Geospatial Frontend Developer — Interactive Maps (Contract, Remote)

Job SummaryRick Wilson Ventures Inc. (RWV) is hiring a senior frontend developer to lead the geospatial UI for a national, public-facing biochar suitability decision-support tool. The application is built around an interactive map tied to SSURGO soil data and rendered for desktop browsers. We are looking for a hands-on developer with deployed map-based web applications already in production — not a generalist React developer.This engagement is contingent on RWV winning the prime contract. Selection notice is expected the week of June 8, 2026, with project start in July 2026.About the ProjectThe tool is a national, GIS-based decision-support platform that helps farmers, agronomists, and NRCS staff evaluate biochar applications based on soil conditions and site management goals. It uses a map-based interface tied to SSURGO soil data, accepts optional user-uploaded soil-test and biochar-analytical inputs, and produces suitability scoring and application-rate scenario outputs intended for use in NRCS field workflows.The map is the core deliverable. It must perform across the continental United States — the SSURGO dataset contains roughly 1 million map-unit polygons — and meet federal accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA / Section 508).ResponsibilitiesBuild an interactive map interface using a recognized web GIS library — Leaflet.js, Mapbox GL JS, MapLibre GL JS, OpenLayers, or Esri ArcGIS JS API — using vector or raster tile architecture as appropriate.Render SSURGO / gSSURGO soil polygons with click-through to feature attributes, performant at variable zoom across the continental US.Implement form-based and map-based input workflows for location, soil parameters, and biochar properties.Build a scenario comparison UI for multiple biochar options, application rates, and biochar + compost combinations.Implement printable / downloadable results outputs (PDF export, CSV) suitable for NRCS field workflows.Deliver a desktop-first, responsive design that is WCAG 2.1 AA / Section 508 compliant — including keyboard navigation of the map widget, screen-reader-accessible feature info, and sufficient color contrast on choropleths and overlays.Collaborate directly with the technical lead and the UX/UI designer. No project-management layer.Required QualificationsTwo or three live URLs of deployed map-based web applications you have built or led (production work, not tutorials or in-progress projects).Production experience with at least one of: Leaflet.js, Mapbox GL JS, MapLibre GL JS, OpenLayers, or Esri ArcGIS JS API.Strong JavaScript / TypeScript and modern framework experience (React or Vue preferred).Comfortable consuming REST APIs and rendering vector / raster geospatial data in the browser.Demonstrated WCAG 2.1 AA / Section 508 experience — a project where accessibility was a requirement, or a VPAT you've authored or worked under.Active SAM.gov registration (UEI + CAGE), or willingness to obtain one before contract execution.Not currently debarred or suspended from federal awards (2 CFR Part 180).Comfortable working async with a small technical team.Preferred QualificationsPrior work on USDA, NRCS, extension service, or agricultural decision-support tools.Familiarity with SSURGO / Web Soil Survey / Soil Data Access (SDA) data structures.Vector tile generation / serving experience (Tippecanoe, Tegola, Martin, or equivalent).PostGIS or other spatial-database familiarity.Experience with federal- or nonprofit-funded web projects and 2 CFR 200 flow-down requirements.In-browser PDF generation experience (jsPDF, react-pdf, or equivalent).Compensation and TermsFixed-fee subcontract scoped against Phase 1 deliverables.Project budget $35,000–$50,000 (equivalent hourly $70–$125 DOE), depending on experience and final scope split with the backend lead.This is a federal subcontract. Standard 2 CFR 200 flow-down clauses apply (debarment certification, EEO, Byrd Anti-Lobbying, telecom prohibition under 2 CFR 200.216).IP for funded core deliverables is assigned to the prime customer. Any pre-existing components you bring will be licensed in.RWV is an Equal Opportunity employer. Small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to apply (consistent with 2 CFR 200.321).Important Notes Before ApplyingTo save time on both sides:This is not a chatbot project or AI-only build — the interactive map is the deliverable.This is not a form-only tool — a visible interactive map is required to meet the contract's GIS-interface specification.This is not a mobile app — desktop-first per the contract.This is not a generic React frontend role — the geospatial map and SSURGO integration are the center of the work.How to ApplyApply via Indeed, or email the items below to rwilson@rwvinc.com with subject line “Biochar Atlas Frontend”:Resume or LinkedIn URL.Two or three live URLs of deployed map-based applications you have built or led. Note the mapping library used, your specific role on each, and approximate user / feature scale.Technical screening answer (≤ 200 words): How would you render approximately 1 million SSURGO map-unit polygons performantly in a browser at variable zoom levels? Name the specific architecture (vector tiles, raster tiles, server-side rendering, etc.), the toolchain (e.g., Tippecanoe + tile server, PostGIS + Martin), and the click-to-attributes pattern.Section 508 / WCAG 2.1 AA evidence — one specific project where accessibility was a requirement; what you produced; whether a VPAT was authored.SAM.gov status — registered (provide UEI), in process, or not yet started.Your indicative rate (hourly or fixed-fee preference) and current weekly capacity.Time zone.Initial calls within one week of receipt. Selection by end of May 2026, contingent on contract award.About Rick Wilson Ventures Inc.Rick Wilson Ventures Inc. (RWV) is a consulting and project-development firm focused on sustainable agriculture, bioenergy, and federally funded decision-support tools. RWV operates biocharai.org, an existing biochar knowledge platform.