Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is recruiting candidates to fill the role of a Full Stack Software Engineer to maintain and build systems that directly support the sustainability and management of fish populations across the Pacific region. Additionally, this role supports regional fishery data systems used by Tribal, Federal, State, and non-governmental partners. These systems play a critical role in fisheries management, including informing decisions related to mitigation, rebuilding fish populations, and harvest allocation across regional and binational governing bodies.
This role offers the opportunity to work on systems that directly influence real-world environmental and policy decisions, while using a modern full stack to evolve existing systems and collaborating across a diverse network of partners. This role offers a sustainable pace of work focused on long-term system improvements rather than rapid churn.
This position is based at our Headquarters office in Portland, Oregon.
Group Definition: Applications Software Specialists design, document, develop, modify, test and implement new or existing systems and applications software. Functions include analyzing and refining systems requirements; translating requirements into applications; writing, debugging and maintaining code; determining output media/formats; designing user interfaces; working with customers to test applications; assuring software and systems quality and functionality; writing and maintaining program documentation.
Closing Disclaimer
PSMFC will not accept resumes or cover letters for any position once the job announcement has been removed from the Careers Page. PSMFC reserves the right to remove a job announcement at any time for any reason or close the position prior to the posted close date once a sufficient number of applicants have been received.
Our Team
The selected candidate will join a small, highly collaborative team consisting of: 1 Senior Full Stack Developer, 3-4 Database Management Specialists, 2-3 Junior Data Management Specialists, and several Data Management Specialists and Product Owners. The selected candidate will also engage with a broader network of PSMFC teams, external partners, and contractors. The team operates with a shared ownership model and emphasizes collaboration across technical and non-technical roles. There will be opportunities to expand skillset by working across a diverse set of systems and technologies, with support from our Team's senior developer and cross-team collaboration. The primary stack includes Node.js, JavaScript/TypeScript, React, HTML/CSS, RESTful APIs, PostgreSQL/SQL, Git, and Microsoft Azure fundamentals, with development across Linux (Ubuntu) and Windows environments.
Project Specifics
Design, modernize, and scale data platforms using a modern technology stack, delivering systems that drive real-world fish management and fisheries decisions while partnering across scientific and technical teams:

• Develop and maintain full-stack web applications
• Work within and improve existing codebases
• Design and integrate APIs and database-driven systems
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into technical solutions
• Write clear documentation and communicate technical concepts effectively
• Participate in issue tracking, prioritization, and release processes

Essential Functions
PSMFC is seeking a developer who is adaptable, curious, and comfortable working in evolving systems.

• Experience building and supporting data-driven applications
• Experience working with and improving existing or legacy codebases
• Full-stack development experience
• Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js, and React
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar)
• Familiarity with RESTful APIs and Git
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Additional Mandatory Knowledge and Skills:

• Software development in a Microsoft Windows and/or Linux (Ubuntu), Windows
• Software development platforms: Node.js
• Programming language: JavaScript, TypeScript
• Relational database management system: SQL, PostgreSQL
• Web authoring tools: React, HTML and CSS
• RESTful API design and integration
• Version Control: Git version control

Additional Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Backend: .NET
• Programming language: C#, Python, R, Perl
• Databases: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Azure SQL Database
• Query Languages: T-SQL, PL/SQL, DAX (Power BI)
• Frontend / UI / Analytics Tools: Svelte, Next.js
• Cloud & DevOps: Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), Containerization (Docker), CI/CD pipelines
• Development Tools & Data Platforms: Visual Studio Code, Azure Data Studio, Azure Data Factory
• Other: Legacy system migration experience, Visual FoxPro familiarity (plus)

Knowledge Required by the Position:
At the lower end of the range, the employee has broad knowledge, abilities, and skills as follows:

• Ability to analyze, design, test, and implement complex, personal computer based, real-time, data acquisition system software.
• Ability to develop complex software applications.
• Ability to create entity relationship models, process data flow models.
• Knowledge of relational database management systems and structured query language.
• Knowledge of effective technical writing techniques.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and deal effectively with individuals and groups having diverse backgrounds (biologists, engineers, statisticians, economists, fiscal specialists, computer specialists, etc.) to translate their needs to software functionality.

At the upper end of the range, the employee uses mastery-level knowledge and abilities to develop state-of-the-art technology and functionality.
Physical Demands
The work is sedentary with moderate walking between workstations and carrying folders, reports, and similar light loads.
Work Environment
The work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. There are the normal risks of an office environment. Travel is required.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** which demonstrates:

• Knowledge of the customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to systems and applications software design and development;
• Knowledge of planning sequences necessary to accomplish assignments where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls; and
• Adaptation of guidelines or precedents to the needs of the assignment.

The Specialized Experience must equip the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, the Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression position.
Required Application Materials
Requirement A - Resume (max 3 pages):
Submit a resume that clearly demonstrates how your experience and knowledge aligns with this role, including those listed under Essential Functions and under the sections
Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills.
Requirement B - Supplemental Technical Responses
In lieu of a traditional cover letter please provide concise responses to the below.

• Your interest in this role and mission
• Your experience working with existing systems
• Your experience with data-driven applications and databases
• Your experience collaborating with non-technical stakeholders
• Your familiarity with the core technologies listed above