
2. Complete ongoing maintenance and address changes in requirements for deployment of Birds Canada mobile applications. Stay current on evolving best practices and security vulnerabilities for mobile applications and web APIs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience in the following programming languages, platforms and concepts: React Native, SQL, Mapbox, Figma, Geospatial queries, Expo Ecosystem, Java, web APIs
• Modern JavaScript & TypeScript ES6+ (Promises and async/await, destructuring)
• React Fundamentals (hooks, component lifecycle, Virtual DOM)
• Experience with standard front end web technologies (HTML and CSS) and Bootstrap.
• Familiarity working with git and application deployment.
• Ability to work independently and on small teams.
• English mandatory, French and/or Spanish would be assets.
• Knowledge and interest in ecology or conservation would be an asset.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A BSc or technical degree in computer sciences with a specialization in Mobile development.
• Minimum 2 years of demonstrated experience.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your experience makes you the ideal candidate for this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by Friday, May 1 at 12pm EST. Please note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada at the time of application. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

At Birds Canada, we are committed to fostering a culture that values Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, as integral approaches that shape all that we do in our organization and for nature (read our full commitment to inclusion on our website). We oppose prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination, and aim to ensure that people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate in protecting wild birds and their habitats.

We are actively seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job postings. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or who have a disability, are therefore welcome to mention this in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.