Technical Advisor – AI & Software Implementation

About LandSeed

LandSeed is a non-profit organization tackling the Canadian housing crisis with a unique, data-powered approach. We bridge critical gaps in the housing ecosystem by integrating deep community market data with advanced AI systems. Our focus is on crowdsourcing and identifying obstacles to attainable affordable housing, allowing us to deliver structured, scalable solutions where they are needed most.

Our Commitment: We are driven to uplift those in housing ownership need, including first-time homebuyers, seniors, immigrants, single parents, environmentalists, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Our vision is to pioneer data-driven designs and value structures for entry-level housing across Canada.

Job description

LandSeed is looking for a Technical Advisor / Software Implementation Specialist (Volunteer) to validate our proposed technology stack and provide guidance on implementation, rollout, and risk management. This role is advisory and strategic, not hands-on development, and focuses on ensuring that technical decisions align with business needs, compliance requirements, accessibility standards, and long-term scalability.

You will act as a technical sounding board and serve as a bridge between implementation partners and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Validation

• Review and validate the proposed technology stack (e.g., React, Next.js, PostgreSQL, Prisma, Redis, AWS S3, OpenAI API).
• Assess suitability for scalability, maintainability, compliance, and cost.
• Ensure alignment between functional requirements and chosen technologies.

Implementation Oversight

• Advise on best practices for implementation, integration, and rollout.
• Review system architecture and integration patterns.
• Provide guidance without direct ownership of delivery.

Quality Assurance & Accessibility

• Validate testing strategy (e.g., Jest, Playwright).
• Ensure accessibility considerations are built in (e.g., WCAG standards, axe-core).
• Support a balance of automated and manual accessibility testing.

Data Security & Compliance

• Review approaches to encryption (at rest and in transit).
• Validate secret management practices (e.g., AWS Secrets Manager).
• Advise on audit logging, data handling, and privacy considerations.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as a technical bridge between Carleton University partners and LandSeed.
• Translate technical decisions into business- and impact-focused language.
• Participate in sprint planning or review meetings as needed (light-touch).

Risk Management

• Identify potential vendor lock-in risks (e.g., OpenAI API dependencies).
• Recommend fallback options or alternatives (e.g., Google Vision or open-source tools).
• Flag cost, complexity, or scalability risks early.

Who This Role Is For
This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys advisory and systems-level thinking rather than day-to-day coding.
• Cares about responsible use of technology in real-world social systems.
• Is comfortable guiding teams without controlling implementation.
• Values accessibility, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Required skills and qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
• Advanced coursework or certifications in cloud computing, software architecture, cybersecurity, or accessibility standards are an asset
• Practical experience and systems-level expertise may be considered in place of formal education

Technical Background

• Strong understanding of modern web stacks (React, Next.js, TypeScript).
• Familiarity with backend systems (PostgreSQL, Prisma, REST APIs).
• Working knowledge of cloud infrastructure and DevOps practices.
• Experience or familiarity with AI/ML integrations (e.g., OpenAI APIs).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and security best practices.

Project & Collaboration

• Experience working in Agile environments (Jira, Linear, or similar).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.

What You’ll Gain

• Influence over a real-world, mission-driven technology system
• Exposure to applied AI in housing and community development
• Meaningful advisory experience with clear social impact
• A thoughtful, values-aligned organization that respects your time

Expected time commitment

• ~5-10 hours per month
• Flexible, milestone- and review-based
• Ideal for senior practitioners, advisors, or academics

How to apply

Submit your resume and cover letter to talent@landseed.ca.