We’re always interested in building our roster of bright, reliable software development freelancers to help us meet short-term demands and also to work on longer term projects, with hours to suit and with scope for remote working.

You’d mainly be working on our rich client side web applications, possibly also some spatial data modelling.

• We’re looking for suppliers with solid experience in at least one of the following languages: Java, Python or PHP.
• You should also be comfortable with MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• There is a strong focus on Linux: you should be happy using Linux and not run a mile when you see a terminal window!
• You’ll need to be confident sharing ideas with other programmers, understanding requirements quickly and communicating responses clearly.

We’d also be interested in hearing from skilled GUI designers with strong CSS to support web design and enhancement projects, especially those in reasonable proximity to Bath and able to join us on site for a few days at a time.

If you think you could contribute to our work, please send a CV to rk@geofutures.com (please include ‘Development freelancer’ in the subject line) and let us know your hourly / daily rates. Thanks!

Now recruiting: IT Developers (contract and/or permanent) – Python / Java / PHP
Bath, south west England

Challenging, varied application development roles in a fast-moving data consultancy

Please note that we can only consider applications from candidates who are currently eligible to work in the EU.

The organisation

• An independent geographic information science (GIS) specialist, established 2002, with a healthy client pipeline
• Varied projects working for government, corporate and third-sector clients, with a growing emphasis on providing sustainability decision tools based on GIS
• Requiring strategic development of core technology stack and future product/service code components
• A bright and challenging development team, working closely with GIS specialists and client-facing colleagues
• Cheerful, informal office in central Bath (12 mins walk Bath Spa station), close to shops, bars etc

The work

Geofutures delivers data to its clients via interactive websites. Projects typically involve two main elements: data modelling and delivery via the web.

The data modelling is where Geofutures really stands out from our competitors, and this stage typically involves importing, cleaning and analysing data. We use all kinds of datasets and they come in all sizes. In the modelling stage of a project we generally employ Python.

Our rich client side web applications use GWT to give an even better user experience.

Skills needed

We are looking for candidates who have solid experience in at least one of the following languages: Java, Python or PHP.

You should also be comfortable with MySQL or PostgreSQL.

There is a strong focus on Linux: you should be happy using Linux and not run a mile when you see a terminal window!

You’ll need to be confident sharing ideas with other programmers, and also talking to non-techies at an appropriate level, understanding requirements and communicating responses in a way which helps them do their equally important jobs. We’re a small company and talking to our internal and external customers will be part of your daily routine.

The senior developer role

Approx day rate up to £275, no agency cut

We need you to be keen to get your hands dirty and do lots of coding (initially 60% off your time will be writing code). In addition, we’d also be looking to you to offer guidance on improving our software development process, plus some project management, estimating, strategic planning and workflow leadership.

The junior developer role

Approx day rate up to £225, no agency cut

Your job will be predominantly a programming role, building on a minimum of a few years’ experience in the industry. As the company grows, so will your role.

Terms

Both roles are initially seen as 6 month contracts, and the ideal candidates will also be interested in transferring to the permanent payroll at any point if all goes well.

Alternatively we are interested in interviewing candidates only interested in a permanent position at a competitive market salary depending upon the position and experience, though these will likely be subject to a 6 month probationary period.

To apply

Send your CV and covering note to: rk@geofutures.com

• In your covering letter please tell us for which role you would like to be considered, and your salary expectations / day rate.
• Please also tell us about at least one software practice you’ve seen, read about or used that has helped to make software development run more smoothly.
• If you are applying for the senior developer role, then please outline how you would manage a team of 2-4 developers to bring in a £0.5 million project on time and to spec.

We’re currently recruiting to fill a post of GIS Analyst, full time, permanent, based in central Bath and available immediately. Please check you have the relevant skills and see below for details of how to apply. We can only accept applications from individuals currently eligible to work in the EU.

GIS analyst – central Bath – min £19k according to experience

Have you successfully completed a GIS degree or Masters course? Do you have analytical ability, strong visual sense and a client service ethos? We’re a small but fast-moving GIS company with a vacancy for a qualified GIS analyst to create maps and data layers, manage and analyse spatial data and deliver under pressure on varied client requirements.

No two tasks are the same, and there’s always scope to think laterally, add value, help build client relationships and contribute to the success of a close-knit, committed and informal team. On-job training and mentoring will be given, but you must be technically adept, a fast learner and eager to build and use new skills.

We specialise in providing research, high-level spatial analysis and fast online GIS applications to government, corporate and third-sector clients, helping them to make sustainability decisions. We work across a range of technologies and pride ourselves on creating innovative business tools delivering the best of GI science.

We’re looking for someone who must have:

-  a qualification to degree or masters level in GIS

-  some relevant work experience

- proven delivery strengths

- good working knowledge of databases

- confidence using popular illustrator packages to create visuals

- the ability to present visuals attractively

- competency in thinking through and solving problems independently

- efficient workflow management

- clear and accurate communication skills, both verbal and in writing

- proven teamwork skills

The position is available immediately. Based centrally in the beautiful city of Bath (12 mins walk Bath Spa station), our offices are informal and close to bars, shops etc. We work according to a comprehensive sustainability commitment.

If you think your ambition and this position might match, please submit a CV and an example of a map-based visualisation you have created, accompanied by some brief notes on the challenges this task presented and how you approached it (links to online materials are fine). Send these to: Ruth Keily, Director, Geofutures Ltd at rk@geofutures.com by 18 June 2010.